DIY Ringlight - My Favorite Portrait Studio Photography Light You Can't Buy

In this video I'm going to show you how to build/make probably the best light you could ever have for under $100. This is a DIY ringlight video that is part woodworking, part photography, and all made to help you create a flattering beauty mirror-esque light for soft delicate beautiful portraits.

I did a ton of research on DIY ringlights before settling on this unique design. I originally built this version about five years ago and have shot with it extensively over the years. I selected some of the best elements from many ringlight tutorials I could find at the time, and came up with this customized version I created. Unlike other DIY ringlights that are perhaps too large to be practical, or too heavy to fit easily on a stand, this DIY is simple to pop on a basic light stand and start shooting.

This DIY ringlight is a continuous light, and not a strobe. Thus, you can shoot extremely shallow depth of field portraits that give a delicate and cozy nature to your portraits. Add an optional dimmer switch (and bulbs that are dimmable) and you can dial down the light output to any level you'd like for true control. The total cost of this light is less than $100, and it should take about 1-2 hours to build. The woodworking portion of this build may be a challenge for some, but you can do it! This video covers everything needed from start-to-finish as I build a new one from scratch.

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So whether you're an amateur/hobbyist, or even a professional photographer, you may find some value in creating this DIY ringlight for a nice weekend project. As I say in the video, this light is the gift that keeps on giving, and produces unique images that I personally love.

0:00 - Intro
1:09 - What Does this DIY Ringlight Look Like?
3:42 - What Parts Do You Need?
8:16 - Step 1 - Marking Your 24" Square
11:42 - Step 2 - Creating the Ring
19:17 - Step 3 - Cut the Ring
23:26 - Step 4 - Marking the Light Sockets
28:42 - Step 5 - Drilling the Holes
32:08 - Step 6 - Cutting the Base
40:32 - Step 7 - Attach the Base
44:27 - Step 8 - Wiring the Sockets
53:23 - Step 9 - Buying the Right Bulbs
58:38 - Final Thoughts

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Have any questions or want some additional information that I forgot to include? Just leave me a message in the comments and I'll be happy to answer them. Thanks for watching!

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MENTIONED PRODUCTS
Leviton 167 Medium Base, Two-Piece, Keyless, Incandescent, Phenolic Lampholder: https://amzn.to/3idDjYJ
SlimLine 2237 Flat Plug Extension Cord, 2-Wire, 13-Foot: https://amzn.to/3BNeIle
LENOX Tools Hole Saw, 1-3/8-Inch: https://amzn.to/3i62095
Birch Plywood (Common: 1/4 in. x 2 ft. x 4 ft.): https://tinyurl.com/4rm7ff5n
Light Stand End Cap Kit: https://amzn.to/3i7NGNy
Amazon Plywood Option:
Baltic Birch Plywood - 1/4" thick, 24" x 30": https://amzn.to/3zHFdqm
EcoSmart 40-Watt Equivalent A19 Dimmable Eco-Incandescent Light Bulb Soft White (4-Pack): https://tinyurl.com/yca9fx9d
Amazon Bulb option:
GE Relax 4-Pack 40 W Equivalent Dimmable Warm White A19 LED Light Fixture Light Bulbs: https://amzn.to/3iRb7tK
Titebond 1414 16 Oz Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue: https://amzn.to/3BMNz1v
X-Acto No 1 Precision Knife: https://amzn.to/3f4KCzL

NOTE Regarding the light bulbs and wiring. Please be safe. I use the "EcoSmart Dimmable Halogen A19 40w (29W actual) 380 Lumens frosted Soft White (4 Pack)" bulbs linked above to the Home Depot. I purchased mine locally at Home Depot, but I know that some people prefer ordering everything online on Amazon and the like, so an alternate GE bulb choice is also included above. LED-based bulbs should be fine provided they are properly dimmable, 40w-60w equivalent and soft white frosted bulbs. YMMV. Just remember to use low wattage bulbs in the 40w-60w maximum and you should be fine. You don't want to even remotely approach the maximum allowable wattage for the extension cord. If you try this with alternate/different bulbs that work, please feel free to report back in the comments, thanks!
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FTC DISCLOSURE:
No sponsors have paid for or provided any equipment or materials shown in this video. Links above often contain Amazon or other third-party affiliate links, just for full disclosure.