{"id":35035,"date":"2021-04-17T16:27:54","date_gmt":"2021-04-17T20:27:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=35035"},"modified":"2022-05-16T13:47:13","modified_gmt":"2022-05-16T17:47:13","slug":"what-is-a-ring-light","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/what-is-a-ring-light\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Ring Light?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A ring light is a simple lighting tool<\/a> that is commonly used for beauty shots, portraits, and macro photography. It features a number of small bulbs forming a circle or just one circular fluorescent bulb. When used in photography, it creates an attractive catch light on a subject\u2019s eyes. At the same time, it emits even, diffused lighting, similar to a softbox<\/a>, that helps eliminate shadows. You can position this light in front of the subject, with the camera situated in the middle of the circle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smaller ring lights can also be mounted on the camera lens for macro photography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a Ring Light Used for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Model<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ring lights can be used for a variety of purposes in photography and videography. They also provide plenty of light for other professional uses. Here are some of the most common uses and considerations for the best ring light use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Portrait Photography<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Professionals in portrait photography<\/a> absolutely love these lights. They offer more diffused, soft light on the subject, while reducing the appearance of harsh shadows. Those functions alone make this a popular lighting choice for close-up portraiture. Ring lights can make your subject \u201cpop\u201d without washing out or changing the contours of the face in a way uneven lighting would. That makes these lights the perfect selection for portraits and selfies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll know if a model is facing a ring light by the appearance of circular catch lights (or eye lights) in the subject\u2019s eyes. These spectacular highlights instantly make the portrait more attractive and engaging, as they instantly draw the viewer\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Circular<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Macro Photography<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For macro photography<\/a>, these lights offer a slightly more front-focused lighting compared to a lightbox. Simultaneously, they distribute light around a small subject well enough to hide shadows and bring out more detail. With the right color temperature, a ring light can supplement natural light seamlessly. Kits are commonly used for floral and insect photography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Video and Social Media Content Creators<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Because ring light kits are often very affordable, they\u2019re a great choice for content creators who maintain a YouTube channel<\/a> or do live streams on TikTok<\/a>, Twitch, and other platforms. If you\u2019ve ever wondered why someone looks well-lit even when using a webcam, they\u2019re probably using a ring light. The best ring lights are arguably the top lighting option for YouTube videos<\/a>, especially for vloggers and product reviewers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use clip-on selfie ring lights<\/a> even when recording with a cell phone or tablet, making them a great inexpensive and portable option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Makeup Artists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Virtually every serious makeup artist on YouTube uses a ring light kit for makeup tutorials. These lights instantly enhance facial features and help show the true colors of the skin as well as the products. Artists simply place their makeup ring light in front of their cameras (or camera phone) and record away. Makeup artists also use ring lights while preparing models and brides for photoshoots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Makeup<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to Choose the Best Ring Light<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ring lights can be purchased as existing kits and fixtures, but there are also many tutorials on how to make your own DIY ring light. Ring lights are generally available in two formats: strobe and constant. Strobes are usually used for still images, while constant lights are the best ring lights for video content creators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"circular<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

However, keep in mind that if you\u2019re making a constant ring light, you\u2019ll need to brush up on bulb types and use the right materials. That way your DIY version will be safe for repeated and prolonged use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A constant ring light is easier to adjust, because what you see is what you get as far as power and quality of light. Strobe ring lights that flash with every click of the shutter can help you save power, but may involve a steeper learning curve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another thing to know: the power and size of the ring light does make a difference. If you want visible catch light on your subject\u2019s eyes for portrait photography, you\u2019ll need a much bigger ring light. However, smaller ring lights will give you the same effect if you\u2019re going to do a lot of close ups. As for the power, it\u2019s usually best to get one that has a dimmer. You will be able to easily adjust the power depending on the distance between your ring light and your subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, take note of the color temperature. Even if you decide to use color gels to temporarily create more fun colors with the light, you\u2019ll want  a natural default color. Ring lights are often best in fluorescent, warm white, or even stark white lighting \u2014 instead of warm yellow or bright white.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Use A Ring Light<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Ring<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Ring<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Once your subject is ready, simply place the ring light in front of your camera. Whether you\u2019re using a camera phone or a more professional camera \u2014 like the Sony Alpha a7 IV<\/a>, Panasonic Lumix GH6, and Canon EOS R5<\/a> \u2014 make sure you position the lens right in the center of it so you get even lighting on your subject every time. Use a clip or even a stand or tripod to hold your camera and ring light in place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photographers use ring lights for other types of creative lighting setups that don\u2019t necessarily require you to shoot through it. Just take a look at this video from Daniel Norton for AdoramaTV:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Better Ring Light Portraits: OnSet ep. 223<\/div><\/div>
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