What have you heard about ring lights?
How are these lights used?
Why are ring lights so popular?
What are the benefits of using one?
According to Mr. Google, dentists first used the ring “flash” light in 1952 for dental photography. Dental clinics now use new and improved versions of the original to practice precise dentistry.
For decades, professional photographers used ring lights for portraiture. In the fashion industry, models could appear even more flawless in glamor shoots.
The benefits? A desk lamp alone tends to cast harsh shadows. A ring light creates a soft, even halo around the presenter’s face, creating the illusion of brighter eyes and a more flattering appearance.
Photo capture: Netflix.com
Politicians, broadcasters, and entertainers concerned with their appearance have used a ring light, discovering it works like makeup, reducing facial shadows and minimizing blemishes.
Eduardo Gorghetto Unsplash.com
Beginning in 2020, when the pandemic required social distancing, ring lights became even more popular. Social media mavens created podcasts or webinars at home, using ring lights (or an LED lamp) to cast themselves in a more favorable light. People all over the world have used ZOOM for business meetings. I’m certain an increasing number of Zoom-ers benefit from using ring lamps.
Zoom Video Communications, ring light demo
Based on the “twinkle” in the Chancellor’s eyes and face glow, the image of the redoubtable German leader from may have benefitted from the use of a ring light.
Merkel served as Germany’s chancellor from 2005-2021. This definitive biography of Angela Merkel, details “the extraordinary rise and political brilliance of a powerful—and elusive—woman” in the twenty-first-century world.
The book is a fascinating read.
A Reflection
I don’t own a ring light although I’m sure a ring of focused light would improve my appearance, smoothing out sags, erasing wrinkles and minimizing the bags under my eyes. Every morning, I wash my face and apply skin care, doing what I can to maintain a healthy, natural tone. Like my grand-daughter, I do look in the mirror too. If I think I don’t look so good, I’ll put on a quick smile. Even if it feels fake, it does improve my appearance–at least temporarily. A quick daub of lipstick, and I’m on with the day.
While I’m concerned with how I look in photos and videos, I have a greater concern, the blessing of the LORD shining on my countenance each day. This benediction speaks of light that flows from a divine source, one not of this world.
Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies’ sake. ~ Psalm 31:16 KJV
God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. ~ Psalm 67:1 KJV
And finally, the Aaronic blessing, a beautiful, divine blessing given by Aaron, the high priest, to bless the nation of Israel in the Hebrew testament.
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. ~ Numbers 6:24-26
Pre-order my book HERE!
What do you know about ring lights? Have you used one?
Are you familiar with the Aaronic blessing? Another meaningful blessing or benediction?
Good morning, Marian!
Yes, I know about ring lights, and no, I don’t have one. I do them, but I really don’t have a good set up for Zoom and videos.🙂
Cool video for your book!
Early Wednesday morning is a great time to meet. Thanks for joining me here so faithfully, Merril. About ring lights: I don’t have a good set up either, with my desk against a north-facing window. I’ll let Cliff know you like the video. 🙂
You’re welcome, Marian. 😊
Thank you for commenting so often on my posts, too.
No I don’t know anything about ring lights but thanks for the info Marian! If any lighting helps, I’m glad to know about it. In some mirrors I look better and grin, others I groan. A bit of lipstick always helps!
But you remind me of a beneficial light from a higher source and this gives me comfort and an attitude of gratitude for this beautiful day and for this I thank you too.
Susan, your contrast of grin-and-groan fits mine. Ha! And yes, finding God’s comfort with an attitude of gratitude are great ingredients for any day. 😀
ps lovely little video but no reveal of the author ie you!
Well, my name is on the book cover, but the painters didn’t get that far–ha! That will have to suffice for now. Thanks for noticing the details, Susan. 😀
Good post, Marian! You taught me something today. I had only heard of them/saw them on Shark Tank TV program. I’m like you, if I’m not satisfied with my look, I smile and it brightens the face. 🙂 I love the way you plugged in the blessing from Numbers–my Dad as deacon used to use it when he was doing the benediction. Love it. Blessings, Marian.
Regardless of how we look in the morning, it’s good to plug into the Aaronic blessing. It never disappoints. Thanks for sharing, Melodie! 😀
I’ve heard of ring lights, Marian. I don’t own one, however. They would make a good gift for a YouTuber. 😊
The Aaronic blessing is one that ended many a service at my church. 😊
Marian, like you, I don’t own a ring light, though I am sure I would benefit from one on Zoom calls. I had not heard Numbers 6 blessing called the Aaronic one before, so thanks for that name. It is my favorite biblical blessing.
I’m glad the Aaronic blessing includes a message of grace and a prayer for peace, hope for every day. Thank you, Shirley! 😀
Hi,
I don’t use ring light. Your verses out of the Bible reveals how I think about myself and how I look at myself. I find it pitiful that we are putting so much value on our outside appearance. The Only people that are profiting are the plastic surgeons and the people that are setting up prompts etc for ring light. It is not how you look on the outside but about your heart. Body purity comes from having a pure heart and not how you look on the outside.
Shalom shalom
My mother understand better than I that beauty comes from within. In fact, I quote her in my new memoir when we discussed my using beauty products years ago: “Mom continued, “I’m happy with the face God gave me. If He had wanted it different, He would have made me different.”
Peace to you as well, Pat!
I know what a light ring is, but I’ve never used one. I rely on the “improve my appearance” feature in Zoom. My favorite benediction is the one from Numbers. It’s the one my dad used at the end of the service.
I’m glad to know that you are familiar with the Numbers 6 benediction through your dad. And I did not know about the “improve my appearance” feature in Zoom. I’ll have to investigate that, Liz. Thank you! 😀
You’re welcome, Marian! Zoom can even put on lipstick–but if you move, your lipstick doesn’t stay on your mouth.
Oh, how funny! (And a dead giveaway!)
😀
I had a ring light but my granddaughter confiscated it!
Uh-oh! Now I wonder how she is benefitting from using it, Linda. 😀
I just read about the benefits of cucumbers on facebook. Amazing what this little vegetable can all do! I think Merkel is such a lovely person, she just glows from the inside out!
I have known that cucumbers are a healthy vegetable. Sometimes I have seen them placed on top of the eye to reduce swelling. I use them pickled–or in salads.
Yesterday, I began reading Merkel’s story. As you probably know, her father was a pastor–the progressive type, one I could probably could relate to. I agree: Her persistence is admirable. Thank you, Elfrieda! 😀
I had never heard of them Marian. Thanks for the information.I think at my time of life I would need a facelift to improve.Thank you for the interesting article.
Ha-ha! We are probably of similar age, and I suppose a facelift would help, but I haven’t the energy or the motivation to follow through right now. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Thank you, Joy! 😀
Hi, Marian! I agree that the best light for any appearance is the Lord’s face shining upon us. I love the Aaronic blessing. One of my favorite worship songs is that blessing set to music. I do use a ring light for Zoom meetings because it helps eliminate shadows. I don’t mind looking my age, and I never was a raving beauty, so it’s less for vanity and more for visibility. Now that I’ve heard of the “improve my appearance” feature of Zoom, perhaps I’ll add that to the “visibility” toolbox. Great article!
Patty, you inspired me to look this song up on YouTube, and behold, I found a rendition with lyrics sung by a Mennonite group, a cappella. I hope you will enjoy it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nxn6tmVSljU
Apparently, you have read the comments too and have been turned on to the “improve-my-appearance” feature on Zoom that Liz mentioned. I guess we’ll both benefit–ha! 😀
I’d consider investing in a ring light – if all my online video conversations weren’t with my church friends and writing friends, all of whom love me no matter how I’m lit. How lucky am I?
We used the Aaronic blessing at the end of every service in my childhood church – the sung version. In fact, I can’t read those words without the tune in my head. I didn’t know it was called the Aaronic blessing though. I learned!
You have good self-esteem, which comes through in your blog–and in this comment.
I knew that Aaron was Moses” brother, but I didn’t realize he was both a prophet and priest, so I learned something too. Thanks, Arlene!
I learnt something today…Thank you Marian I had never heard of ring lights an interesting and informative post 🙂
I like how we can share info on our blogs. I’m glad you learned something new on my blog today. Thanks for sharing, Carol! 😀
That’s the wonder of blogging for me 🙂
It looks like I’m another check in the “no” box for owning a ring light. After being so sick two years ago, I feel like I always look better than I once did. 🙂 In your photo of Merkel, you can totally spot the ring in her eyes – that’s a fun catch Marian. And I am always, ALWAYS on board with a strong female leader. Go Chancellor Merkel – bravo! I clicked on your Youtube link and enjoyed the musical version of the blessing. (P.S. I’ve pre-ordered your book. 🙂 ) Have a great day Marian!
Melanie, thanks for naming all the stuff you liked here; I’m thrilled when my readers benefit.
I checked out the book about Merkel from our city’s library as an e-book. The loan has expired and I’m only 1/3 of the way through and can’t renew. Maybe I’ll wait a few days and try again.
And huge thanks for pre-ordering my book. You made my day! 😀
Happy to do it! 😊
Hi Marian, I didn’t know about ring lights. I must see if I can get one for my YT videos. PS your video is fabulous.
Robbie, you can, of course, invest in a ring light, but Liz (a blogger who commented above) suggested an easier fix: using the “improve my appearance” feature in Zoom. You can find it in settings/video. It works wonders!
I’ll tell Cliff you like his video creation. 😀
Hi Marian, I’ll have a look at that Zoom feature. Thank you. Cliff is brilliant.
I know of ring lights but don’t have one. I realize they’re helpful, making a person look better on the screen, but with my eyes being so sensitive to light using one sounds like a bad idea for me. Love the may “The Lord make his face shine upon thee… and give thee peace” quote. That’s how church always ended when I was a girl. Amen, sister.
I won’t be getting a ring light either. A big smile (or just a pleasant expression) can do the trick. Glad you enjoyed the blessing, Ally! 😀
Your checkered memoir video is AWESOME SAUCE (just heard that expression and it’s perfect for here). No, never heard of the ring light. Women (and men) should learn to love themselves and their appearance AS IS – a smile is all the light that’s needed.
And yes, I’ve heard the Aaronic blessing a multitude of times and breathe it in every time. It’s glorious. xo
I noticed your pleasant Gravatar photo. It looks “glow-y”! Is it new?
And I agree: “Women (and men) should learn to love themselves and their appearance AS IS.” Thanks for chiming in, Pam! 😀
Hi Marian.
I am familiar with the ring light. My son, Brad, uses one when he has an audition. Since Covid he can record his auditions from home. He even packs it when he travels in case he gets an audition. New technology!
Good for Brad! Your may have noticed that Liz, one of my commenters above mentioned the “Improve my appearance” feature on ZOOM. It’s less expensive than a ring light and appears to be just as effective. However, it may not work very well if the face is too far away from the computer screen/camera.
Thanks for stopping by to comment, Bonnie! 😀
Hi Marian – this is an interesting post and interesting to me. My son uses a ring light when he live streams. That’s the first time I heard about them. We all want to look our best!
Yes, Liz, and one of the previous commenters mentioned using the “Improve my appearance” feature on Zoom calls. It’s cheaper than a ring light and definitely less expensive than plastic surgery–ha! Thanks for chiming in, Barbara! 😀
Oh, I didn’t know Zoom had that feature. I know how to blur the background, but not my wrinkles!
That Zoom feature adds more light to your face and helps minimize wrinkles. By the way, I never noticed any wrinkles on YOU. And that’s the truth. 😀
Haha – they’re there! 🙂
That video is brilliant. So cute. I have never heard of ring lights before.
I heard of ring lights only recently but I prefer Liz’s less expensive suggestion of adjusting the lighting on our faces during Zoom calls. (See “settings” on the Video tab.) I’m glad you liked the video. Cliff likes to experiment with new tools; I’ll make sure he sees this.
Thanks, Darlene! 😀
I agree that the best light for any appearance is the Lord’s face shining upon us. I love the Aaronic blessing. One of my favorite worship songs is that blessing set to music.
Thanks for stopping by, Tyler. Yes, I agree: This song bring such comfort. Here it is set to music by an a cappella chorus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nxn6tmVSljU
Do visit again! 😀
Amazing! I’ve never heard of a ring light and depend on a good night’s sleep and natural light. No wonder I look so lousy on Zoom. I used a small amount of make-up for photos and the TEDx talk when my book came out, but realized even lipstick doesn’t suit my way of living. The Aaronic Blessing is our best bet. Nice video!
I too choose a good night’s sleep, hard to come by some nights. And I do agree, the Aaronic Blessing is our best bet, Elaine. I’m glad you liked the snazzy video, not my creation. 😀