Everything you need to know about ring lights

Highlights

Ring lights are circular-shaped lights that sit around your camera.
Ring lights produce even, almost shadow-free lighting that is easy to control.
Ring lights are a good choice for lighting anything from self-portraits to online calls and YouTube videos.
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What is a ring light?

A ring light is a circular light that sits around your lens, creating even illumination with minimal shadow.

Whatever type of camera you are using, you shoot through the light, making a ring light exceptionally easy to use. You don’t really need to learn how to set up a ring light. Neither do you have to spend heaps of time adjusting light positions as you might with a traditional 3-point lighting setup. But as well as being very simple to set up, ring lights produce incredibly flattering light and reduce the appearance of blemishes and wrinkles in people’s skin. Ring lights also produce distinctive annular catchlights in your subjects’ eyes.

Ring lights were originally developed for medical use. Their even light with little shadow made — and still makes — them excellent for close-up shots and detailed work. So it’s probably unsurprising that ring lights transitioned to the professional photography and film world.

With such even lighting, virtually no shadows, and miraculous blemish-reducing qualities, the ring light is a firm favorite among both macro and beauty photographers. They are so common in the beauty photography world that they are often called beauty or glamour lights. And now, their versatility and ease of use mean that ring lights are a must-have for YouTubers and social media creators. They have also become essential smartphone camera accessories.

4 types of videos where you should use ring lights?

Since ring lights are so versatile, simple to use, cheap, and produce great results, learning how to use a ring light will be useful for many types of videos. Whether you’re thinking of becoming a content creator or need to get a handle on YouTube lighting basics, a ring light will probably be a good buy. There are few reasons not to get one, no matter what you shoot.

1. Ring light for webcam

Let’s start with online calls; a ring light can quickly improve your webcam lighting without a complicated setup or having to spend too much money. Not only does it make it easier for the people you’re engaging with to see you, but if you are looking a bit tired or your skin is suffering from a lack of fresh air, it will improve your complexion, too.

2. YouTube videos

A ring light is an easy way to improve your YouTube lighting. With just 1 light, you can create an even light across your scene and help to reduce ugly shadows. In addition, its halo-like look will give a more professional edge to your videos. This is important for views, especially when you are starting out on YouTube and looking to build a following on a tight budget.

3. Social media videos

We’ve already mentioned ring lights can be used for macro and beauty photography, but there’s macro and beauty filmmaking, too. If you’re considering making TikTok makeup tutorials, you don’t have to learn how to use a ring light with an iPhone. You simply position your smartphone inside the ring light, direct it toward you or your subject, and hit record.

4. Product videos

Ring lights can also be used to make great product videos. They emphasize detail, and you don’t have to wrestle with shadows. In addition, if you’re changing positions to show off the product from varying angles, you don’t have to adjust your lights accordingly.

How did ring lights become popular?

If you’re wondering how ring lights became so popular, apart from them being highly versatile and very simple to use, the answer lies in the pandemic. With so many of us adapting to working from home, teaching from home, and socializing over Zoom calls, ring lights became the simple, effective, and cheap solution to better lighting. Learning how to position a ring light for video is easy, and they are inexpensive. There are ring lights for smartphones and tablets, and ring lights for cameras. With a ring light, no one has to be poorly lit!

3 tips for using ring lights

You don’t have to use a ring light as a ring light; if you need to, you can modify one, too. So, while ring lights might be great for anyone learning how to use lights, they are even more versatile than they initially seem.

  1. Let’s start with a simple tip: If you want to use a ring light but can’t position it around your camera, for example, you’re using the built-in camera in your computer for webcasting. Just place the ring light on a stand or clip directly above the camera.
  2. Don’t forget that you can usually adjust the brightness or intensity of your ring light so that you are actually properly lit. What’s the point of having a light if you’re still underexposed or wildly washed out? And very often, they have color control, too, so you can choose between tungsten and daylight temperatures.
  3. Ring lights don’t have to sit around the camera. They can be used as fill lights and hair lights, too. You can buy diffusers for them to soften their light, or you can try bouncing it off a reflector or card, too.

A ring light for every budget

These ring lights offer unique features and benefits tailored to different needs and budgets. Whether you’re a professional photographer in need of the best quality light, a content creator looking for a versatile lighting solution, or just starting out and need something more affordable, there’s a ring light out there for you.

Premium: Profoto C1 Plus

Approx: $450 USD + (price varies between suppliers).

The Profoto C1 Plus is the epitome of professional lighting in a compact, ring-shaped design. Its high price tag is justified by unmatched color accuracy, exceptional build quality, and the ability to sync seamlessly with professional camera systems. Ideal for serious photographers and professionals, the C1 Plus offers adjustable color temperatures and a range of light-modifying attachments. Its connectivity with the Profoto app also allows for intuitive control, making it a versatile tool for studio-quality lighting on the go.

Mid-Range: Neewer Ring Light Kit 18-inch

Approx: $90 USD + (price varies between suppliers).

The Neewer 18-inch Ring Light Kit perfectly balances quality and affordability. It features adjustable brightness and color temperature, making it suitable for a variety of lighting conditions. The kit includes a sturdy stand, a smartphone holder, and a remote control for DSLR cameras, making it a great all-in-one solution for YouTubers, live streamers, and photographers. Despite its mid-range price, the Neewer Ring Light offers functionality and quality that often rivals more expensive models.

Budget: UBeesize 10-inch Selfie Ring Light

Approx: $25 USD + (price varies between suppliers).

The UBeesize 10-inch Selfie Ring Light is a standout choice for those on a tighter budget. It offers three light colors and 11 brightness levels, which is impressive for its low cost. The package includes a flexible tripod stand and a phone holder, making it ideal for smartphone photography, vlogging, and video conferencing. While it may not have the build quality or the extensive features of the pricier options, it provides excellent value for casual users and beginners looking to improve their lighting setup.

Wrapping up

It doesn’t matter if you aim to be successful on YouTube or need a straightforward lighting setup for a macro video; have a look at a ring light. The shape doesn’t exactly vary, but they come in plenty of sizes and at different price points, so there’ll be something that meets your needs.

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Daniela is a writer and editor based in the UK. Since 2010 she has focused on the photography sector. In this time, she has written three books and contributed to many more, served as the editor for two websites, written thousands of articles for numerous publications, both in print and online and runs the Photocritic Photography School.

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