To reflect or not to reflect...

[BuS_RiDeR]

As someone who is just starting to get into and experiment with strobes..

What are your opinions on what is better: shoot through or reflector umbrellas? In What situations would one be used over the other?

And what about softboxes?

 

[clanthar]

Depends a lot on what you want to photograph.

For example any reflective product (ceramic, glass, etc.) will reflect the umbrella including the umbrella's ribs -- and that includes shoot thru. So you need a softbox there. If you're shooting people umbrella's are fine. I'd opt for reflective umbrellas as easiest and most versatile in that case.

Joe

 

[kundalini]

Shoot through and reflective umbrellas handle light similarly, but differently. Shoot through is softer, reflective is more contrasty. They're cheap enough, get one of each.

 

[BuS_RiDeR]

Thanks for the comments.