How to Make a DIY Ring Flash Video Tutorial

In this tutorial we will discuss how to make a ring flash for your dslr camera which is extremely useful for macro work. It is made out of an aluminium shop light shade. Here's a picture of the finished product.


DIY Ring Flash
DIY Ring Flash

List of Materials needed for making DIY Ring Flash


  1. One 4"-5" galvanized vent reducer (coupler) available at home depot costing approximately $6.
  2. One aluminium shop light shade (10 1/2" clamp reflector light) available at home depot for about $10.
  3. One 1 1/4" galvanized bar stock 3 feet approximately $7 (1-1/4" x 1/8" x 36" metal bar).
  4. roll carpet tape (heavy duty double sided tape)
  5. double sided foam tape roll
  6. 1/4" thumb screw to fasten camera
  7. 3/16" screws, nuts and lock washer/washers to fasten bracket to reflector
  8. JB weld epoxy
  9. fabric tape to cover flash hole rough opening
  10. flat balck spray paint and primer
  11. michael's fun foam 8 1/2" x 11" sheet (black)
  12. Chefmate cutting mat 4 pack for flash diffuser


Tools Required for making DIY Ring Flash


  1. Dremel
  2. Hacksaw
  3. Drum sander
  4. Sand Paper
  5. Scissors
  6. Marker
  7. Steel Pop Rivets
  8. Tin snips / Meal Sheers


Here's the first part of the video tutorial





And here's part 2





Notice the extra layer of diffusing material at the 5 to 7 o-clocked position (in the picture given below). This is due to the flash head entering the 6 o-clock position thus creating a hot-spot.

DIY Ring Flash Tutorial
DIY Ring Flash Tutorial

Here's a picture from the construction phase.

Ring Flash - DIY Photography
Ring Flash - DIY Photography

And finally some shots taken with the diy ring flash for your inspiration.

diy ring flash for your dslr
diy ring flash for your dslr
diy ring flash strobist
diy ring flash strobist
diy photography ring flash
diy photography ring flash
DIY Ring Flash Video Tutorial
DIY Ring Flash Video Tutorial
How to Make a DIY Ring Flash
How to Make a DIY Ring Flash
Have Fun: Roy Niswanger