Lighting Umbrellas for Photography

Umbrellas

Whether you’re using strobe lights or constant lights for your studio photography, you can use umbrellas as an easy and effective lighting modifier. With several types of umbrellas and a range of umbrella sizes to choose from, it’s not hard to find the perfect umbrella to suit your photographic needs.

Different Types of Photography Umbrellas

If you’re new to using photography umbrellas, the available options may seem quite similar at first glance. There are actually a few different kinds of umbrellas used in different ways to achieve a range of photographic looks. Here are the most common types to consider.

Shoot-Through Umbrellas

Shoot-through umbrellas are similar to soft boxes in some ways but are more portable and easier to use. Made of a translucent material, shoot-through umbrellas attach to the lighting fixture and aim the light directly at your subject. When using a shoot-through umbrella, you don’t have to worry about light falling off. Most of the light will reach your subject.

Reflector Umbrellas

Reflector umbrellas bounce the light toward your subject. When using reflector umbrellas, you aim the light away from the subject. You can adjust the color of the light by using a different reflective surface inside the umbrella. Gold and silver are the most common reflector colors, but white is also available for a more neutral lighting look.

Convertible Umbrellas

Convertible umbrellas offer the best of both worlds. You can use the inner translucent umbrella for shoot-through applications or use a removable reflector umbrella cover to bounce the light toward your subject.

Special Features in Photography Umbrellas

When purchasing a photography umbrella, size and configuration aren’t the only variables to consider. 

Umbrella Shape

Some umbrellas have a very shallow dish shape while others are much deeper. Deep or parabolic umbrellas throw light farther thanks to their shape. Other umbrellas have a more wing-like appearance to save space in smaller photo studios while maintaining the collapsibility and portability of a traditional umbrella.

Locking Mechanism

If you’ve ever fought to keep an umbrella open in the rain, it's easy to understand why a locking photography umbrella is a good idea. Ensure your umbrella stays put throughout your shoot with a locking mechanism.

Choose From Great Brands

For the most reliable photography umbrellas, consider shopping with respected brands like Elinchrom, Godox, Glow, Photoflex, Savage, and Westcott. Between their superior warranties and impressive product quality, buying umbrellas from these brands is always a wise choice.