How do you use a macro ring light to create different effects, such as soft focus, bokeh, or starburst?

1 Soft focus effect

One of the benefits of using a macro ring light is that it can create a soft focus effect, which means that the edges of your subject are slightly blurred and the colors are muted. This can give your photos a dreamy and romantic look, especially for portraits or flowers. To achieve this effect, you need to set your aperture to a wide value, such as f/2.8 or f/4, and use a low ISO setting, such as 100 or 200. This will reduce the depth of field and make the background and foreground out of focus. You also need to adjust the power of your ring light to match the ambient light, so that it doesn't overexpose your subject.

2 Bokeh effect

Another effect that you can create with a macro ring light is bokeh, which means that the out-of-focus areas of your photo have circular or hexagonal shapes of light. This can add some interest and contrast to your background, and make your subject stand out more. To achieve this effect, you need to have a light source behind your subject, such as the sun, a lamp, or a candle. You also need to set your aperture to a wide value, such as f/2.8 or f/4, and use a high ISO setting, such as 800 or 1600. This will increase the sensitivity of your sensor and make the light source brighter and more visible. You also need to position your ring light close to your lens, so that it doesn't cast any shadows on your subject.

3 Starburst effect

A third effect that you can create with a macro ring light is starburst, which means that the light source behind your subject has rays of light emanating from it. This can create a dramatic and dynamic look, especially for night or low-light photography. To achieve this effect, you need to have a light source behind your subject, such as the moon, a streetlight, or a firework. You also need to set your aperture to a narrow value, such as f/16 or f/22, and use a low ISO setting, such as 100 or 200. This will increase the depth of field and make the light source sharper and more defined. You also need to position your ring light away from your lens, so that it doesn't interfere with the starburst effect.

4 Here’s what else to consider

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