What is Ring Light

What is Ring Light

A ring light is a circular lighting device that is specifically designed to fit around a camera’s lens or is large enough to shoot through it. It is widely used in the lighting industry and is considered a common term in this field. The primary purpose of a ring light is to provide even illumination with minimal shadowing. This is achieved by positioning the light source very close to the optical axis of the lens, resulting in a direct and uniform light distribution onto the subject.

The close proximity of the light source to the lens helps to minimize shadows on the subject’s face, creating a flattering and blemish-reducing effect. Additionally, the ring light’s placement around the lens allows for the illumination of the subject’s eyes, giving them a bright and captivating appearance. Due to its ability to enhance the overall appearance of the subject, a ring light is often referred to as a glamour or beauty light.

Ring lights find extensive use in various applications, including portrait photography, glamour shots, and videography where a single subject is being captured. The circular shape of the light produces a distinctive catchlight in the subject’s eyes, adding a unique aesthetic element to the resulting images or videos.