Ring Lights
Affordable, flattering illumination perfect for close-up interviews. Creates even, shadow-free lighting that makes everyone look their best.
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Why Choose a Ring Light?
Ring lights create beautiful, even illumination with minimal shadows. The circular design wraps light around your subject's face, creating flattering catchlights in the eyes that make people look engaged and alive.
They're particularly good for video calls, solo recordings, and close-up interviews. For the price, ring lights offer the fastest upgrade to your home recording setup.
How to Get the Best Results
Positioning for Interviews
Place ring light directly behind and slightly above camera. Subject should be 60-90cm from the light. This creates catchlights in the eyes (makes subjects look alive and engaged). For glasses wearers, tilt light slightly to avoid the ring reflection.
Colour Temperature Selection
Bi-colour ring lights allow warm (3200K) to cool (5600K) adjustment. Warm light (3200-3800K) is flattering for skin tones. Cool light (5000-5600K) matches daylight. For most interviews, 4000-4500K provides natural-looking illumination.
Intensity Control
Start at 50% brightness and adjust to subject comfort. Too bright causes squinting and discomfort. Proper exposure should make skin look natural, not washed out. Use camera histogram to check - aim for skin tones in middle range.
Smartphone Integration
Most ring lights include phone holders in the centre. Perfect for video calls or self-recording. Position your face in centre of ring. This setup is ideal for recording personal messages or solo storytelling.
Our Recommended Ring Lights
Neewer 18-inch Ring Light
~$75-125Dimmable, colour temperature control, phone holder included. Sturdy tripod stand. Popular with millions of content creators. Excellent value - punches well above its price.
Check Price Affiliate linkElgato Key Light Air
~$125-180WiFi-controlled, app-based dimming and colour temperature. Sleek design. Edge-lit LED panel (not traditional ring). Mounts on desk or light stand. Popular with professional streamers for good reason.
Check Price Affiliate linkGodox LR180 Bi-Colour Ring Light
~$180-250Professional build quality, accurate colour rendering (CRI 96+), remote control, LCD display. 18-inch diameter provides beautiful wrap-around light. Used by beauty YouTubers and portrait photographers.
Check Price Affiliate linkPro Tips
- Ring lights work best for solo subjects - for couples, use two panel lights instead
- Glasses wearers: tilt the light down slightly or raise camera position to avoid ring reflection
- Ring lights double as excellent makeup mirrors between takes
- For Zoom calls: ring light makes you look polished and professional instantly