Uploaded July 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this video, I'll demonstrate how to create a dramatic portrait using three different types of umbrella modifiers. These versatile tools not only add depth and separation but also showcase the affordability and ease of use that umbrellas bring to professional photography setups.
First, what is an umbrella light modifier?
--
An umbrella light modifier refers to an umbrella used in studio photography to modify and control the light from a light source, such as a flash or continuous light. It typically consists of a fabric stretched over a frame that can be positioned between the light source and the subject. Umbrella modifiers come in different types, such as reflective and shoot-through umbrellas:
1. **Reflective Umbrella:** This type reflects the light back towards the subject, providing a soft and diffused light.
2. **Shoot-Through Umbrella:** Here, the light source shines through the umbrella's translucent material, creating a softer, more dispersed light.
---
⭐⭐⭐
If you'd like to see more setups featuring umbrellas check out my Umbrella LIghting Guide 👉 https://lindsayadler.photo/umbrellas
⭐⭐⭐
1:58 Lighting setup (main light)
4:26 Hairlight
5:40 Background light
8:44 Getting the shot
💡Lighting (3)
(1) Main Light: A medium silver umbrella positioned to the left of the subject, closed down to control light spill and create a more concentrated, defined light on the subject's face. This umbrella is used without diffusion to maintain a specular, crisp quality suitable for a dramatic portrait.
(2) Hair Light: A medium-sized umbrella with diffusion, positioned behind and above the subject ("boomed out"), aimed to provide a "kiss" of light atop of the subject's hair. This umbrella provides a softer, more even light for separation and a classic hair light effect.
(3) Background Light: A small shoot-through umbrella positioned behind the subject, aimed at the background. This umbrella has a bit of diffusion and also bounces some light back towards the subject, enhancing the overall lighting setup and creating a gradient effect on the background.
🖌 Post Processing
✅ Converted images to black and white in Capture One
✅ Adjusted clarity and contrast to refine the monochrome look
📸 Camera Settings:
✅ 1/200
✅ F/8
✅ ISO 200
📸 Gear Used:
✅ Canon EOS R5: https://prf.hn/l/7oZobqW/
✅ Canon 24-105mm 2.8 RF: https://prf.hn/l/55AEzkR/
✅ Profoto D2: (discontinued, linking to new D3): https://prf.hn/l/K9ENnmk/
✅ Profoto D3: https://prf.hn/l/K9ENnmk/
✅ Profoto Deep Silver Umbrella, Medium: https://prf.hn/l/Kmgoye0/
✅ Profoto Deep White Umbrella, Medium: https://prf.hn/l/o3menjA/
✅ Profoto Medium Umbrella Diffuser: https://prf.hn/l/lQAV1JW/
✅ Profoto Small Shallow Umbrella: https://prf.hn/l/550gZmj/
✅ Profoto Air Remote: https://prf.hn/l/Kz4yPNW/
✅ Avenger D600 boom arm: https://prf.hn/l/EJDBPD2/
✅ Savage C-Stand: https://prf.hn/l/kV0wEB3/
✅ Tether Tools TetherBoost Pro 31' USB-C to Micro-B Cable, Orange Right Angle: https://prf.hn/l/6kvRQlz/
✅ Gravity Backdrops Canvas Textured Blue: https://lindsayadler.photo/gravitybackdrops
----
👉 Portfolio: lindsayadlerphotography.com
👉 Instagram: instagram.com/lindsayadler_photo
👉 Facebook: facebook.com/lindsayadlerphotography
👉 Twitter: twitter.com/lindsayadler
👉 Education: learn.lindsayadlerphotography.com
Some of the links in this description contain affiliate links to partners.
In this video, I'll demonstrate how to create a dramatic portrait using three different types of umbrella modifiers. These versatile tools not only add depth and separation but also showcase the affordability and ease of use that umbrellas bring to professional photography setups.
First, what is an umbrella light modifier?
--
An umbrella light modifier refers to an umbrella used in studio photography to modify and control the light from a light source, such as a flash or continuous light. It typically consists of a fabric stretched over a frame that can be positioned between the light source and the subject. Umbrella modifiers come in different types, such as reflective and shoot-through umbrellas:
1. **Reflective Umbrella:** This type reflects the light back towards the subject, providing a soft and diffused light.
2. **Shoot-Through Umbrella:** Here, the light source shines through the umbrella's translucent material, creating a softer, more dispersed light.
---
⭐⭐⭐
If you'd like to see more setups featuring umbrellas check out my Umbrella LIghting Guide 👉 https://lindsayadler.photo/umbrellas
⭐⭐⭐
1:58 Lighting setup (main light)
4:26 Hairlight
5:40 Background light
8:44 Getting the shot
💡Lighting (3)
(1) Main Light: A medium silver umbrella positioned to the left of the subject, closed down to control light spill and create a more concentrated, defined light on the subject's face. This umbrella is used without diffusion to maintain a specular, crisp quality suitable for a dramatic portrait.
(2) Hair Light: A medium-sized umbrella with diffusion, positioned behind and above the subject ("boomed out"), aimed to provide a "kiss" of light atop of the subject's hair. This umbrella provides a softer, more even light for separation and a classic hair light effect.
(3) Background Light: A small shoot-through umbrella positioned behind the subject, aimed at the background. This umbrella has a bit of diffusion and also bounces some light back towards the subject, enhancing the overall lighting setup and creating a gradient effect on the background.
🖌 Post Processing
✅ Converted images to black and white in Capture One
✅ Adjusted clarity and contrast to refine the monochrome look
📸 Camera Settings:
✅ 1/200
✅ F/8
✅ ISO 200
📸 Gear Used:
✅ Canon EOS R5: https://prf.hn/l/7oZobqW/
✅ Canon 24-105mm 2.8 RF: https://prf.hn/l/55AEzkR/
✅ Profoto D2: (discontinued, linking to new D3): https://prf.hn/l/K9ENnmk/
✅ Profoto D3: https://prf.hn/l/K9ENnmk/
✅ Profoto Deep Silver Umbrella, Medium: https://prf.hn/l/Kmgoye0/
✅ Profoto Deep White Umbrella, Medium: https://prf.hn/l/o3menjA/
✅ Profoto Medium Umbrella Diffuser: https://prf.hn/l/lQAV1JW/
✅ Profoto Small Shallow Umbrella: https://prf.hn/l/550gZmj/
✅ Profoto Air Remote: https://prf.hn/l/Kz4yPNW/
✅ Avenger D600 boom arm: https://prf.hn/l/EJDBPD2/
✅ Savage C-Stand: https://prf.hn/l/kV0wEB3/
✅ Tether Tools TetherBoost Pro 31' USB-C to Micro-B Cable, Orange Right Angle: https://prf.hn/l/6kvRQlz/
✅ Gravity Backdrops Canvas Textured Blue: https://lindsayadler.photo/gravitybackdrops
----
👉 Portfolio: lindsayadlerphotography.com
👉 Instagram: instagram.com/lindsayadler_photo
👉 Facebook: facebook.com/lindsayadlerphotography
👉 Twitter: twitter.com/lindsayadler
👉 Education: learn.lindsayadlerphotography.com
Some of the links in this description contain affiliate links to partners.
