Depends on the type of umbrella you have, shoot through can be used either way. Ones where there is a black backing on the umbrella will need to be placed so the hot light is pointing away from the person while the inside of the umbrella points toward them.
Shoot through umbrellas can be used either way, the quality of light will be different between the two configurations. Try experimenting to see the difference yourself.
As for distance the closer the umbrella is to the subject the softer the light will be, the further away the harder the light.
|