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Portrait Photography Essentials: Ring Light

This post contains an affiliate link that can earn me a small commission at no cost to you.

It’s a great way to share tools I use and love!

alternative gothic fashion portrait photography

One of my favorite investments in photography equipment has been the Neewer Ring Light!

Great Light for Photography & Video

This ring light is great for not only fill light, but serves as a wonderful key light for portraits and YouTube videos!

I have been using this ring light for years and have used it religiously for the videos on the BlessedShadows YouTube channel for makeup tutorials.

Let’s break down what makes this ring-light a great addition to any photography or video studio, and what could be improved on.

Pros:

  • Continuous Light
    • Because this light is not flash, what you see is what you get!
  • Adjustable Angle
    • This light is adjustable when fixed to a light stand.
    • Easily angle the light up or down
  • 7.5’ Cord
  • Lightweight
    • This light is under 7 lbs, however, I recommend a sturdy and heavy-duty light stand that’s weighed down to help avoid accidentally knocking it over or it otherwise falling over

Cons:

  • Light Cannot be Dimmed
    • One can buy a diffuser cover to go over this light, but I wish the ring light itself was dimmable
  • Runs Hot
    • This light is 75 watts, and when the model is standing close, it can get a bit warm as it’s a fluorescent light
    • I recommend turning off the power when not in immediate use, like when touching up makeup, changing the backdrop, etc

This Neewer Ring Light is a 8/10 in my studio, and is a great piece of equipment when you don’t want to shoot portraits with flash (exclusively or at all).

Because it’s continuous light, it’s perfect for filming YouTube videos.

What’s your favorite lighting equipment to use for portrait photography and video?

by Ophelia

Getting Started in Self Portrait Photography | What I Would do if I was Starting Over

What advice would I give to those starting self portrait photography?

What would I do different if I was starting over today?

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Advice for New Photographers

  • You don’t need the newest DSLR. In fact, the best camera to start with is a camera phone. You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a DSLR and different portrait lenses to get great portraits. Most of my self portraits these days are taken on my smartphone.
  • If you want to experiment with different lenses, you can buy inexpensive clip-on lenses for your smartphone camera.
  • You don’t need fancy lights or flashguns either. Cheap room lights work well, as well as inexpensive ring lights. Experiment with different angles and distance in relation to you.
  • You don’t need a backdrop rig with expensive backdrops. Easy backdrops can be made by lying on a blanket on the floor of tacking a blanket/curtain to your studio wall.
  • Invest in a selfie stick, tripod, and Bluetooth camera release remote. These tools will get you far.
  • Focus on building your skills, not spending money on equipment. There’s no shortcut to great portraits.
  • Get comfortable in front of the camera by practicing a LOT. Get comfortable doing your own hair, makeup, and wardrobe styling by practicing a LOT.
  • Source backdrops (blankets/curtains), wardrobe and props from thrift shops. You’ll find something unique and save money.
  • Find a solid group of apps to use. My most essential apps for editing self portraits are Lightroom and Facetune with occasional use of Mextures and Procreate Pocket.
  • Get your own website to share your art. If you do more risqué portraits, upload teasers on Facebook and IG so you don’t get reported. You want a portfolio where people can find your work where YOU are in control.
  • Back up your portraits. Get yourself a thumb drive that attaches to your phone. Then backup your photography work both on a computer and a hard drive.

If I Was Starting my Photography Career Over

Honestly, if I was starting over I would do it more from a financial perspective.

I spent so much money on DSLR bodies, different lenses, backdrops, umbrellas, lighting and more to try and be more professional, but all this equipment ran up my credit card bill and slowed down my creation process.

And when it’s harder to create, the less we create.

The more time it takes to create, the less we can create.

📷

I would keep down to the basics:

  • Camera phone will cheap plan
  • Selfie stick
  • Clip on portrait lens
  • Tripod
  • Bluetooth remote
  • Thrifted wardrobe and blankets for backdrops

We truly don’t need to spend so much money to look professional.

We need to spend our time creating, practicing, and upgrading our equipment when necessary instead of when we think we can get a shortcut.

📷

I hope this helps!

Self portrait photography is one of my greatest passions in life!

Let’s get creative and make some art.

by Ophelia

Tips for Better Self-Portraits: Photography How-To

Tips for better self portrait photos and selfies

Would You Love to Take Better Selfies and Self-Portraits?

You’re in the right studio!

I’m Ophelia, and I’ve been specializing in self portrait photography for the last five years!

The following tips contain an affiliate link for a studio staple.

Betty Page inspired self-portrait photography

Take Better Self-Portraits and Selfies

  • Start Simple.
    • Remember that we don’t need the most expensive or the newest equipment! I’ve done photoshoots with DSLRs and extra lenses, as well as with an iPod and and iPhone. We can get great results with a variety of tools, so let’s start with what we already have, if able.
  • Play with Available Lighting.
    • Natural light is often regarded as the most beautiful to work with, and it’s free! Shoot near a window or in the shade for beautiful, softened light.
    • If shooting in darker interiors, great results can also be achieved with standard floor lamps. If the lamplight is too harsh, try using an umbrella or thin cloth to diffuse the light. (Be safe whenever covering bulbs, even for a short period of time. Never leave unattended or allow anything to touch the lightbulb).
  • Add Fill Light
    • Adding fill light is a great way to take better control of your lighting, and keep shadows from getting too harsh or dark.
    • Use a white foam-core board or reflector to bounce light back onto yourself. Try switching between white, silver (aluminum foil is helpful in a pinch), and gold to see what looks best and complements the color scheme you’re using the most.
    • A second floor lamp or a Neewer ring light work great for adding fill light!
  • Play with Angles, Shapes, Poses and More
    • Experimenting is the key to success. Try different poses and shapes with your figure, play with angles, move your studio lights to different sides and heights, etc.
    • Keep your hands busy. Give yourself a prop to interact with, play with your hair, etc., to give more life to photos and create a feeling of movement.
    • Create an S shape. Shift your stance and poses to create beautiful S-curves. Be over-dramatic with poses and experiment with creating different shapes.
Self portrait photograph showing the S-curve that makes for beautiful poses
  • Keep Snapping Photos
    • Practice, practice, practice! Staying consistent and shooting self-portraits on a regular basis will help you develop your skill and give you more opportunities to experiment.
    • Shoot a variety of shots during each photoshoot. Try photographing close-ups, silhouettes, moody, bright, emotive, black and white shots, etc. You never know what new angle or technique you’ll fall in love with.
  • Use a Timer
    • Use the automatic timer on your phone or camera, or get a wireless shutter remote.
    • Use burst mode along with your timer (so the camera takes multiple photos) and change position as the shutter releases. You’ll get a variety of pictures with a flow to them.
  • Know what You Love About Self-Portraits
    • What’s your favorite part about modeling for your own photoshoots? This can help you determine what to focus on the most.
    • Are you passionate about makeup? Close-up, detailed, and colorful portraits may be your go-to.
    • Do you love sharing your fashion style? Try shooting editorial shots inspired by your favorite fashion magazines.
  • Review Your Photoshoot Results
    • What worked with the photoshoot?
    • What didn’t?
    • What do you want to try or do better next time?
What are Your Tips for Improving Your Photography?

Share your best advice in the comments!

Don’t forget to share this with fellow creatives, models and photographers~!

More Tips & Advice

Getting Started in Self-Portrait Photography

Portrait Photography Must-Haves

by Ophelia

Cosplay Essentials : Silicone Muscle Suit | Geralt

Closet Cosplay of The Witcher

Fake Muscle Chestpiece

This closet-cosplay test of Geralt from The Witcher is still one of my favorite photoshoots!

This self-portrait is the first use of this Silicone Chest Suit that you can find through this affiliate link!

Cosplay test of Geralt from The Witcher

The link to this Silicone Chest Suit will give Yours Truly a small commission on applicable purchases!

Silicone Muscular Suit

This product has been one of my favorite purchases, despite not using it too terribly often!

Review so Far:

8/10

  • A bit warm to wear. Silicone definitely doesn’t breathe, so this item may be best suited for colder months or a temp-controlled studio
  • Hard to get in and out of. Wearing a lightweight undershirt goes a long way to make this easier (as well as a beanie to protect your hair). It takes a little practice, and you may feel like Ace Ventura in that scene with the rhino…
  • Beautiful matte skin. I was worried about the silicone being shiny, but it photographs beautifully!
  • Looks natural and realistic enough
  • Beware of seams and wrinkles. Seams can easily be covered by parts of the costume or edited out. Depending on the pose, double-check places like the shoulders and neck for odd foods/wrinkles.

All in all, I’m very glad I added this cosplay item to my studio wardrobe, and I look forward to putting it to good use during the cooler months!

Geralt the Witcher crossplay photography
by Ophelia

Handmade Venetian Inspired Masquerade Masks | OOAK Couture

Handmade, ornate paper masquerade masks. Inspired by the Venetian masks, these OOAK creations were made with love by an Italian American. Available with free shipping in the BlessedShadows Etsy shop

Ornate Handmade Masks

OOAK hand-painted Venetian masks, made by yours truly~

Shop One of a Kind Creations

Handmade Venetian Inspired Masquerade Mask featuring distressed gold and red, and beautiful gold relief detailing and crackle medium for a distressed look. Available in the BlessedShadows Etsy shop
Ornate, detailed handmade ball mask, featuring red acrylic paint and gold relief detailing.
Handmade OOAK masquerade mask

These gorgeous Venetian-inspired, hand-painted paper masks feature distressed elements and beautiful 3D gold detailing.

Perfect for any costume, masquerade party, or home decor.

Hand-painted and meticulously detailed over several days, as each step requires ample time to dry.

OOAK creations made by an Italian American.

Details

⭐️Good-to-Know

-All masks sold separately while supplies last.

-Each mask is a one-of-a-kind creation (OOAK)

-Colors may vary slightly depending on your screen.

⭐️Sizing

-Size: Adult/female: one size fits most.

-White elastic cord for comfortable wearing.

-Masks measure about 6.75”x 8.75”x 3” deep (Allow for size variations of about 0.5”)

⭐️Painting

-Hand painted with acrylic paints.

-Sealed with semi-matte topcoat.

-3D gold detailing.

-Select masks feature the use of crackle medium.

⭐️Packaging & Shipping

-Masks are stored and shipped in cling wrap and tissue paper for protection.

-Masks are mailed in rigid boxes, marked to be handled with care. Repurposed boxes are used when available.

-Get tracking for your order as soon as it ships!

⭐️Storage

-Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

Shop handmade accessories, couture, jewelry and more in the Blessed Shadows Etsy shop
Shop BlessedShadows
by Ophelia