All about flash umbrellas

What is a flash umbrella?

A flash umbrella combines the simplicity and the shape of a normal umbrella with the possibilities of a diffuser or reflector in order to achieve the desired effect on your subject. They are therefore also extremely suitable for using as a basis for changing the influence of the flash light on your composition. The umbrella is easily attached to a lighting stand or possibly to the flash itself.

Flash umbrella as diffuser

Flash umbrellas come in various dimensions and colours. Often, the functionalities of the umbrella are combined by a white and black side. The white side serves as a diffuser and is hung in front of the flash. The flash goes through the umbrella, so the light is weakened and a softer lighting on the subject is possible. The shape of the umbrella is a determining factor for the surface which is found within the light beam. The working of a diffuser umbrella is comparable to that of a softbox and therefore also ensures that the eyes of people have a nice round and natural image.

Flash umbrella as reflector

With the reflector function of a flash umbrella, the inside of the umbrella is lined with reflective material (often in white, silver or gold) and the outside is black. As reflector the umbrella is aimed away from the subject, so that the light of the flash is reflected back onto the subject via the flash. The light beam is considerably widened as a result and so can be brought onto a large surface. For the effect of the different colours you can use the reflectors.

The umbrella box

As well as the flash umbrella with a screen like a normal umbrella, there is also the umbrella box, whereby the back has been closed. In this way, the result has many similarities to that of a softbox. However, the shape of an umbrella gives a different effect, since the reflection is moved over another surface. Via the inside, the light is reflected then it ends up on the subject via the translucent front.

What brand do you choose?

Do you want a particular brand? We have several top brands:

Jinbei | Interfit | Bresser | Westcott | Falcon-Eyes