Ring Light Usage: 7 Creative Techniques for Perfect Lighting

Proper ring light usage involves positioning the light directly in front of you, slightly above eye level, to fill in shadows on your face.

For the most flattering effect, place your camera or phone in the center of the ring.

Adjust the brightness and color temperature until you achieve a natural, balanced look that illuminates your features evenly.

So, you have a new ring light and want to get that professional, polished look you see everywhere.

From my experience, the biggest difference between amateur and pro-looking video is not the camera—it is the lighting.

A ring light is a powerful tool, but just turning it on is not enough.

What I have learned is that how you position the light is everything.

It can take you from looking flat and washed out to looking dynamic and cinematic.

Here are 7 simple techniques I use to get perfect lighting for any situation, whether it is for a video call, a social media post, or a creative project.

1. Achieving the Classic “Rembrandt” Look

This technique is a favorite in cinema because it creates a sophisticated and dramatic look.

It is named after the painter Rembrandt, who famously used this style of lighting.

You will know you have it right when you see a small triangle of light on the cheek that is more in shadow.

1. Place the ring light on a stand.
2. Position it at a 45-degree angle from your face.
3. Raise it high above your head.
4. Tilt it down towards you.

From my experience, a bare ring light can create slightly harsh shadows with this setup.

A simple fix I use is to clamp or tape a single layer of a paper towel over the ring.

This acts as a diffuser, softening the light for a much more flattering effect without needing to buy extra gear.

2. Creating an Ultra-Soft Glow with Bounced Light

For the absolute softest and most even lighting, I recommend not pointing the light at your face at all.

Bouncing the light off a surface creates a beautiful, gentle glow that is perfect for beauty shots or a very natural feel.

1. Find a neutral-colored wall, like white or light grey.
2. Aim the ring light directly at the wall in front of you.
3. Position yourself between the light and the wall.

A common mistake I see is people trying this with a colored wall.

If your wall is blue, the light bouncing off it will also be blue, which will mess with your skin tones.

You also may need to increase the light’s brightness, since bouncing it will reduce its intensity.

3. Using a Rim Light to Pop from the Background

If you want to look more three-dimensional and separate yourself from your background, a rim light is the perfect solution.

This technique creates a thin, bright outline along the edge of your shoulders and hair.

1. Position your main ring light in front of you.
2. Place a second light source behind you and to one side.
3. Aim this back light at the edge of your head and shoulders.

Even a small, simple light works for this. Its only job is to create that highlight.

This is one of my favorite ways to instantly make a standard shot look more cinematic and professionally produced.

4. Crafting a Dramatic “Uplighting” Effect

You have seen this countless times in horror or mystery films.

Lighting a face from below creates long, upward-facing shadows that feel unnatural and eerie.

It is a fantastic tool for creating suspense or portraying a villainous character.

1. Place the ring light on the floor or a very low stand.
2. Position it directly in front of you.
3. Tilt the light so it shines upward at your face.

This technique is all about creating a specific mood.

While you would not use it for a business meeting, it is an incredibly effective and simple way to add drama to a narrative scene or a creative video.

5. Getting Flattering “Butterfly Lighting”

This is a classic Hollywood glamour technique used for decades to make actors look their best.

It gets its name from the small, butterfly-shaped shadow it creates just under the nose.

It defines cheekbones and has a slimming effect on the face.

1. Position the ring light directly in front of you.
2. Raise it high above your head so it is pointing down.
3. Take one small step back from the light stand.

The key here is having the light come from high and in front, not directly overhead.

A common mistake is standing directly under the light, which creates deep, unflattering “raccoon” shadows under the eyes.

Stepping back slightly ensures the light hits your face at the perfect angle.

6. Creating a Silhouette with Backlighting

A silhouette can be a powerful and artistic way to frame a shot.

By placing the light source directly behind you, you can obscure your features entirely, leaving just your outline against a bright background.

1. Place the ring light on a stand directly behind where you will be.
2. Position yourself between the ring light and the camera.
3. Ensure no other major light sources are hitting you from the front.

Here is a pro tip: to make the effect even stronger, wear dark clothing.

This will enhance the contrast between your silhouette and the bright light behind you, creating a very clean and striking image.

7. The Surprising “Sci-Fi Halo” Effect

I discovered this technique by accident while setting up a backlight.

If you position the ring light just right, you can create an amazing halo or corona effect.

It looks like something straight out of a science fiction movie like Tron.

1. Place the ring light directly behind your head.
2. Align it so your head completely blocks the center of the ring from the camera’s view.
3. Adjust the position until the light creates a perfect circle glowing from behind your head.

This is a very specific and unique look that most people would never guess was created with a simple ring light.

It proves how experimenting with placement can unlock incredibly creative results.

Final Verdict: Your All-in-One Lighting Studio

A ring light is more than just a light; it is your portable, all-in-one studio for achieving professional results.

Its design provides a versatile foundation for countless lighting styles, from the classic, flattering glow for video calls to the dramatic, cinematic looks that define creative projects.

With a single, easy-to-use tool, you can effortlessly control shadows, create mood, and ensure you always look your best on camera.

Unlock the full potential of your video and photography by mastering this essential piece of equipment.