Umbrella Suggestions?

[scottbergerphoto]

I want to upgrade my studio umbrellas. I currently have 3 Photoflex 45" white umbrellas and a 2'x4' softbox attachment. I usually do headshots and waist up shots. Any suggestions on better umbrellas?
Scott

[MediaMagic]

I want to upgrade my studio umbrellas. I currently have 3 Photoflex 45" white umbrellas and a 2'x4' softbox attachment. I usually do headshots and waist up shots. Any suggestions on better umbrellas?
Scott

I realize you asked specifically about upgrading umbrellas, but, the 45" Photoflex umbrellas are pretty darn decent. My suggestion for your those waist up or head shots would be to grab yourself a 45" or larger octabox.

My favorite setup for waist up: I like a 48" white umbrella on the main and the 47" octabox on the fill. I also use a smaller softbox for the hair light with a fabric grid (in place of honeycomb filters) and a shovel reflector for the backdrop.

Or, if you are wanting to stick strictly with an umbrella type setup, maybe check into a Brolly Box and see how you like it.

Just some possibilities/food for thought.

[DaveG]

I want to upgrade my studio umbrellas. I currently have 3 Photoflex 45" white umbrellas and a 2'x4' softbox attachment. I usually do headshots and waist up shots. Any suggestions on better umbrellas?
Scott

I'd be inclined to get umbrellas with different internal reflective material, rahter than switching brands. I've always used the foil like material and I've been happy, but the whiter kind of umbrella will thow a different kind of light. If you are using white, maybe try the foil.

Umbrellas are so cheap that you could get a few just to play with. I use 45" (I think) Photoflex umbrellas and I really don't think that there's much difference between brands. I do like the umbrellas that conceal the umbrella "spokes", which can throw a bit of a shadow. But other than that I'd say they are all pretty much the same. Perhaps a more expensive brand might be more durable, but they are inexpensive and I find, even for location work, that they get treated well.