Dumb Question about Umbrella Usage

[BigBlueDodge]

I'm almost too emabarassed to ask this, but since I've got my Genesis 200 lights, I'm heading into unexplored territory. With the kit, I got two translucent umbrellas, with an optional black cover.

I have been shooting with them in the translucent form (no out black covering). So far I have been pointing my flash directly at the subject, and letting the umbrella diffuse the light. But then I got to thinking if I'm supposed to be pointing the flash in the opposite direction of the subject, and shooting into the umbrella, and have it bounce back to my subject. Which way is correct? I assumed that since these were translucent umbrellas, that they were more "shoot thru" and not so much bounce (as a silver lined umbrella may be).

[queenbee288]

I am no expert but I have always assumed that the transluscent are for shooting through while pointed at your subject. If you want to bounce that is what the black cover is for I think. I am sure someone else will come along and verify.

[aridan]

If they are translucent you can shoot through them while you are pointing towards the subject. If you want to use your umbrella to bounce it back to the subject, you'll need a black cover to go on the back of the umbrella to stop the light from going through it.