Dead Orchid Mantis

looks good jack, are you diffusing the flash? the highlights are very strong on the eyes
all flash guns need diffusion to soften the light at the very short working distance.
yes off camera is preferable, lighting from one side better than from straight on
phil

Thank you. And no, I'm not diffusing the flash - in all honesty, I'm not sure how to diffuse a ring flash! What do you think would be the best option for me? Keep the ring flash (despite the fact that it's pretty pricey compared to a regular flash and that it's difficult to take a decent shot when holding the flash in one hand and the camera in the other), or take it back and get a cheaper regular flash which could be more easily diffused? I'm not really sure how bracket-mounting works - is the just flash positioned a little left/right off camera in a fixed position? How bulky would it make the camera? Is it very flexible?

If you could answer any of these questions it'd be a great help, thanks again!

I cut out some diffusion material to the shape of the ring heads and sellotaped it on.

Think you can help stop the flattish looking shots by using the power control set between 2:1 and 4:1. As toby suggests there may be a way of getting some diffusion attached to the flash heads.
Brian v.

It's a great shot, exposed right. I'd say the flash worked.