Originally posted by Digitalis If you can't spot the difference between a ringflash and a pop up flash, then you have much to learn about lighting. A ringflash is considerably bigger than a pop-up flash, this causes the shadows to be considerably softer - and the distinctive shadows that only ringflash can produce.
Yes, Digitalis, I'm aware of that. At the distance you need to be for a portrait however, the size of the macro ring flash becomes so close to a point source it is very nearly the same as the light from the popup flash. Think of the sun: it's a huge freakin' light source, yet because it's so far away it looks like a point source.
You can see for yourself by inspecting the catchlights from a popup and a macro ring flash in the eyes of a portrait subject, taken at 6-8 feet. I agree that I actually prefer the subtle difference of the ring light in that case, but both produce fairly hard, unflattering light, not pleasant on the skin of older folks. Okay for a 20-something model with great skin and makeup.
As for my having much to learn about lighting: sure I do; lots. As do we all.
Feel free to take a look at my feeble attempts here ... (1st few are NSFW, so watch out.)