How To Use A Ring Light For Photography? (Camera & Phone Tips)

Have you ever wondered how photographers click such awesome photos by just using minimal instruments. The secret is that they use ring lights. These are very common these days. Fashion photographers use ring lights very often. The subject's face and eyes receive a distinctive added emphasis from the ring light, which results in a stunning image. Many are unaware that using a ring light can actually eliminate harsh shadows from the background of the subject, giving the images a more vibrant and colorful appearance.

What is Exactly A Ring Light?

In simple terms, a ring light is a circular flash installed in a large ring. The camera lens is placed in the center, within a hollow circle, to capture the light emitted by the ring light. These days, there are three sizes for the ring light. A tiny medical ring light that fits in front of the camera is one of them. The fashion industry utilizes the other two, with diameters of 9 and 12 inches. Also Read: Photography Guide 2023: Zoom Lenses Vs. Prime Lenses

Tips To Use a Ring Light

Certainly! Here are some tips for using a ring light effectively:

• Place the ring light directly in the front, facing the subject to create an even and flattering light on the face. Experiment with different angles and distances to find the most flattering and even illumination for your subject.
• Most ring lights come with adjustable brightness settings. You can adjust the brightness according to your needs and the desired mood for your photos or videos.
• Some ring lights offer adjustable color temperature. Warm light (around 3200K) can create a cozy, intimate atmosphere, while cool light (around 5500K) provides a more natural, daylight-like look. Match the color temperature of the ring light with the ambient lighting in your environment for a more cohesive and professional appearance.
• If the light is too harsh, consider using a diffuser to soften the shadows. Some ring lights come with built-in diffusers or you can attach a separate one.
• For portrait photography or videos, ensure that the ring light is positioned in a way that creates a pleasing catchlight in the subject's eyes. This adds a spark of life to the eyes.
• Be mindful of the background. The even illumination from the ring light can help reduce shadows on the background, but make sure it complements your subject.

While Shooting with a Phone

Using a ring light with phone photography can significantly enhance the quality of your photos. Here's a mobile photography guide on how to make the most of this combination:

• Mount your phone in the center of the ring light for an even distribution of light on your subject.
• Be mindful of reflections or glare on your phone screen. Position the phone within the ring light in a way that minimizes glare and allows you to see the screen clearly.
• If your phone has a high-quality front-facing camera, use it for selfies or videos. This way, you can take advantage of the ring light's flattering illumination for your face.
• Explore the camera settings on your phone to adjust exposure, focus, and white balance. Some phones allow you to manually control these settings, providing more flexibility in achieving the desired look.
• To avoid shaky footage or blurry photos, consider using a tripod or some form of stabilization for your phone.
• Ensure that your phone lens is clean before shooting. Smudges or dirt on the lens can affect the image quality.
• Explore photography and video apps that allow for additional control over settings. Some apps provide advanced features, such as manual focus and exposure control, which can enhance your creative options.
• Take advantage of mobile photo and video editing apps to enhance your content directly on your phone. These apps often provide a range of tools for adjusting brightness, contrast, and color balance.

Is a Ring Light Worth it?

• Ring lights serve several functions and are employed in many contexts, but their main goal is to highlight subjects in photos and videos without overpowering them. In particular, they support:
• Highlight details: The shape of ring lights beautifully draws attention to even the smallest details in a pleasing way. The lighting creates "catch lights," or specular highlights, in the subjects' eyes.
• Balanced close-ups: A ring light's balanced illumination makes for excellent close-up macro photos and films.
• Create Colour Effects: To create color effects, either apply multiple color lenses on top of the light or use ring lights with color modulation choices.