Umbrellas

The white shoot-through umbrella. White translucent umbrellas are used as an inexpensive and effective way to spread out a light that will cover approximately a 1.5 yard (1.4 meter) area. Shoot through umbrellas are, in our opinion, the best type of lighting modifier for beginning flash photographers.

Silver reflective umbrellas throw light EVERYWHERE within a 180 degree radius.  The wide and even pattern of light created by a silver umbrella makes them perfect for lighting groups, though they have less application for shooting portraits of individuals or couples, because it is difficult to achieve good shadows with this type of umbrella.