Replacement Umbrella's - wind damage

Moderated by: guardian

Visit the FM Store · Image Upload · Buy & Sell
FM Forum Rules

FM Forums | Lighting and Studio techniques | Join Image Upload
end

Littlebike
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #1 · Replacement Umbrella's - wind damage

Two of my stands where blown down this weekend while doing outdoor portraits destroying both of my umbrellas - I had 30lbs bags on each stand .

Both of my lights are fine though I did blow a modeling light, and I think one of the pocketwizards is damaged - I have not had time to investigate.

So, I am in the market for two new umbrellas.
- I am contemplating 60", I had 45".
- I mainly use them for lighting groups at weddings or other indoor shoots.
- I have 500ws photogenics so I have enough power for most occasions.

Thoughts on size and brands please. I hope to order something tomorrow.

May 06, 2008 at 08:13 PM

James Broome
Offline
Buy and Sell: On

p.1 #2 · Replacement Umbrella's - wind damage

If you're moving from 45" umbrellas that were sandbagged down to 60" umbrellas, I hope you're in the market for larger sandbags, too.

May 06, 2008 at 08:26 PM

Littlebike
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #3 · Replacement Umbrella's - wind damage

No, I just wont be using them outside again.

Also, I have over 150lbs of bags, only had four with me, though.

May 06, 2008 at 11:47 PM

bacilonur
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #4 · Replacement Umbrella's - wind damage

Haha. Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking.

I use 32'' umbrellas outdoors. Any bigger and they take in waaay too much wind. I personally don't find a bigger umbrella worth it outside, when usually the environment and overall feel of a photo is more contrasty than a soft little studio shot. The coverage 30'' or 40'' umbrella gives you is plenty sufficient for groups, IMO.

Some would argue that larger subjects (groups) require larger light sources, but I think for most uses of photos with lots of people, you'll be more interested in getting even illumination even if it's not perfectly soft.

May 07, 2008 at 04:38 AM

henryp
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #5 · Replacement Umbrella's - wind damage

I've been using the white 60" Photogenic "Eclipse" Umbrella for years and been entirely satisfied. They come in silver too.

Henry Posner
B&H Photo-Video

May 07, 2008 at 07:21 PM

cineski
Offline
Buy and Sell: On

p.1 #6 · Replacement Umbrella's - wind damage

IMO, never ever use umbrellas outdoors. Too unstable. Use a brolly box.

May 07, 2008 at 08:12 PM

mdphotography
Offline
Buy and Sell: On

p.1 #7 · Replacement Umbrella's - wind damage

cineski wrote:
IMO, never ever use umbrellas outdoors. Too unstable. Use a brolly box.

Fully agree! It's like putting a very well designed sail on your equipment. Use a brolly or a small to medium softbox.

May 08, 2008 at 06:10 AM

Littlebike
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #8 · Replacement Umbrella's - wind damage

Seriously, how did this become a thread about umbrellas outdoors?

So far, after six posts there has only been ONE that dealt with my original question.

Yep, I used an umbrellas outside.
Yep, a freak wind on a calm day blew them down even with 30# of sand bags.
Nope, never have used them outside in the past, never intended to in the first place.
Never would have happened had the bride and groom not ignored my advice - on the day of the wedding - to have formals shot at the church and instead decided the restaurant with 8' ceilings would be good enough - thus forcing me to set up my rig outside.

So, now that we have beaten into the ground what a bad idea it is to use umbrellas out doors can we get back to the point of the thread, recommended umbrellas - sizes, brands, silver or white?

They will be used for groups of 4-16 indoors.

Edited on May 08, 2008 at 04:42 PM

May 08, 2008 at 04:42 PM

jrscls
Offline
Buy and Sell: On

p.1 #9 · Replacement Umbrella's - wind damage

I have been quite happy with these-

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/42516-REG/Photoflex_UM_ADW45_Umbrella_with_Adjustable_Frame_45_.html

May 12, 2008 at 11:24 PM


FM Forums \| Lighting and Studio techniques \| Join Image Upload end