Video calls are a regular function of life for millions now, giving many motivation to upgrade and improve their webcam and video setups so that they look as good on photographic camera as possible.

The aforementioned is true if you lot want to utilize your enforced domicilic life to get-go creating videos for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram or any other social media. Improving your lighting is i of the first things to consider and the addition of a ring lite tin can exist a quick prepare that brings instant results. We bear witness you how to set up and utilize these great accessories that will brand yous the envy of your dimly lit colleagues.

What is a ring light?

As the name suggest, these are lamps whose bulbs (well, LEDs) are arranged in a circle. The advantage of this approach is that you get an even spread of light beyond your face, making it much easier for the photographic camera to focus and rest both the exposure and color temperature.

The ring shape is deliberate as the idea is that you identify your phone, webcam or other camera in the middle and provide an even spread of light. Basically, using a band lite tin can make the color and quality of your videos really pop.

If you're into photography, then ring lights can exist very useful tools and they also notice favour with makeup artists due to the even distribution of light.

How much practice band lights cost?

Similar near products, prices depend very much on the quality and features you require. Some light rings offer variable settings for color temperature and brightness (this is a cardinal one), colour filters, remote controls and a range of other accessories. They can cost upwards of a hundred pounds or dollars.

However, you tin can go many of these features for around £20/$twenty. One model that we've constitute particularly good value is the 10in LED Light Band that'due south bachelor for £21.69 on Amazon UK and $21.99 on Amazon USA.

How to prepare a band low-cal

Here's our meridian tips for getting the most out of a ring low-cal.

i. Use mains power

An important thing to establish before yous plug in a ring light is whether they are recommended for use with a laptop. Due to their high brightness, the power describe can exceed what most USB ports tin deliver, and could potentially damage a laptop or PC if plugged directly into a USB port. We recommend using a phone charger or fifty-fifty a USB power bank if you need to be mobile.

2. Place the camera in the middle of the ring light

If you're using a smartphone or digital photographic camera for your video, then the platonic placement is at the centre of the ring lite. Most models come with tripods and holders that will allow this, but if that'due south not the case you tin can always fashion a stand up out of books or any other stackable items you may have handy.

With the camera in the middle, and the lens close to the light source, it will practically eliminate shadows and give the best results.

3. Using a ring light with a laptop camera

Obviously, y'all won't be able to place a laptop in the middle of a ring low-cal, and then if that's the camera you're using just try to position the calorie-free in a higher place the upper edge of the screen and so that your face is illuminated properly.

4. Cheque positioning and reflections

Earlier you settle into the position yous'll employ on your video, attempt placing the ring light at unlike distances away from you to see which gap works best with your environs. Not all rooms are the same, and where a low-cal source is placed can have a sizeable outcome on the finished video.

Naturally, you lot'll desire to avoid cogitating surfaces in the shot, which can be tricky if you wear spectacles. If you do, then endeavor fishing the lite so that it isn't shining straight onto the lenses. The aforementioned is true for flick frames or other shiny objects in your room.

While y'all're at information technology, consider 'dressing' your room. This involves advisedly choosing objects and furnishing that will exist in shot so that they create a mood that represents your taste. Some other lights in the background can exist cool, but it's unremarkably best to cull softer, muted tones so they don't glare into the camera.

5. Set the colour temperature

While we're talking well-nigh the tone of the lighting, yous'll find that some ring lights also come up with controls for the colour temperature. This is essentially how warm or cool the light is. High color temperatures lead to harsh, bluer whites (which can exist appropriate for making information technology expect like daylight, while lower temperatures are softer and more forgiving, similar candlelight. Spend time playing with different settings to see what you similar.

If your band light doesn't have a colour temperature control, you lot can still modify this setting by using filters that clip onto the light itself and human action similar sunglasses to change the whiteness level. If you don't have filters, you can always go onetime school and drape thin cloth over the light to change the brightness, simply recollect not to obscure the camera or allow the cloth go too hot!

vi. Change the brightness to suit your needs

Well-nigh ring lights have adjustable brightness controls, which tin exist very useful depending on what kind of footage y'all're shooting. A good rule of thumb is that the brighter you set the light, the more accurately the camera will capture colours and the sharper the experience of the footage. And then, if y'all're after that vibrant look and so turning up the brightness volition help.

The master betoken is, don't simply switch on the ring light and get out it at that setting, instead endeavour experimenting with effulgence levels to see which one best suits your manner.

At that place you accept information technology, some uncomplicated ideas on how to use a ring low-cal to improve your video quality. If yous're interested in working more with moving images, then have a look at our roundups of the best gratuitous video editing software, best microphone for streaming and podcasting, and best camera deals.