Product Review: Selfie Ring Light
Last week we told you all about how to pose to look better in photos. This week I’m spilling one of my BEST KEPT SECRETS to really perfecting your selfie game!
Lighting, Lighting, Lighting
When we go to have professional photographs taken, we expect the photographer to have the equipment necessary to perfectly light our photos (at least I certainly hope you do-if your photographer doesn’t-please call us right away so that we can spoil you with a PROPER session!). There are lots of ways to light a photograph but one of the most flattering on all faces is something called Glamour lighting. I’ll spare you an in-depth review of why and just share that this setup basically lights from both above and below to smooth the skin and emphasize the cheekbones. It can be done with two (or more) lights or one light and a reflector in the studio. Recently, several lighting companies have also introduced ring lights for the studio that also create this Hollywood type of look.
Studio Ring Lights
The studio ring light is one of our go-to lights for seniors and corporate headshots. Our seniors LOVE them when we are creating rockstar images of them with their sports gear. Here is a behind the scenes image of our ring lights in action. There are two ring lights in the background and we are shooting through another ring light from the front.
You can see how great these images look and how clean the lighting is. And it’s just a fun, unique look that many Cincinnati area studios don’t provide.
Portable Perfection
Last year we also discovered that several companies were creating portable ring lights that can be used on your cell phone!!! What?! It’s true. The lighting from these tiny units is absolutely remarkable. You won’t believe the difference a few AAA batteries and a clip-on light can make. The units we recommend include 3 lighting levels so that you have some flexibility for your selfie situation.
I’m stepping waaaaay out of my comfort zone to show you just how big a difference these little lights can make. The two images below are me, untouched, at the end of a workday, actually immediately after I got home from the salon (new color anyone?). Uh, yeah, that’s right, real world, real example and I’m betting there’s no way you don’t believe me now, right?! I don’t think I need to elaborate but the image on the left is no ring light and the image on the right includes the ring light.
Wish I could see your jaws hanging open LOL! Seriously-the only difference here is a little light clipped onto my cell phone.
Friends don’t let friends selfie without a ring light, so we’ve included an Amazon affiliate link here so that you can purchase your own (we do get a small commission from this purchase but would appreciate the support if you found value in this review and recommendation). There are other brands available but many don’t have the 3 setting option so double check the features before you buy. This can also be clipped on laptops or handheld for any picture so the possibilities are endless!
CarJo Street Squad Members Get One FREE
Love the selfie light and want to get one for FREE?! Every member of our Street Squad gets a Selfie Ring Light for free. Because hey-we want our stars to look good ALL THE TIME! Contact us for more information about joining the Street Squad. High School Juniors and below are all welcome to apply as we ramp up our 2019 team. The ring light is just the beginning of the perks of membership.
As always, Be Fearless. Be Yourself. Hope to see you back here next week!
