Hello, this is my first post, and while I have searched the forums, this question may have been asked before, though not specifically for light rings.

I found several people who have built homemade rings from plywood, heavy extension cords, lamp holders, bulbs and wire.

Examples here:

http://www.studiolighting.net/homemade-ring-light-using-plywood/

http://www.noestudios.com/photo/ringlight/

Now, in these examples, 60-120 watt incandescents are used. I plan to use 8 (eight) 30 watt compact fluorescents in a slightly tighter configuration (can separate if needed, but more compact is preferable. I need about 15-20 feet of cord from the wall outlet to the bulb housing, 8 lamp holders and a gauge of wire to easily get every last ounce of lumens from these bulbs.

So armed with that knowledge; I have a few simple questions.

1. Is it safe? My thinking is if these guys string 8-12 60 watt bulbs, then my 8x30 watts should be no problem.

2. Now for the silly "No I didn't pay attention in school" question: Should I wire the bulbs in Series or parallel? In one of the examples above I think he stated that he ran in series. That is my plan. I do however want VERY EVEN and VERY VERY BRIGHT lighting from each bulb. That is the high priority. So with that in mind, which method so you recommend?

Thanks in advance everyone!

adam6or7