Photography umbrellas have a reflective surface to bounce light.
Photography is all about the light. When using artificial lighting such as strobes and spotlights, light modifiers are helpful for controlling the direction and quality of the light. One of the easiest modifiers to use is the umbrella. With an umbrella, the strobe is directed toward the umbrella, which bounces the light back toward the subject.
This bounced light changes your small and focused light source into a large and diffuse one, which is typically desired. The larger the light source, the softer the light.
Instructions
1. Slide the pole of the umbrella into the hole and socket made for this purpose on your light's reflector. Aim the light away from the subject. Adjust the angle and height of the light source to give the desired effect.
2. Move the first light so the umbrella rests at about a 45-degree angle toward the subject. Raise the height of the umbrella to slightly above the subject and angle it down so it faces your subject.
3. Adjust the second light to the opposite 45-degree angle, but keep it aimed at the subject. Lower the height of this light to slightly below the subject. Angle the umbrella so it aims upward toward the subject.
Tags: light source, toward subject, 45-degree angle, subject Adjust