Umbrellas: Shoot-through or reflect?

[markubig]

Hi all -

Off-shoe lighting is a new thing for me. gonna try it with my Speedlite. Already have stands and umbrella bracket w/ the flash shoe.

My question is what's the biggest difference between the shoot-through umbrella and the reflector umbrella. Will be doing mostly portraits.

Thanks, in advance, for your help.

[canonphotog]

Shoot thru provides softer light that reflecting out of the umbrella.

[SYS]

I'm no expert in this subject, but from my extensive reading in this forum, the main difference seems to be that the shoot-through umbrella yields softer images... I just ordered a Westcott 43" White Satin Umbrella with removable black cover that is collapsible.

[markubig]

I'm no expert in this subject, but from my extensive reading in this forum, the main difference seems to be that the shoot-through umbrella yields softer images... I just ordered a Westcott 43" White Satin Umbrella with removable black cover that is collapsible. what is the significance of keeping the black cover on?

[SoaringUSAEagle]

what is the significance of keeping the black cover on?

You are able to use that particular umbrella as a shoot through or as a typical umbrella which reflects the light.

[SYS]

what is the significance of keeping the black cover on?

This umbrella offers double duties: it works as a reflective umbrella with the black cover on, and it works as shoot-through with the cover off. Oh, I should have said triple duties, as it could be used for its original purpose, shielding yourself from the rain! ;)

[markubig]

lol thanks

[David B12]

When bouncing the flash off the umbrella, the black cover prevents the light from passing through and spilling into the room.

[Zebceponaf]

shoot through umbrellas allow you get the brollie much closer than the bounce type.

closer=bigger=softer

[transcend]

The black cover doesn't really help with the reflection. Black doesn't reflect light, it absorbs it. White umbrellas usually reflect 50% of light and let 50% pass through.

The black cover simply helps control spill when using it reflected so the light doesn't blast thought and reflect off your red wall for example.

[Jarrad]

Shooting through, especially with a relatively small light source, makes for a less even cast of light. Much hotter in the center than the edges.

[tjloeb]

http://strobist.blogspot.com/

Rethinking the Umbrella by Dave Hobby the guru of small flash lighting has just been posted on the Strobist Blog.

Just the information you where looking for.

[Faolan]

If you want more focused light then use a bounce umbrella, also the silver backing (if you go that route) gives more specular lighting.

I use mostly a shoot through umbrella with my flash guns, and either a reflector for fill or a small softbox. When outdoors I'm more likely to use the bounce umbrellas (particularly the silvers) rather than shoot through to maximise the light hitting the subject. Indoors you want some of the environment to be lit and the lighting to be softer that's why I use the shoot through here.

The shoot through umbrella is about 43" and the Bounce umbrellas are about 40".

[markubig]

http://strobist.blogspot.com/

Rethinking the Umbrella by Dave Hobby the guru of small flash lighting has just been posted on the Strobist Blog.

Just the information you where looking for. Thanks for reminding me about this sight:D

[llie19]

When bouncing the flash off the umbrella, the black cover prevents the light from passing through and spilling into the room.

so is this the only reason? because adding a black cover does not increase the amount of light reflected, as black material does not reflect any light back.

i am curious, when flash is fired into a white or satin umbrella with no black cover, how much light is reflected and how much is shot through to the other side?

[llie19]

The black cover doesn't really help with the reflection. Black doesn't reflect light, it absorbs it. White umbrellas usually reflect 50% of light and let 50% pass through.

The black cover simply helps control spill when using it reflected so the light doesn't blast thought and reflect off your red wall for example.

ok this one answers my questions.