Tips for off camera flash through umbrella

[Taylor510ce]

I am just beginning to experiment with strobe light. I am doing outdoor photos of my wife and am using a Sunpak PZ42x through a 43" white westcott umbrella. I am looking for general tips and had a few specific questions.

1 - should I leave the flash at full power and just move the stand closer or subject closer/farther?

2 - what Zoom should I have my flash at? ( lower like 13mm or higher like 70mm ? )

I do have a second flash and trigger, so I may try two flashes, but am hoping to just use one for now and get used to that before going further.

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

[IgsEMT]

1 - should I leave the flash at full power and just move the stand closer or subject closer/farther?

adjust the power as you see fit. I keep mind during shoot-throughS at 1/4-1/2 depending on lighting conditions and my iso,f/,ss.

2 - what Zoom should I have my flash at? ( lower like 13mm or higher like 70mm ? )

midrange - too tight you'll loose the spread, too wide you'll loose light.

 

[gsgary]

The closer your umbrella is the softer the light will be if you move it away you get harder light

 

[Taylor510ce]

Thanks guys. I have been keeping it on 1/2 or 1/4 it seems but the zoom I was lost on. Makes sense though.