I've seen lots of people talk about and work with ring-flashes, or using ring-flash adapters for their speedlites. Some use them in single flash setups, both on-camera and off-camera, other use them in multi-light setups.
I understand the advantage of a ring flash in macro photography, but I've seen some portrait photographs with a ring-flash actually made (IMHO) subjects look worse than if I used bounced flash for example.
- What would be the advantages that I could gain if I used a ring-flash in portrait or wedding photography?
- Are there and what are possible disadvantages?
Answer
Ring flashes make for excellent fill-flash, especially when you're using a high, hard key. Usually that'd lead to severe raccoon-eyes, but with a ringflash you can lighten the shadows in the eye sockets without introducing a new, directional, lightsource. This guide goes over a couple of different scenarios using a ringflash as fill
It's also used as an on-axis key with the subject close to a wall, creating an even and somewhat flattering light along with a very distinct feathered shadow behind the subject. The look is very "in your face", so you'll often find it in alternative, editorial and glamour photography. Some examples can be found in this Strobist article
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