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.
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.
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?
