Dramatic Light with Umbrellas

Straight out of camera image from my Simply Stunning One Light Demo at Houston Camera Exchange, Sponsored by Fujifilm

Umbrellas are such incredibly versatile modifiers!!

They are often labeled as "throwing light everywhere," but they are underrated as a soft, dramatic light source. You just need to understand the fundamentals of light science to achieve the results you want!

What makes umbrella images dramatic?

— Bring the umbrella CLOSE

This is the inverse square law...a fancy way of saying the light "falls off" (or goes to shadow) more quickly, the closer it is to your subject.

— FEATHER the umbrella

More fancy photographer terms for simply turning the umbrella! Aim it away from the backdrop to keep all of it from going directly onto the backdrop.

— PLAN your set

Drama isn't only about the light. Match your lighting to your backdrop, styling and posing. Use them together to create drama.

All images displayed are straight out of camera, using an FJ400 along with a Westcott 43” Deep Umbrella with Diffusion.

SETTINGS: ISO 100, f/1.7. 1/125
GFX100s II + GF55mm, Using REALA ACE film simulation

The backdrop is Babydream Heirloom Garden Joy. Special thanks to model @wanderlosttraveler for her talent on set!