What Are Lighting Umbrellas & How Are They Used in Photography?
Lighting umbrellas are a relatively inexpensive, portable way for photographers to control the lighting in their photographs. They come in several types, and are commonly used in portrait photography. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types
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The classic lighting umbrella is constructed like an ordinary umbrella, but has a reflective inner lining--usually silver-colored--to diffuse a light source. Translucent white umbrellas are also available--these can either reflect the light source or allow some of the light to pass through them.
Uses
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Umbrellas are normally used to soften the light from an off-camera flash, reducing its harshness. Moving the umbrella closer to the source can amplify the source and narrow its focus, while moving the away decreases light intensity and widens focus.
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Cost
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Photography umbrellas can be used for many of the same purposes as photography light boxes, but cost significantly less. A light box can be several times more costly than a similar-sized umbrella. Umbrellas are often less durable than light boxes, however.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
