Lately, I've been using shoot-thru umbrellas fairly regularly. I've been doing this for a couple of reasons: First, it's really quick and easy to set them up-- Setting up softboxes takes time I don't always have. Second, when compared to a reflective umbrella, shoot-thru's keep the light way more controlled; not as controlled as a softbox but controlled enough for many situations and applications.
I should point out that I'm using shoot-thru umbrellas strictly for edge-lighting the model and not as a mainlight.
Shoot-thru umbrellas produce a soft, non-specular light. Depending on the size of the umbrella, the light they produce remains fairly contained and controlled. Reflective umbrellas, regardless of the color of the reflective surface or their size, tend to scatter the light everywhere and this can be a big problem. Usually, I don't have time (nor do I carry the gear with me) to set flags to limit their scatter and spill.
Another nice thing about shoot-thru umbrellas is they're inexpensive. Compare the cost of a medium-sized softbox to the cost of a similarly-sized shoot-thru umbrella and you'll quickly see the money you save might overcome the advantages of a softbox over this type of umbrella.
The pretty girl at the top is another image of Ciera from the same set as the pic in my previous update. In this image, the shoot-thru umbrella I used behind Ciera is visible. Looking at the brick wall, you can plainly see that the umbrella's scatter and spill remains fairly well contained, certainly way better than what you'd see from a reflective umbrella and good enough for government work, that's for sure.
3 comments:
Funny, your experience is diametrically opposed to mine. I prefer the reflective upbrellas with the black background and deeper shape.
I also have used Balcar umbrellas which are a true parabolic and don't scatter to the sides at all.
We really have to get together and do breakfast and play with lights one of these mornings.
Yep, love them too. Just 2 days ago did a studio shoot with a white background. Had a flash either side halfway between the model and the background with small shoot-thru's pointed at each other. Gave me nice bright and evenly lit background plus good hair & rim light, even for 3/4 length body shots. Move the model back & forward to vary the effect.
Another time recently, for a portrait, had a flash with shoot-through about 3' behind and above model on one side pointed over her her head and down to a white reflector in front of her on the other side.
Reflected light from the brolly lit the background, spill lit her hair, reflector provided main and a second reflector was used for fill. ..4 point lighting with one flash-head!
Drive a hard bargain when you buy them...33" shoot-thu's leave the factory in China for $1 :)
Interestingly, shoot-through umbrella is just another term for leaky reflector, as the wall behind the umbrella (from our vantage point) is brighter than the wall in front of the umbrella.
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