Have you ever wondered how most of the beauty photographs and videos that you have seen lately are well lit and of high quality? Well, if you thought that the reason behind this is because they are using a very expensive type of camera then you are definitely wrong. Most of these photographers and video creators are able to produce these high-quality videos and photographs simply because they utilised a piece of unique lighting equipment called the ring light.
Typically, a ring light is an easy-to-use multipurpose lighting tool that enables users to obtain a source of uniform light that comes directly from the point of view of their cameras. This lighting device is usually made from a single circular fluorescent bulb or several connected small LED lights that form the shape of a circle.
The Spectrum Aurora ring light is perfect for emphasising details, photography, filming, make up application, macro photography or generating colour effects.
WHY USE A RING LIGHT?
Ring lights were originally developed for medical and dental purposes. However, due to its wide potential capabilities, the ring light was adapted for various commercial usages that include the following:
1. For Emphasising Details
Due to its design and structure, ring lights are perfect for emphasising details on photographs and videos. The ring light's circular design allows users to use their cameras in between the hole of the ring light enabling them to focus on specific details of the shoot.
2. Macro Photography
Using a ring light when taking pictures produces perfectly balanced lighting that is evenly distributed on every side of the model or object that the users want to focus on.
Ring lights allow the users to create high-quality photos and videos without the burden of spending a lot of money for the shoot.
3. Generating Colour Effects
Ring lights can be easily used to generate colour effects by simply switching the regular white bulbs with different coloured lights or by applying coloured gels on various parts of the ring light.
Using ring lights to generate the colour effect technique allows the user to create colour washes that flow through various directions of the object of the shoot or video.
4. Video production
When using ring lights as the only source of lighting for a photoshoot or commercial, the ring lights produce an attractive halo shadow that brilliantly outlines the subject of the photograph or video. This provides a dramatic and professional look for filming. For a more professional-looking video, softboxes or sidelights can complement the ring lights such as the Spectrum Aurora Complete ring light kit or the Spectrum Crystal Luxe Side Fill Lights.
Since the growing audience of social media, creating video content has never been so easy with the development of high-resolution quality camera phones. Even more popular is the use of the Spectrum Aurora ring light being used for professional lighting in Youtube videos or Instagram/ Facebook stories.
5. Makeup Application
Since most ring lights can produce a daylight colour rating of 54000k, this source of light is perfect for makeup application especially on an overcast day or when natural light is not available.
A ring light with a 54,000-kelvin rating offers a colour temperature close to daylight and therefore it is perfect for makeup application when natural light is not available. Featuring the Spectrum Aurora Gold Luxe ring light.
HOW TO SHOP FOR A RING LIGHT?
If you are planning to purchase a ring light for your personal or business needs then you might have a little difficulty in choosing which type of ring light to buy.
1. Using a camera? Tablet? Smartphone?
To be able to properly choose the perfect ring light for your needs, you must take into consideration how you are going to use it. If you need a ring light to use for taking selfies on your DSLR camera or iPad then it is advisable that you purchase a ring light that is big enough to fit inside it such as the Spectrum Aurora 19" Diamond Luxe II ring light or the Spectrum Aurora 19" Gold Luxe II ring light.
Need to do a selfie video or photo? No worries, the Spectrum Aurora ring light allows for filming and photography with your DSLR camera, smart phone or iPad.
2. DIY ring lights. Worth it?
You will find that there is a lot of "Do It Yourself" ring lights on Youtube videos that can be made on a budget however you will find it will be a tricky task to shop the right materials and put it together. Also you will need to make sure it is safe to use and that the lighting is consistent and can be use for long periods of time.
3. Power and Ring Light Size
The other thing to consider when shopping for a ring light is the size and power of the ring light. The higher the lumens (lm) and colour rending index (CRI) the better the lighting output and colour representation of the object being lit. This makes a big difference especially those depending on colour accuracy such as: makeup artists, tattoo artists or hair colourists. It is ideal to find a ring light that offers a dimmer knob to control the brightness. This will make your life easier as you find yourself moving the light stand to adjust the brightness.
The 'gooseneck' allows you to control the direction of the ring light perfect for flay lay photography, tattoo artists, brow or lash specialists and many more. Featuring the Mini pearl ring light.
4. Warranty
Double-check warranties offered as they vary from retailer to retailer. As a rule of thumb, you would need at least 10 months for a purchase warranty.
5. Need the ring light to cast towards the floor?
This is especially important for anyone needing to do flat lay photography, filming artwork or crafts on a table, brow or lash specialists or tattoo artists. For this to function properly the ring light needs a part called a "gooseneck" to allow the ring light to flex as much as you need. Take note of the safety precautions in the video here.
Filming your work at your office table or desk has never been so easy with your phone. Simply use the phone mount provided and film your project and post it on social media.
6. Colour Temperature of the Ring Light
A warm colour temperature is typically used during photography or filming when a warm and healthy glow is required on the subject. Most ring lights have the option of changing the colour with snap-on orange filters however a more convenient option is a dimmer for colour temperature which is available in the Spectrum Aurora 19" Gold Luxe ring light.
7. Included Accessories
Does it come with a carry bag? A mirror? A goose neck? A stand? Phone bracket? Camera bracket? AC Power adaptor compatible with your country to plug? These are the standard accessories that a ring light should come with.
The Spectrum Aurora ring light provides the most comprehensive accessories included for every ring light model. This includes the ring light, phone mount, camera mount, gooseneck, stand, mirror, AC adapter and carry bag.
8. Fluorescent Bulbs Vs LED Ring Lights
Fluorescent ring lights are considered old technology and do not have a long life span as LED ring lights. The cons with a fluorescent ring lights are that they become hot when used for long periods of time, it may produce a humming sound or flicker over time, when the bulb is broken you will need to purchase a new bulb to replace it whereas LED ring lights don't have this issue and emits heat which maybe uncomfortable for make up application.
HOW SPECTRUM AURORA RING LIGHT CAN HELP YOU?
If you have an online presence whether it's through social media or a website and you're building a brand - then a ring light will assist in providing perfect lighting for professional-looking photos or videos. You can find every type of ring lights and accessories that can accommodate your various needs and requirement in our Spectrum Aurora Ring Lights page. The Spectrum Aurora ring lights have a CRI of 95+, 12 months warranty, bi-coloured lighting, comes in different sizes (13", 19", 20"), includes all the standard accessories and has an approximate life span of 80,000 hours. With Spectrum Aurora brand you get the best quality ring lights and accessories at the most affordable prices. Here is a comparison video below of the Spectrum ring lights to help you decide which is best for your situation:
MUST WATCH VIDEO BELOW!
The Spectrum Aurora ring light complete video kit with side fill lights is perfect for video production. A professional lighting setup that fits in your bedroom. Now you can create endless content for Youtube, Snapchat, Instagram stories and Facebook Live videos.