umbrella reflection help

[ChunkyDA]

Is this reflection to be expected? can I move the umbrella farther away from flash to get more of the umbrella lit?
Thanks

580EXII with silver umbrella

[Curtis N]

That's one of the reasons many photographers prefer white umbrellas over silver, and prefer softboxes over umbrellas.

Silver umbrellas are generally more efficient, but most prefer white for image quality.

Softboxes are better yet, but more time-consuming to setup and tear down.

[ChunkyDA]

Thanks Curtis, I'll try the white next time.