How to Use Ring Light in Photography

Shadows and light make up our perception of depth. However, shadows on faces, when photographed, can make facial features look large and distorted. Because the camera lens does not see the same as a human eye, highlights and shadows appear much stronger than they really are. Ring lights offer diffused lighting that eliminates unwanted shadows.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Use a ring light when you want to erase shadows from a model's face. With an adjustable illumination output, you can increase or decrease the amount of light falling on her features.
2. Zoom in close with macro-ring lights that fit right on your camera's lens and illuminate tiny objects. Macro-ring lights, used in food and botanical photography, provide an accurate photograph without shadow distortion.
3. Light up architectural details with large portable ring lights. When you need to shoot the details of a building project, a ring light can provide a shadow-free image.
4. Reduce red-eye, a frequent side effect of using ring lights by having your model turn her gaze slightly away from the camera lens. Alternately, if you must shoot directly, edit out red eye in a photo-editing software program.
5. Correct over exposure caused by your camera's image sensor by purchasing a through-the-lens (TTL) exposure control that automatically adjusts your camera's light sensor even when you move closer to your subject.
6. Make your own ring light to avoid paying for an expensive unit. Although, your homemade ring light won't have exposure control, you will save enough money to purchase that telephoto lens you've been wanting.

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