An umbrella for photography is used to direct light to a subject. Umbrellas are commonly used for portraits and product photography. They act to soften the harsh light from a flash or light to give a soft, pretty glow to the subject.

Photography umbrellas are a cost effective way to control light for a photo shoot. While it’s possible to bounce light off a ceiling and light an entire room, they are meant more for portraits or close up shots. Umbrellas allow the photographer to direct the light to best flatter the subject. They also soften the light to reduce harsh highlights and shadows.

Umbrellas for photography come in two colors: silver or white. The white can be used to shoot through, but the silver is only used to bounce light. Silver umbrellas can reflect more light than a white umbrella can. The white does give a softer light, but the same effect can be achieved by moving the silver umbrella further away from the subject. Which color you choose is a personal preference, just remember the white will not reflect as much light as silver and you may need to compensate for this when shooting.

Umbrellas also come in translucent or reflective. The translucent material will let you shoot through it like a filter. Most people do not use umbrellas like this, so this is not an advantage for most photographers. The reflective material is more efficient at bouncing light back to the subject. If the light is too harsh, the umbrella can be moved back or adjusted to soften the light.

Photography umbrellas give the photographer more control of the light without using an expensive softbox. They soften the light to give a portrait a warm feel rather than a harsh, cold feeling. Silver reflective umbrellas are more effective at bouncing light than a translucent white umbrella. White umbrellas can also be used to shoot through like a filter. However, silver umbrellas are more effective and can be adjusted to give a softer light.

About author:
Chris Canham from canberra photography studio offers various services, wether you need a wedding photography or you run an event or want to take a photography of your family.