THE WHITE SHOOT-THROUGH UMBRELLA

White translucent umbrellas are used as an inexpensive and effective way to spread out a light that will cover approximately a 1.5 yard (1.4 meter) area.

Shoot through umbrellas are, in our opinion, the best type of lighting modifier for beginning flash photographers.  The reason we like using these umbrellas is that they create very soft light, they are inexpensive, and they have a wide enough lighting pattern that they are easy to position and aim.  Using a shoot through can cover up a lot of rookie mistakes made by newer flash photographers.

The drawback to this and all types of umbrella is that they are easily breakable.  If there is any wind when using these on-location, the spokes can be broken, or it could catch the wind and knock over the light stand.

One tip to keep in mind when using this type of umbrella is to flip down the small on-flash diffuser onto the flash head so that the light is spread across the entire size of the umbrella.

THE SILVER REFLECTIVE UMBRELLA

Silver reflective umbrellas throw light EVERYWHERE within a 180 degree radius.  The wide and even pattern of light created by a silver umbrella makes them perfect for lighting groups, though they have less application for shooting portraits of individuals or couples, because it is difficult to achieve good shadows with this type of umbrella.

Unlike shoot-through umbrellas that are placed between the flash and the model, silver reflective umbrellas function by pointing the flash away from the group, and then the silver umbrella bounces the light back onto the people.

Silver umbrellas are my go-to tool for shooting family reunions and groups.  I simply set up the camera on a tripod about 15 to 20 feet (6.1 meters) from the group, then I set up one reflective umbrella on a light stand to either side of me.  This setup always produces simple even lighting for larger groups.