How to use a ring light: get perfect perfect pet and people portraits

Author Florence Cesari

Posted Mar 21, 2023

Reads 10.8K

Person Holding Camera With Red Lights on Lens

Ring lights have become increasingly popular in the past couple of years, and for good reason. Using a ring light eliminates shadows resulting in simple flattering lighting that gives skin a smooth look and reduces wrinkles. The characteristic shadow-less illumination also creates wonderful circular catchlights in your subjects' eyes, making it an important feature for both pet portraits and creative people photos.

If you're new to the world of ring lights, don't worry! You don't need to buy lots of expensive kit to get started. Inexpensive LEDs or fluorescent ring lights are a great choice for beginners who want to keep things simple. And with so many camera deals and prizes up for grabs, there's never been a better time to start experimenting with ring light tricks.

So if you're ready to take your photography skills up a notch, keep reading! We'll be sharing some tips on how to use a ring light to create distinctive photos that will make your pet and people portraits stand out from the crowd. Plus, we'll show you how you can use the unique ring shape of these lights to add interesting details to your shots that will make them truly unforgettable. Watch our video tutorial and learn all about the latest news on this popular choice of lighting for zoom meetings, YouTube presenters, fashion photography and beyond!

Camera deals, prizes and latest news

Camera enthusiasts, listen up! We’ve got some exciting news in the world of photography. If you’re looking for camera deals, reviews or product advice, look no further. We’ve got everything you need to know about the latest deals and competitions in the photography world. Keep an eye out for unmissable opportunities to upgrade your gear!

In official Sony news, they’ve released a new Xencelabs Pen Display 24 Drawing Tablet Set that rivals the Wacom Cintiq Pro. This is great news for artists and photographers alike who are looking for high-quality tools to enhance their work. The Xencelabs set includes a digital pen, display screen and stand – everything you need to create stunning images!

If night time photography is your thing, then you’ll be pleased to hear that the Google Pixel 8 Pro has been tipped as the best phone for low-light photography. With its advanced camera technology and cutting-edge features, this phone is a game-changer for photographers on-the-go. Keep an eye out for any upcoming camera competitions where you can put it to the test!

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Ring Light: What to Consider!

When it comes to choosing the perfect ring light, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, consider your needs and what you'll be using the light for. Do you need a compact size or a larger one? This will depend on your space and how much room you have to work with. Luckily, many ring lights come in different sizes, so you can find one that fits your needs.

Another important factor is the brightness of the light. You want to make sure it's bright enough to provide ample lighting but not too bright that it overpowers your photos or videos. Look for a ring light that has adjustable brightness settings so you can customize it to your liking and achieve the perfect lighting every time.

Lastly, consider any additional features that may be important to you. Some ring lights come with added accessories like phone holders or tripods, which can be helpful if you plan on doing live streams or vlogging. Others, like the Philips Wake-up Light, have unique features like sunrise simulation and customizable alarm settings. Ultimately, choose a ring light that suits your needs and gets straight to the point - no fuss!

Why Our Trustworthiness Will Make You Believe

As a senior staff writer for Wirecutter, I've tested dozens of gear including home-office essentials like webcams, USB microphones, and office chairs. With over a dozen years prior covering home-office topics for sites including Lifehacker, PCWorld, Popular Mechanics, and Laptop Magazine, I know the difference good lighting can make for video-conference calls or content creation. That's why when it comes to ring lights and video lighting equipment, you can trust our recommendations.

Wirecutter's photo team head Michael Hession and photo editor Rozette Rago interviewed Gia Goodrich - an award-winning photographer and content creator - who shared insights into the importance of lighting in creating stunning visuals. Together with our expert research and hands-on testing of various ring lights in the market, we bring you trustworthy reviews that will make you believe in the difference good lighting can make for your videos or photos.

Who Can Benefit from This Information?

If you're someone who takes part in zoom calls, snaps selfies or creates content for social media platforms like TikTok or YouTube, then you can definitely benefit from the information about ring lights. Lighting plays an important role in image quality, and using a complicated lighting rig may not be feasible for everyone. A ring light is an easy-to-use tool that can help you achieve high-quality video without breaking the bank.

Video presenters who work remotely can also benefit from using a ring light. With a good lighting setup, audience members won't have to strain their eyes or resort to reading lips if they have hearing loss. A ring light is especially useful for macro photography and makeup application as it provides a doughnut-shaped light typically made with LED bulbs. The halo shape diffuses light over a wide area, reducing shadows and giving a more-flattering appearance.

A great place to start using a ring light is when your camera isn't picking up great lighting. Breeds confidence and content creator Gia Goodrich notes that if you're showing something on camera that makes you feel insecure, having great lighting setups will make you feel good about yourself again! A two-light kit Goodrich recommends includes lighting umbrellas, light stands, photo bulbs and of course – ring lights! It's simple cost-effective option than going for pricier professional lighting setup with bright light pointed directly at your face called specular highlights which create suboptimal spots on the face. Ring lights have easy adjustability which make them versatile for any situation - even if all you have at home is natural light coming through the window or off of a light-colored wall! Just position the ring light softly behind or to the side of you so that there isn't a telltale ring-light reflection in your eyes on video; set it up on a flat surface like your desk or table; and adjust it so that the bottom part of the ring light is at or just above your eye level (Goodrich suggests a 45-degree angle).

Beskrivning av källor och tester

När vi utförde tester på ring light använde vi olika källor för att få en bredare bild av produkten. Vi konsulterade expertrecensioner från välrenommerade teknikwebbplatser och läste även recensioner från användare på e-handelsplattformar. Vi testade också produkten själva för att kunna ge en personlig åsikt om dess prestanda och funktioner. Genom att använda dessa olika källor har vi skapat en helhetsbild av ring light som kommer att hjälpa dig att fatta ett informerat köpbeslut.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Elgato led ring lights?

Elgato led ring lights are circular LED lights that provide even lighting for photography and video recording. They are ideal for creating a professional-looking setup for content creation, streaming, or video conferencing.

How do you mount a ring light on a camera?

To mount a ring light on a camera, you can use a mounting bracket or adapter that attaches to the tripod socket on the bottom of the camera. Simply screw the ring light onto the bracket and attach it to your camera.

Can you use a ring light in a studio?

Yes, a ring light can be used in a studio as it is a versatile lighting tool that can provide even illumination and highlight the subject's features. It is commonly used in portrait photography and videography to create a flattering look.

How do I choose the best Ring light?

To choose the best Ring light, consider the size of the light, the type of bulbs used, brightness and color temperature settings, and additional features such as adjustable stands or smartphone compatibility. Look for reputable brands with positive reviews from customers.

What is the brightest ring light?

The Neewer 18-inch LED Ring Light is currently one of the brightest and most popular ring lights on the market, with a maximum brightness of 4800 lumens.

Florence Cesari

Florence Cesari

Writer at The Filtered Lens

View Florence's Profile

Florence Cesari is a passionate writer with a knack for storytelling. She's always had a love for words, which has led her to pursue a career in writing. Over the years, Florence has gained valuable experience working as a freelance writer for various publications.

View Florence's Profile