Sometimes you find yourself in a situation where you want the photograph you’re taking to look professional, but the light is too low or the shadows are too harsh. For these situations, you might want to use a ring light to get a soft, even light for a portrait or for a macro photograph.
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What is a Ring Light?
A ring light is a type of flash or continuous light source, but it’s designed as a circle that can either be attached to the camera lens directly, like a lens hood, or it can be used as an off-camera flash. Basically, it’s a ring of small LED bulbs that are designed specifically to distribute light evenly. And, they are made of warm, white bulbs that are designed to mimic daylight in an indoor setting.
You can get ring lights in multiple sizes, and the larger sizes can be used the same way you would use a flash to fill in areas of dark shadows with light. There are two configurations of ring lights, one provides continuous light, and the other type is the same as your flash. Either of these types can be used to create beautiful portraits or well-lit macro shots.
What are the Best Uses for a Ring Light?
Ring lights can be used for a number of reasons, including the following:
- Portrait
Photography - Macro
Photography - Food
Photography - As a Softbox
- As a Key Light
- To Expose Details
Let’s take a closer look at these uses.
1. Using Ring Lights for Portrait Photography
The most common use for a ring light is in portraits. Using a ring light will instantly help to eliminate harsh shadows, and for portrait
The circle of light provided by a ring light widens the source of light, thereby illuminating the face from above, below, and directly in front of your subject. And, because they mimic daylight, they bring out the subject’s natural skin tone.
Using a ring light also creates an interesting effect–it produces a circular reflection in your subject’s eyes. If you look closely at most fashion magazines, you’ll see they frequently use ring lights, as you can tell by this telltale reflection in the eyes.
Related Article: Explore 13 Creative Portrait Photography Lighting Techniques.
2. How to Use Ring Lights for Macro Photography
Another common use for ring lights is in macro
Another great feature is that these lights are small and easy to carry, so if you’re heading out on a nature trek and want to take some macro shots, you’ll easily be able to carry these along.
3. Food Photography
Ring lights are great for food
But, using a ring light is most beneficial for food
Related Article: Explore 3 Essential Tips for Food Photography Lighting Setup.
4. As a Softbox
Because ring lights throw such a soft light, they’re great for use as a softbox. Like a softbox, they create a pleasing, soft, and even light.
5. As a Key Light
Using ring lights as a key light means you can see the “signature” ring lighting pattern at its best. When used around your lens, it will create a halo of shadow around your subject. It’s a distinctive pattern that works particularly well for portrait
6. To Expose Details
You can use ring lights as fill to contrast with hard strobe lights. It’s an interesting way to make use of these versatile rings of light.
Getting Started with Ring Light Photography
So, now you know a little bit about how to use these lights, but what about getting started? The first thing you have to do is decide whether you want to purchase a ring light or make one yourself. If you’re thinking about using ring lights as a continuous light source, it’s pretty straightforward to make one yourself. For approximately $20, you can make one yourself using LED lights and inexpensive materials. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- White LED strip;
- White plastic drain hose;
- White gaff tape;
- Scotch tape (optional).
Begin by folding the LED so it has lights on both sides, and if the strip doesn’t have an adhesive back, you can use Scotch tape to fix that. Once the strip has been folded, thread it through the drain hose and attach it with white gaff tape. Now, shape the drain hose into a circle, and seal everything with white tape. Next, just plug the LED strip in, hang the light on your camera, and start taking photos.
If you don’t want to make your ring lights yourself, here are a few things to look for when shopping for the right ring light for you. There are numerous models on the market, and it will ultimately come down to your photographic genre and your budget, as well as how much you intend to use it. The main factors to consider are:
- Cost: Most ring lights start at around $100, but if you’ll be using it frequently, or if your photographic genre is portraiture, macro
photography , or foodphotography , you should consider making a bigger investment in this kind of lighting.
- Quality of build: Of course, lower-priced models are likely to be of lower quality. Sturdier, better quality ring lights will cost you more, but they also will hold up better over time. Think about your general habits and where you usually work. If you work frequently in the studio, your gear might not take as much of a beating as if you work outside of the studio.
- Accessories needed: It’s also important to consider if there are other items you will need for the particular ring light you’re considering. You might want to know, for example, if replacement bulbs are expensive or difficult to find. Do you need a mount for the light? What about a charger? Being fully informed will help you make a better decision.
- Light settings: One of the things you might want to know is if you can adjust the light, and if so, how many settings does it have, and will that be sufficient for your needs? It’s also good to check what kind of options are available for adjusting the light temperature.
- Size/portability: Finally, you’ll want to consider the size and portability of the ring light. This is particularly important if you shoot macro
photography and you work outside of a studio. If you shoot mostly portraits or foodphotography , you’ll want to consider larger ring lights that go on a weighted stand.
It’s important to consider all of these factors when you’re getting started with ring light
There are a number of different ring lights on the market, and there is always the DIY option. The ring light that is right for you depends on your unique situation. Whatever you choose, however, ring lights can add beautiful lighting to your images, and they are well worth the investment.
How to set up a ring light?
There are several options. As we discussed, you can wrap it around your camera lens, but you can also put it on a mount and either point it directly at your subject or set it off to one side. In fact, you should experiment with what produces the best light for the shot you want and for your subject.
How to adjust a ring light?
Dedicated flash ring lights are linked to the camera’s exposure meter, and that helps with any adjustments. For larger ring lights that mount to a light stand, you’ll have to decide whether to attach it directly to your camera or hold the camera by hand. If holding it by hand, keep the camera lens in the center of the ring light opening for a direct lighting effect. Adjust your exposure with your camera controls. Color temperature can be adjusted by using filters attached to the ring light. Diffusers can also be added for an even softer light.
How to bring out more eye color with a ring light?
The key to getting good photographs of eyes is to light them well so that they have great catch lights. A ring light can do that very well, and they create the signature circular catch lights. By getting in close to the face of your model, the ring light will create circular catch lights that really bring out the eye color.
Can you use a ring light without it being your main light source?
Yes, ring lights can be used like a softbox or as a fill light to brighten areas of dark shadows. They need not be the main light, but you can use them that way as well.
