Umbrellas might seem like a basic lighting tool, but with the right approach, they can produce stunning, professional results. Using them can add depth, shape, and drama to your images, whether you're in a studio or on location.
Coming to you from Lindsay Adler with Adorama, this insightful video covers three unique techniques for using umbrellas. One standout method involves positioning an umbrella directly over the subject’s head. Inspired by renowned photographer Victor Skrebneski’s style, Adler uses this high-placed umbrella to create a dramatic effect that emphasizes the texture of clothing and facial features. It’s a technique that works particularly well for fashion shots, carving out highlights and shadows that accentuate the model’s jawline and cheekbones. If you’re aiming to add a sense of intensity or create more pronounced contours, this overhead lighting can transform a flat image into something striking.
The second approach Adler showcases involves modifying how the umbrella is used to control light spill. She closes a medium silver deep umbrella partway, focusing the light on the subject and keeping it from washing out the background. This trick gives you more control over lighting layers, allowing you to keep the subject well-lit while maintaining a darker, moodier background. Adding a secondary umbrella as a background light further enhances depth by creating a soft gradient. With this setup, the main light and background light interact in a way that produces more separation between the subject and backdrop, giving you a clean, layered look.
In the third setup, Adler takes umbrella use to the next level by incorporating color gels to create a beautiful ombré effect on the background. She uses multiple umbrellas at different angles and with different gel colors to produce a seamless transition of hues that mimic the tones of the subject’s outfit. The layering of color and light, along with selective placement of each modifier, results in an image that feels cohesive and visually rich. It’s a powerful example of how umbrellas, typically seen as simple tools, can be used to construct sophisticated lighting scenarios with a blend of colors.
These techniques demonstrate that umbrellas aren’t just for beginners—they’re versatile tools that can help you achieve advanced results. Whether it’s fashion, portrait, or editorial photography, umbrellas can add a sense of dimension and mood that is hard to replicate with other modifiers. Understanding how to manipulate light through placement, angle, and additional tools like color gels opens up new creative possibilities. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Adler.
If you would like to continue learning about how to light a portrait, be sure to check out "Illuminating The Face: Lighting for Headshots and Portraits With Peter Hurley!"
