Why Ring Lights?
Today there are countless lighting options, but one of the most popular choices is the ring light. From easy setup (tripod + plug in) to a wide price range — making them accessible even on tight budgets — ring lights have become a staple. They’re especially famous on TikTok thanks to the signature eye catchlight effect and the way they leave skin looking smooth and flawless. All of this makes ring lights a go-to for content creators.
Their most common use? Phone cameras.
Are Ring Lights Good for Photography?
Pretty much any type of lighting can work, depending on what you want to achieve and the quality of your gear. Let me give you an example: if you’re shooting a photo of an apple on a white plate in a small studio, you won’t need a super powerful light — it just has to illuminate a small area. But if you want to photograph that same apple at night while it’s hanging from a tree, and you want to capture the entire tree, you’ll definitely need stronger lighting or even multiple lights.
The same principle applies in the studio: choose your light based on the space, the size of the subject, and your creative goals.
Ring lights absolutely work for photography, as long as you know how to position them to create flattering shadows. In the end, shadows are what give photos depth and soul. Ring lights are a fantastic tool for both photography and video, especially if you’re on a budget and can’t invest in a full professional setup.
Which Ring Light Size Is Best?
The answer, again, depends on your needs — but here’s a size breakdown with typical uses. One key tip: always check the wattage of the light. Many people go for the cheapest ring light, only to discover later that it can’t deliver the brightness they actually need.
Most common sizes:
10” (25 cm) Ring Lights
- One of the smallest professional sizes available
- Best for lighting small objects up close
- Usually lower wattage, so it needs to be close to your subject
12” (30 cm) Ring Lights
- The most popular size on the market
- Often includes a tall tripod so you can change angles and positions
- Higher wattage than 10”, good for lighting subjects up to waist height
- Great for:

Portrait photography

TikTok videos

Makeup photos and videos

Cooking videos
18” (45 cm) Ring Lights
- One of the largest ring lights available
- Offers a higher wattage range
- Works as a main light source for full-body shots or wide spaces
- Great for:

Studio photography

YouTube videos

Filming larger scenes

Indoor photography
Photography Ring Light Reviews
Some top-rated models include:

Bower LED RGB Studio Light Kit 12″

Lume Cube 18″ LED Ring Light

Weilisi Large 13″ Ring Light

NEEWER 12″ Ring Light
How to Use a Ring Light for Photography and Video
It all depends on what you’re shooting — product photography, a video in a dark restaurant bar, or a romantic outdoor photo at night. Every scenario changes the way you should place and use your lights.
For deeper guides, check out these blog posts:
- Lighting with RGB
- Lighting Techniques
Photography LED Ring Light for Backgrounds
Lighting a background is one of the trickiest parts of photography. Front lighting is usually easy — you just need light hitting your subject — but backgrounds are a different story and take more practice.
First, focus on your gear:
- Recommended ring lights for backgrounds
- Softboxes or diffusers for even spread
How Long Do LED Ring Lights Last?
It depends on the equipment, but even the most affordable ring lights with lower wattage can last up to 50,000 hours of use — that’s years of regular work. LED systems manage energy far more efficiently than traditional bulbs, giving them a much longer lifespan.
Which Ring Light Color Is Best?
If you’re using a ring light as your main light, stick to white light for the most natural results. If you want to light backgrounds or add creative details, consider RGB models that can switch to different colors of the rainbow. As always, your best choice depends on the colors you combine and the style you want to achieve.