Stunned by looking at picture-perfect images shared by the photographers on social media websites? If you are thinking about how these photographers can get such high-quality and well-lit snaps, then you are reading the right article. Most of the video and photo creators use a piece of equipment called ring light to produce high-quality images and videos. Even though the cameras have improved over the past decade, but the use of ring light enhances the quality of the photos. It is a portable lighting tool that throws uniform light in the direction of the camera’s view. This device is made from several connected LED lights or a single circular fluorescent bulb.

  Why use Ring Light? 

Ring lights were initially developed to assist medical and dental doctors. But due to its potential capabilities, it has been put to commercial use as well. Some of the benefits of using a ring light are:

Bringing out the details: The design of ring light is perfect for emphasizing details in the shoot. Its circular shape makes it easy to place the camera at the center of the lighting. This helps the photographer in focusing on certain details in the shot. Facial close-ups come amazing using this technique of clicking pictures. 

Macro photography: In macro photography, a picture or video is taken from a shorter range, hence adding multiple lights becomes difficult. The ring light uniformly distributes light on the subject of the shoot. Evenly distribution of the light helps in getting high-quality pictures and videos of the subject. Thus, you wouldn’t have to invest in expensive lighting equipment for your shoot.

Video production: These lights are also capable of creating a halo shadow effect that enhances the quality of the picture being shot. This eliminates harsh shadows from the image or video being taken. Adding sidelights and softboxes with right light makes the video look more professional.

Color effects: The bulbs in Ring Light can be easily replaced with colored lights to generate color effects. By focusing this light in different directions the color wash effect can be brought in the images and videos.

Soft light quality: Ring light flashes light from all directions, hence the light quality is soft. This doesn’t spoil the quality of the final image or video being taken.

Types of Ring Light 

 Different types of ring lights are available in the market to choose from. You can pick one based on the benefits they bring in. Some ring light types are: 

 Flash ring light: These are battery-powered ring lights that can be mounted in front of the camera lens. These are mostly used in macro photography. 

Fluorescent ring light: These ring lights have a larger diameter and can be mounted on a light stand. These lights through uniform and continuous lighting, hence are used by makeup artists and hairstylists as well. An AC power source is required to run these lights.

LED ring light: These lights are similar to fluorescent ring lights. These come with variable power settings and filters can be used to modify the color temperature. You can easily mount a camera or phone in its center to take a picture or a video and therefore LED light ring for selfies are perfect.

Ring lights for phones: These compact ring lights are specifically designed for smartphones. You can clamp them at one end of your smart device and can click gorgeous selfies and videos.

How to select a ring light? 

If you plan to buy ring lights for your personal or business needs, then you must consider the following factors while choosing one for yourself:

Usage: Depending on your use of ring light you can pick the one that fits your requirement. If you plan to use ring light for professional photography or videography, then you select relevant sized lights. But if you are going to use it with your smartphone, then compact ring lights will do the job.

Power: Ring light’s power is another feature that you need to consider before buying one. Lights with higher lumens and color rendering index provide good lighting output. If you are looking for detailing in your videos and images, then you should choose one accordingly. Some ring lights come with a dimmer knob so that light’s brightness can be controlled.

Color: Not all ring lights come with a color-changing option. Filming or photography calls for the requirement of warm color temperature. Thus, you must check this feature if applicable.

Accessories: Check that you have all the required equipment and accessories like bags, cables, stands, brackets, power adaptors, etc. with the ring light that you are buying.

  If you are enthusiastic about professional photography or filming, then you should consider getting ring lights for your projects. Do share your experience in using ring lights in the comments section below.