How to Use a Ring Light for Better Photographs

As a photographer, you have lots of ways to manipulate the light and make it work in your favor. For many advanced photographers, using props is a great way to achieve their desired results; One of the most beneficial props is a ring light.

Ring lights have many uses in photography. You can set them up in a number of ways, and they’re also quite versatile. So, how exactly do you use a ring light for better photography? In what ways can you set one up? let’s find out.

How do you set up and use the Ring Light?

How you set up and use the Ring Light depends on why you want to use it. You can use this tool for DSLR and mirrorless photography, but it’s a useful addition if you’re taking pictures with your smartphone.

In most cases, you’ll want to attach your ring light to a tripod; Admitting that trying to get the shot with your camera would be unnecessarily complicated. The YouTube video below gives you a nice before and after process of setting it up to film yourself (you can use the same tips if you’re taking photos).

However, you do not need to attach your ring light to a horizontal surface. You can get exciting results in some cases by asking your model to hold the light.

When should you use a ring light in photography?

Now that you’ve got a basic idea of ​​how to set up and use a ring light (and seen a real-life example of how to do so), we can move on to seeing when you might find this prop handy. may come. Below, we’ve outlined three occasions you should consider using a ring light in photography.

1. Pictures

Perhaps the most common use of ring lights in photography is portraiture. Adding extra lighting can make your model’s skin appear healthier, which will make your images of them more attractive.

But adding extra light isn’t the only reason to use a ring light for portrait photography. It can also lead to unique results if you get your subject to capture it – as you can see in the picture below.

2. Self-portrait

Self-portraits are an excellent source of creative freedom, but this is not their only advantage. Taking your own photos can teach you more about posing and provide valuable ideas that you can use for your next photoshoot.

Self-portraits are also a great way to boost your confidence and make you feel more comfortable in front of the camera. When you take self-portraits, you’ll likely put your camera on a tripod. So, who will be wearing the Ring Light? you of course!

3. Food and Product Photography

When you photograph food, you want it to look appealing—especially if you’re working for a client. And the same is true if you’re photographing products, like your favorite pair of AirPods.

Using a ring light for food and product photography is a great way to add extra light to whatever you’re photographing. But since it’s not direct, you don’t need to worry about unsightly glare that can ruin your image.

ring light photography ideas

The list of scenarios in the previous section was meant more as a guideline than something you should stick to religiously. Really, you can use a ring light for any kind of photography you like.

Below are five ring light photography ideas that you may want to consider giving a shot.

1. Standing in front of the ring light

Many of the Ring Light photos you’ll see will have the model standing or sitting behind it. You can try this (as we’ll explain in a moment), but it’s not your only option.

If you want to switch things up a bit, consider holding your subject up against the light. You will get an almost eerie effect which is perfect if you are interested in taking moody portraits.

3. Standing and Holding the Ring Light

Standing behind a ring light is popular in photography for a reason—it produces excellent results most of the time. If you want to make your models look stunning and get stunning results, then holding them up to the light is a tried and tested way to do so.

If you want to shake things up and get creative, consider buying a different color ring light and see what you can do with them. For this trick, you’ll need to look at the light away from the subject.

4. Making the Ring Light Shine on Your Subject From a Distance

Have you ever thought of giving a divine look to your subject? If so, then getting a ring light to shine towards your subject from afar is an idea you might want to consider trying.

For this, you will need to mount your ring light to a wall or tripod; Make sure you don’t do anything dangerous. You’ll also need a wide-angle lens and be standing far enough away.

5. Ring Light Face You

If you don’t want to hold a ring light and want to mimic a pretty distinctive photography style