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Ring lights: Why it’s great to have one

The concept of ring lights has been around since the 1950s. Initially designed to help dentists, the ring flash was invented by Lester Dine in 1952. Immediately, dentists noticed that the contraption did not only help remove the shadows of their patients’ mouths and their patients’ faces, thus enhancing their features. In 1960, fashion photographers began using a ring flash for photoshoots. Today, social media influencers, celebrities, and citizens alike use a very similar gadget called ring lights.

A ring light is a device that is typically composed of small LED bulbs or one continuous ring of light that serves as an evenly diffused light source. And although it has been around for quite some time, it has gained a lot of popularity during the pandemic, and here’s why:

Ring lights can be bought in gadget shops in malls as well as on online platforms like Lazada and Shopee. Depending on the size and model of the ring light of your choice, prices vary. However, as of the time of writing, Lazada’s and Shopee’s highest-rated and most purchased ring lights have an SRP of PHP 1,369USD 23INR 1,978EUR 22CNY 170 and PHP 2,598USD 44INR 3,753EUR 42CNY 322, respectively.

Versatility and Uses

Ring lights come in different sizes and models, each of which unique in its own way but shares the same purpose–to provide a reliable light source to its users. A standard ring light comes as either a strobe or constant ring light. In addition, it usually features a set of lighting modes that are adjustable via remote. Often, they have their own bag, a phone holder, an adjustable tripod and ball mount, and a USB cable for charging and connecting with other devices. This type of ring light is usually used by makeup artists, social media content creators, videographers as well as photographers that are into portrait and macro photography.

For makeup artists, ring lights are used while preparing clients and models for photoshoots. This allows them to clearly see their customers’ faces, including the true colors of the skin and distinct facial features. Some makeup artists that also work as content creators often use ring lights for the same reasons but also to help display their products properly.

Similarly, YouTubers, TikTokers, Twitch streamers, and online sellers who do live sales use ring lights when recording their expert cameras and/or smartphones. As public figures, it is important that they look their best to gain more viewers, endorsement deals, and money. Lastly, photographers and videographers use ring lights to capture images and videos of people and products. Nowadays, most of their subjects are family members, household items, food, or themselves–all of which can be enhanced with the help of ring lights.

Meanwhile, handheld ring lights can be easily clipped onto one’s phones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, and more–plus, they are portable and can easily fit in one’s purse or pocket. This type of ring light is usually used by students, teachers, or people that often have online conferences and can’t be bothered to set up other things like a tripod.

Additionally, a lot of social media content creators also use this kind of ring light for filming on the go. And of course, with its size, it usually comes with a smaller price compared to its bigger counterparts. In fact, good quality ring lights from Shopee and Lazada usually start at PHP 37USD 0.63INR 53EUR 0.60CNY 5 and PHP 138USD 2INR 199EUR 2CNY 17, respectively.

Ring lights have made their way in different parts of society like arts, education, and media. With its availability, pricing, and versatility, it seems as if it will only continue to persist. So, if you want to look more presentable during your Zoom meetings, take better photos, or even just read a book late at night, get yourself a ring light!

This article was written by Julia Fernando.