How to Create a Giant Ring Light with Softboxes
The fact that a softbox is easy to use does not mean that you cannot experiment with it. On the contrary, a softbox can be used in a number of creative ways, and this article will show one such example.
#1
For the main image (1), we used three strip softboxes to create a giant ring light. We used one Profoto Softbox RFi 1×3’ and two Profoto Softbox RFi 1×4’s. All three heads were set to the same power throughout the entire shoot, and we did not use any optional accessories.
#2
In the second image (2), only one of the three lights was used. If you take a closer look at the catch light in our model’s eyes, you can actually see the upper-left softbox reflected in her iris. What we have here is basically a classic Rembrandt lighting set-up. The shadows are intense, our model’s features are well defined and the atmosphere is quite moody and dramatic.
#3
In the third image (3), both angled softboxes were used. Again, take a closer look at the catch light and see for yourself. Also, notice how the second softbox lightens up the shadows, especially around our model’s eyes and cheekbones. The result is obviously cleaner and less moody.
#4
In the fourth image (4), all three lights were used. The triangular catch light is clear proof of this. Now the shadows are almost completely eliminated and our model’s features have been flattened out. The light is flattering and suitable for everything from beauty and fashion photography to jewelry and makeup shots.
Finally, let’s take a closer look at the main image again. This was also shot with all three softboxes. Compare it with our second (2) and third images (3), notice the dramatic changes in contrast and mood, and remember that we used the same set-up for all three shots.
In conclusion, we created three very different images, ranging from dramatic portraiture to high key fashion, with a single softbox set up. And it was as easy as it looks!
Here’s a behind the scenes look at the set-up.
Profoto
Profoto, The Light Shaping Company, is the world’s leading manufacturer of photography lighting systems. Since 1968, Profoto has been providing photographers with innovative tools to create and shape light. www.profoto.com/blog
Follow Me:
December 01, 2016 at 10:50 am, Leslie Savage said:
I expected more than just put up three lights and you’re good which isn’t even basic lighting 101.
November 30, 2016 at 12:46 pm, tekwrite said:
Awesome!
November 30, 2016 at 12:22 pm, Anders C. Madsen said:
This is actually the light that Peter Hurley has built most of his headshot career on, except that he uses continuous lighting (Kino Flo daylight balanced) combined with a couple of flashes to light the background to an even, pure white.
November 30, 2016 at 8:52 pm, peety3 said:
Close: he switched to Westcott LEDs 1-2 years ago, and he uses different shapes for different people: square for couples and “little old ladies”, triangle (one side vertical) for women, two vertical strips for men. He still uses a pair of Profoto monolights for the white background, or one of them with a grid for the black background.
December 04, 2016 at 1:54 pm, NursultanTulyakbay said:
The other thing to note about PH using continuous light, the model’s iris is closed down so you see more of the color part of the eye.
June 15, 2016 at 3:31 pm, Marc Medios said:
The ONLY reason that picture is good is that the model is pretty and well made up. The light is absolutely flat and, quite frankly, is exactly the opposite of what a softbox should be used for. Actually, if you want to achieve the same effect, rather than place 3 strip softboxes in a triangle, get a huge softbox (60″) and place it right in front of the model.
This kind of light for a normal person (including a normal model) produces basically a mug shot. Much more flattering for the model to get your hands on a huge softbox, place it slightly up and slightly to the side to model her features.
November 30, 2016 at 12:34 pm, Reinaldokool said:
Absolutely agree. The recent tendency to flat lighting is unflattering for most models. It provides no character and deemphasizes the liveliness of the person. At least a little modeling would improve this. Doesn’t have to be full Rembrandt, but a 2:1 ratio would make her human. Or butterfly by putting the middle box at above eyelevel.
December 11, 2016 at 6:29 am, Marc Medios said:
I don’t think that flat lighting is becoming a trend, thankfully. Take a look at what The Hollywood Reporter, Vanity Fair and Rolling Stone are doing.
September 14, 2017 at 12:23 am, Jason Bodden said:
Flat lighting has never gone out nor will ever go out of style. It’s a staple in Beauty photography. It’s everywhere lol. I’m not saying it should be used all the time but it has its place. The power of the fill light below was set way too high IMO.
September 14, 2017 at 12:22 am, Jason Bodden said:
Okay, mash brakes. He went for beauty Lighting for the final one but missed the mark because the fill light from below was set way too high. But flat lighting is staple in Beauty and a lot of people photography. Flat lighting has its place in photography as well.
April 24, 2014 at 7:56 am, David Foster said:
I like it! The ability to go from vibrant to elegant with such an easy setup is nice.
March 24, 2014 at 7:26 am, Anthony Jackson said:
Look amazing
March 20, 2014 at 10:36 am, Greg Burns said:
Agreed the lighting from below is harsher then the sides because the
side softboxes are actually feathered slightly away from the model, so
you have the edge of the light versus the bottom light hitting her
square on. You can visually see the difference on the bottom two images
with just the modeling light on to see what I am talking about. Cool
idea though, just needs a little tweaking on the angle of the light to
truly get the ring light look. IMHO
September 14, 2017 at 12:20 am, Jason Bodden said:
No, it’s harsher because the power was set too high from the fill below lol. If he turned it down a bit it would be much better.
March 19, 2014 at 1:28 pm, Joseph Francis said:
Would be worth trying the triangle upside down as well. The current one seems a bit biased for lighting from below.