What is a Ring Light?
The Ring Light resembles a Ring Flash — or circular flash — whose purpose is to provide multi-directional light with a single light fixture, often attached to the location of the flash. The result is an illuminated image with a particularly effective rendering. Surprisingly enough, ring lighting didn’t wait for the social media explosion to take off. Indeed, you have probably already come across some at your dentist’s!
Whether for photography or dentistry, lighting systems have improved over time, and we have seen the gradual development of these circular (or annular) devices made up of LEDs and called “Ring Light”. In the register of shooting, this innovation makes it possible in particular to obtain almost perfect lighting and brightness with a webcam or the camera of a smartphone. Rings Light are therefore popular with artistic selfie lovers, influencers, youtubers, etc. You can use this type of lamp to enhance both your photos and your videos.
Thanks to the popularization of smartphones and other digital cameras, this lighting accessory has become more accessible. We now find them for all budgets and all uses. The entry-level models are displayed around 30 €, while those intended for professional use sell for around 120 €, and even up to 200 € for the most high-end references. The price differences are explained both by the differences in size and by the quality of the product – number of leds, color rendering index, etc.
33 cm ring light with 180 cm tripod from Riinglight. © riinglight.com
Why use a Ring Light?
Whether you are an influencer, an amateur videographer, a streamer, a telework employee who multiplies videoconference meetings or a distance teacher, the quality of the video or photo rendering is an essential element, whether it is to make people understand or simply to highlight their brand image.
Despite the technological progress made in recent years by cameras – digital cameras, smartphones, tablets, webcams – light remains the sinews of war in digital imaging. Uniform lighting of the Ring Light type makes it possible to fight against parasitic light sources, poorly placed or whose intensity is not sufficient. Thanks to the rendering obtained, you are better seen by your interlocutors in meetings or by your followers on social networks (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook and others). The central positioning of the camera or smartphone – or the webcam depending on your device – indeed promotes an even distribution of light over your entire subject.
In addition to its undeniable advantage for videos, the Ring Light is also an asset for the photographer, who will find an ideal light source there. Whether you like to take selfies or artistic photos, the Ring Light offers the possibility of special lighting: adding a lighting point in the dark or changing colors.
The Ring Light is used to highlight certain parts of a photo. Note that the light intensity is often adjustable so that you can obtain the lighting you need in order to create your “ultimate” lighting atmosphere with a luminous halo — by “mirror” or “reflection” effect. Additionally, the Ring Light can give your shot some pizzazz by producing a circular reflection in your subject’s eyes.
But that’s not all. Indeed, the effectiveness of the Ring Light makes it particularly interesting in the register of cosmetics. A well-oriented Ring Light allows you to perform make-up in the best conditions. You then use it to take pictures of the result, with maximum rendering.
Ring Light Pro with 200cm tripod © ring-light-france.com
You can buy your ring light at almost any tech store (or on Amazon, Ring Light Paris, etc.). But before you start buying a ring light, you must first assess your needs in order to know which model to choose. For what use do you need such a lamp? What kind of light do you want? And, above all, what is your budget?
First, you will need to think about how you want to use your Ring Light. Is a lamp with a tripod what you need? Unless you want to use it with your computer, in which case a desktop stand might be more suitable.
Once the support has been determined, ask yourself the question of the size of the ring. The larger the diameter, the more the illuminated surface will be extended, the more the luminosity will be diffused and the more LEDs there will be on board. For a selfie, choose a small ring. For makeup, go for an intermediate model. As for the professionals, they will rather have an interest in moving towards a large ring, whose rendering is more effective.
If you have opted for a tripod, you will also need to think about the height you need. Are you going to film yourself standing, sitting on a chair or on a pouf? Are you going to take shots from afar or up close? Indeed, you must always keep in mind that your ring may lose effectiveness if the subject filmed or photographed is not in front of the light – unless this is the effect you want to give, of course. . Remember that the Ring Light is directional lighting, so it lights up in front of it. If you combine your Ring Light with a telescopic tripod, you will have more freedom in the realization of your shots, otherwise you will have to find a specific tripod, adapted to your style of video or photo.
What types of Ring Light can you find commercially?
Know that the Rings Light all have the same shape. It is a luminous disc made up of multiple LEDs, most often mounted on a tripod and whose lighting is directional. In the center of the disc is a smartphone or camera holder – sometimes with the possibility of rotating your phone 360°, which is very useful for influencers, youtubers, tiktokers, etc.
There are different sizes of rings. Thus, you find rings of 26 cm (about 10 inches) for the little ones and up to 50 cm (about 20 inches) for the older ones. There are also more or less high tripods, and even adjustable ones.
Depending on the models, the quality of the light may vary. Thus, some brands offer different renderings with cold, warm or natural light – we then speak of color temperature – or even a ring whose color you can completely adjust – several RGB colors are then available. The number of LEDs in the ring is essential. From their number will depend the maximum power of the light. With all the possible combinations, many models are available.
Ring Light par Neewer. © neewer.com
Besides tripods, there are other types of stands for your Ring Light, such as a desk stand — ideal for zoom meetings. You can also choose a small Ring Light that fits on top of your computer screen — handy for streamers or influencers who work on a computer. You can also find models that attach directly to your smartphone – perfect for selfies, videoconferences or other video calls -, while others consist of simple luminous circles without a foot or attachment – called “TikTok lamp” -, allowing to easily create special atmospheres.
All you have to do is choose your manufacturer. There are many such as Neewerthe best known and quality American brand, Razerwhich notably offers a webcam equipped directly with a Ring Light, Diyife, which offers small format Selfie Rings, Ringlight, Ring Light Franceetc.