Umbrellas -black/silver or white??

[Lori H]

Which kind of reflector umbrella is better?? black with silver lining or the white ones?? Anybody have an opinion??

[OsmosisStudios]

Black won't reflect much light: white reflects most of the light nice and soft, silver reflects almost all the light but is harsher.

[natek313]

I use a convertible umbrella (i.e., I can use it as a shoot-through umbrella and reflector umbrella) with a white satin lining. I have no complaints so far.

[Benji]

Originally Posted by Lori H

Which kind of reflector umbrella is better?? black with silver lining or the white ones?? Anybody have an opinion??

White reflects about 90% of the light that is directed into it, silver about 97% so white will be softer than the silver when at the same distance from the subject. I use white exclusively as I want the softest light possible.

Benji

[i speak in math]

There is also the wrap to take into consideration. If you are using a black/silver, you will have harder and more directed light, but it will wrap around the subject in a pleasing manner. If you are using white as a shoot through, you will have softer light, more spill, but can get closer to the subject. There isn't much wrap to either.

Solution: get both and try them out. Decide which you prefer.

[WooD]

Originally Posted by natek313

I use a convertible umbrella (i.e., I can use it as a shoot-through umbrella and reflector umbrella) with a white satin lining. I have no complaints so far.

+1........

[FormElement]

One more thing. White shoot through literally sprays light all over, and will fill a room with backwash. That can be good or bad. When I need to get a bigger source but cannot just spray light everywhere (like to keep my background isolated), I use the reflector in as tight as I can get it. When I can afford to spray light around I go with the shoot through. I'm about halfway to needing a big AB zeus ring octa or big softie though. I'll be there the very first day I that I actually have to get the shot for real money. There is no substitute that I know.