Whether you’re filming your latest beauty video, taking that killer Instagram selfie, or dancing to the latest TikTok trend, one thing’s for sure: You need the best ring light.
Perfect lighting is a must-have in 2020. Let’s face it, the widespread use of selfie ring lights is one of the better things to come out of this year. It has been a well-kept industry secret for a while now. The lights have always been hidden behind the camera, so you are left wondering how YouTubers, bloggers, and Instagram stars get their ideal photos.
Now, these LED ring lights are out in public for everyone to buy. But, how do you choose the best one? And, come to think of it, why should you use a phone ring light when natural lighting can look so great?
This blog will answer all your questions and help you decide which ring light is best for you to use.
What is a Selfie Ring Light?
A selfie ring light is a lighting tool that is used to cast a uniform, bright, and often warm light over the people using it. This means they can film videos and take selfies with perfect lighting, every time. It helps give the impression your filming equipment is high quality, even if you’re just using an iPhone.
They are better than a flash because the soft lighting is more flattering on most people. Plus, you aren’t screwing up your face in pain as you do when a bright flash blinds you. Hit your pose and feel great in every picture.
These lights come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. You can read more about different color lamps and what this means for choosing your ideal warmth in our post about choosing the perfect office lamp.
Who Uses a Ring Light?
These lights rose to popularity thanks to people like Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner, the internet’s selfie queens. Plus, beauty bloggers have long championed using this light for getting ready and recording their videos.
These lights are great for:
- Instagram models
- Anyone who wants a good Instagram or Snapchat photo
- TikTok-ers
- People who do Live Streams
- YouTubers
…as well as anyone who just enjoys good lighting in their Zoom meetings or family virtual get-togethers. If you’ve got good lighting going into the family quiz, you’re already a winner!
Why Should I Use a Phone Ring Light?
If you’re interested in creating online content, a phone ring light will up your game dramatically. This is for a few reasons.
It sharpens your images. The light helps put the focus on whatever is in front of it—in this case, you. Your images will be sharper, clearer, and easier to see. This is great for all content creators, but especially beauty influencers.
They’re great for macro images. These sharper images don’t just work well for portraits. They get every little detail of up-close shots, meaning you can take high-quality macro images without breaking the bank for a new camera.
Selfie ring lights are flattering. Your skin appears smoother under the correct lighting, with blemishes being reduced. It corrects the awkward shadows you get when you stand under overhead lighting by flooding your whole face with light from the front.
They look professional. If you’re serious about the content you’re creating, an LED ring light will help add that extra something to your videos and pictures. You will look professional and like you have been filming for years, even if you haven’t been yet!
Should I Make a DIY Version?
There are videos of how to make a DIY phone ring light on YouTube, but we would not recommend this.
- You need to be careful at all times with electronics, and make sure that everything is safe and secure. The safest way is to buy a specifically designed ring light.
- Ring lights are often affordable, especially compared to other forms of professional lighting equipment. The costs add up when you’re buying the parts for a DIY version.
- The lights available now, especially from TaoTronics, are built to last. You are making an investment for yourself and your room.
How to Connect Your Phone with an LED Ring Light
Lights that attach to your phone and are connected through your headphone jack are falling out of fashion. This is largely because the best phone to record on is considered to be an iPhone 11 Pro, which doesn’t have a headphone jack.
Connecting your phone to a standing ring light will vary based on the model. Check out the instructions before you buy, and make sure that a headphone jack isn’t necessary to power it if you have an iPhone. The most modern have a phone holder that you place your phone in, then control the phone and light functions through remotes and Bluetooth 5.0.
How To Take a Selfie with a Ring Light
![RING LIGHT Portraits [ 3 Ways to Use Your Ring Light for Epic Pictures]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/aTJkieroUqM/hqdefault.jpg)
Learn from the best for taking epic photos with your ring light. Celebrity photographer Brian Tru explains to you the best way to use your LED ring light, including for portraits.
Other selfie tips include:
- Look directly into the ring if you buy a standing ring lamp, as it won’t hurt your eyes. If you are too close, or if this does hurt your eyes, turn the lamp brightness down and look away!
- Make sure you are near an outlet if your ring light is powered by mains. And make sure your batteries are fresh if it is battery powered.
- Experiment with angles. Usually, it is best to keep the light in front of your face—but who knows, the world is your oyster.
The Best Ring Light Available
There are three incredible standing ring lights available on the TaoTronics site. Here, we will walk you through each one to help you decide the best one for you.
TaoTronics Selfie Ring Light TT-CL026
Price: $49.99
Phone Holders: 2
Height: 61” Tripod Stand
With 10 brightness levels, 20,000 hours of service life, and 3 color temperatures to find your perfect glow, this flattering light has a Bluetooth remote so you can easily take photos while you’re sat away from your phone.
Learn more and buy TT-CL026 at our website.
TaoTronics 12 Inch Selfie Ring Light TT-CL027
Price: $52.99
Phone Holders: 2
Height: 52” Tripod Stand
Rotate this tripod head 360 degrees to get your perfect shot. This ring light comes with three color modes and 10 brightness levels for 30 lighting scenarios and has an extendable tripod, making it great for filming your latest YouTube video.
Check if this is the right phone ring light for you—find TT-CL027 on our website today!
TaoTronics Dedicated Ring Light with Stand TT-CL025
Price: $88.99
Phone Holders: 2
Height: 78” Tripod Stand
If you’re ready to hit the big time, this is the best ring light to make it happen. With an incredible 5 color temperatures, 3 lighting modes, and 10 brightness levels, this fully customizable ring light is perfect for taking a selfie one minute and filming your latest TikTok the next. The touch screen design and sleek remote make this device feel modern and chic, delivering a pro-look for your professional shots.
Kickstart your new career and create amazing content when you buy TT-CL025 from our website.
Buy yours today—check out our full phone ring light range at the TaoTronics website!