Reflective and Shoot Through Umbrellas | Take and Make Great Photography with Gavin Hoey

[@dlanska]

One of the best instructors of photography on KZbin. Well done as always.

[@nehadhajar]

He is the best

[@liamblackphotography]

Hands down the best instructor on KZbin

[@leehargreaves7473]

I bought a NEEWER kit of 2 shoot-thru, 2 reflectives and 2 lighting stands for about £25 / $30. I use Yongnuo flashes and triggers. The whole setup cost about £120 /$150 and produces great results. OK it's not Pro studio gear but is gets you started for a quarter the price of a Canon Speedlight.

[@dunnymonster]

Another winning tutorial Gavin 👍 Hands up all those who, like me, have almost took their eye out with the pointy end of the umbrella because they didn't see it sticking out 😁

[@photoquent]

I really do like the way Gavin unpacks a photo shoot. Another one to try at home!

[@jer3006]

Gavin, thanks for a great umbrella study. I have no soft boxes and use only umbrellas and reflectors with successful results. But only by watching this video have I seen an analysis of the variety and depth of their contribution. I should have known an umbrella video by Gavin Hoey would go way beyond my simplistic approach of "stick it there, shoot from here." Always learning from you, man, and enjoying every minute of it! Thank You! ⭐x5

[@stephenpezzulich1108]

One of my biggest goals as I'm learning studio lighting is to really make informed decisions as to what modifiers I want to use for a given situation. Videos like this really help, thank you so much!

[@GavinHoey]

Hi Stephen. You're think about modifiers like me. I have my favourites of course, but there's one modifier that will do everything.

[@JohnMacLeanPhotography]

@@GavinHoey I think you meant: there’s “no” one modifier

[@lisasimpson9343]

I never thought I'd be remotely interested in studio photography, but.......... Thank you Gary, I'm enjoying it.

[@adreaminfocus]

Bloody love gavin! Thank you so much for this tutorial,… I’m sat surrounded by tripods, umbrellas, camera, flash, triggers and scratching my head ❤

[@PhillipW12]

Such a great instruction video from the master 👏 I've learned massively from him over the years, big thank you Gavin.

[@GavinHoey]

Hi Phillip. I'm glad I've been of help 👍

[@Shawn.72]

Hey Gavin. I think you "covered" everything perfectly in this video. I like umbrellas myself, specifically shoot through. 👍. Thanks for sharing this one.

[@markgoostree6334]

We did a directory for my church. I am an amateur... completely. I chose the shoot through type umbrella... two of them. What I was looking for was lighting families so your comment of...flat, safe, sensible.....even lighting fit well and we got lucky. The directory worked and there were no complaints. I think I'll order the same size umbrella in the reflective type and give it a try. Fun video and best of all ... informative. I really didn't get to try the type of photography you did in this video.

[@ivandepaepe5601]

Best short video showing how versatile umbrellas really are. Well done.

[@stephenmuller5098]

Thanks again, you and the models would have a great collection of images from the many shoots you have done.

[@thekushinator]

You are a true magician mate. Been following you for years now.

[@JosrRocks]

the leaf blower really added a whole different dimension !

[@Talkaboutit1]

Another great informative video! my first modifier bought is the shoot through umbrella ))))))

[@callemdavies8992]

Have been deliberating over which setup to start with, so thanks that was really helpful!

[@lnreportingtupacsmurderwas4975]

I have a convertible umbrella and habitually use the shoot thru. This inspires me to use the reflective umbrella more.

[@IanWhiting]

Excellent video, thank you to everyone in the team! What you also regularly demonstrate is the need to start slowly, test and evaluate/understand each new technique or gear. It is so tempting when one only has a 10 or 60-minute slot, to just rush in, set up the model and shoot away.

[@GavinHoey]

Hi Ian. Thanks for the kind words and you're spot on about building your skills by experience.

[@snowwalker9999]

Gavin you're my favorite Adorama guy and Sophie is amazing, she is now my favorite model on youtube. I like the fact that you take all these awesome photos with an Olympus.

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks for the kind words. Sounds like your on the right path to realising that for studio flash work, the lights are doing almost all of the work and the camera is along for the ride 😉

[@snowwalker9999]

@@GavinHoey Yes Gavin and I really enjoy your studio flash series. I’m half way there and still need to master and refine lighting techniques. But you give me a lot of great ideas as my studio is almost the same size as yours.

[@b0rn1king]

Since Gavin has overwhelming and deserved support, let me say kudos to Sophie! Lol! 👐🏾

[@luistunonjr.304]

Man you are good ! What more can I say? Other than why after more than 50 years taking pictures (I am a hobbyist not a professional) I always go back to basics and end up with my faithful umbrellas and leave my other modifiers on the shelf (to mate I guess) and somehow they end up producing more modifiers that I never use.........Incredible, no?

[@250GTOAJ]

I have several of both kinds including an older Larsen Reflectasol square shoot through umbrella. All very useful. Thanks Gavin, Sophie and Sam 😎👍🇨🇦

[@GavinHoey]

Sounds like you have more brollys then I do Alan 😁

[@250GTOAJ]

@@GavinHoey I think I have around 6 of them! 😀

[@TheTawong68]

Sophie is an incredible model! Gavin you have the best videos!

[@lainchipimo8786]

Gav is back, yay!

[@loihpatli]

Great vid as always, thanks Gavin! I recently started to shoot outdoor portraits with lightthrough umbrella and i got to say it makes life way easier especially when you deal with some weather conditions.

[@chrishowitt9654]

Wonderful example of both modifiers. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@skfineshriber]

Another thing I love about umbrellas is they are small and light when transporting.

[@skillcubator1]

As always, you have nailed it yet again. AWESOME JOB.

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Very clear demonstration, Gavin! ...and Sophie is striking, as always. :)

[@kevinmichener1914]

Said it before and will say it again, you sir, never cease to amaze! Awesome control with umbrellas, who'd a thought. Thank you for enabling us.

[@billydugger737]

Fabulous instructional video. Best yet, Gavin. Thank you.

[@cuttinbb]

I believe that your videos are not only instructive and easy to watch, funny but, they feel real since things not always go perfectly smooth. Regarding umbrellas you also have the reflective white ones that are not specular. My suggestion is that you include them in any new umbrella tutorial. Also how the size and form of the umbrella affects the light

[@Brangustx]

Thanks a lot Gavin, I thought I knew what type of umbrella I wanted until I saw your video. Now it looks like I'm getting both. Cheers!

[@randyfox5317]

Dog gone it, as usual, you explained AND showed us how to properly use our equipment, including advantages and disadvantages of each. If dummies like me can comprehend your points, anyone can. Well done, yet again, Mr. Hoey!

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks Randy. You watched and learned... So you're no dummy IMHO.

[@martynphillips6646]

Great video Gavin, Sophie looks wonderful as ever. The sound in this post was superb

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks Martyn 👍

[@BeenaDeming]

You are the best and a model is amazing.

[@jpdj2715]

At about 6:27 you show photos of your light modifiers that illustrate how the strobe shines outside them. This is the best way to investigate how your umbrellas work. Adding to that, with soft boxes and reflectors, I would test shoot each light modifier (for each of its variants, like one diffusion panel, two diffusion panels, no diffusion) at, say, 2 meters or ~7 feet distance from a white wall and with the camera documenting the light circle/blob these variants put out. Then in your image processing software you can see how the light fall off happens. If you place a measurement indication on the white wall, then you have an easy size reference as well as an indication of how the vignetting evolves. The differences between different size modifiers will surprise you. And, as you measure the light output, you can place your camera at the test position of the light modifier and get an idea of the angle of the light output. Yes, that is in absence of proper modeling light.

[@alanroderick7153]

Easy to understand and learn from, well done as always. Who would have guessed that Spohie went to a Swiss Finishing School and learnt how to balance books like that ?

[@GavinHoey]

Hi Alan. Sophie is full of surprises 😁

[@BiggieZee]

Mate! Gavin is such an amazing instructor, so easy to watch and learn!

[@NeilSnapePhotography]

Actually Gavin, I learned a great trick from Bruno Cohen, use a large umbrella in a room with walls and ceiling close, let the light spill past the umbrella to spill onto the wall/ceiling to increase the effective fill. Works for large groups so very well.

[@deenugent473]

Great balancing act by Sophie 😁. Fantastic tutorial Gavin 👍

[@marcelplavec6453]

5:40 amazing SHOOT

[@bethhendrickson4233]

I use 1 shoot thru and 1 white inside bounce umbrella for my portraits..❤

[@kevinlane7555]

I'm an amateur always looking for ways to get great images on the cheap. The absolute best and softest light I have gotten in a portrait situation is using a simple speedlight on a stand off to one side at about a 45 degree angle.I point the light straight up with a small piece of amber gel over the lens (flash), then use the little built in white bounce card. The result is a nice catchlight and soft light that looks like ambient without any blown out highlights....If you have a high, or dark colored ceiling it's probably not going to work

Always interesting, entertaining and well presented. I enjoy watching them even when it’s about something I already know. One thing that never fails to be mentioned though is that shoot through umbrellas spill light everywhere. I know that’s true. However, it should be noted that much of this spilled light ends up being affected by the inverse square law before it gets back into the picture, same as any other light. So, it’s not necessarily that much of a factor.

[@GavinHoey]

Fair point when the umbrellas are at a distance Pierre. I like to keep mine just out of frame, so on head shots light spill can be an issue.

[@MizMahogony28]

I’m here Gavin! Yay watching lol and learning!

[@GavinHoey]

Hi Venus, thanks for watching 👍

[@paulkhoury3160]

Thanks for the video Gavin; very insightful. Always struggled with studio photography and when to use which umbrella, so this refresher was very useful!

[@michaelschmitt5413]

Thanks again for another helpful video. I appreciated the test shots showing the difference in lighting modifiers on the wall. I'm always glad to see one of your videos popup in my notifications list.

[@skytrooper8888]

Dude amazing tutorial 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@teleking58]

Algorithms love comments. Always great Gavin.

[@GavinHoey]

They do indeed Robbie. Thank you 👍

[@brad_in_yyc]

I love using umbrellas. But I don't get anything as great as you do Gavin. Not yet anyway! One day!!

[@GavinHoey]

My top tip Brad... Get the umbrella close to your model and then, move it a little closer!

[@ramyahmed787]

i love your photography style so much .. U R the best

[@gustavolopez5403]

Thank for making photography easy to understand!

[@prakashpatankar3805]

So 👍 beautiful 🌷 and creative use of soft box with umbrella 👍😂nice information 🌷🌷🌷🌷🙏🌷

[@djstravels4828]

Loved the book balance pic and the leaf blower!! Great easy tip!!! Thanks

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks Annette. I think Sophie made book balancing while modelling look easier then it is!

[@ffdlife]

This is the best video about umbrellas

[@davebland8489]

Great video, thanks Gavin.

[@ajookazi]

Thanks for the wonderful lesson

[@paulbell9957]

Really enjoyed this Gavin. You make learning so much fun mate. And as always, beautiful images 👍😊

[@lexluth1]

This is GREAT! Thank you Gavin for making these videos!

[@Impostertot]

Great refresher on umbrellas. Thanks Gavin!

[@fathampeak]

Awesome! Simple and helpful explanation. My camera store sent me a Shoot through umbrella when i ordered a white reflective umbrella! So I'm pleased to know I only lost one stop of light as I was using the umbrella the wrong way around!! I'll experiment with a reflector and shoot through umbrella and see what i can get. Quite keen to learn what umbrellas or light modifiers to use when shooting large groups outdoors (flash as fill, daylight as key), e.g a wedding group.

[@adelgundyrin9309]

Great video. Thanks Gavin! I have an umbrella 2 in 1. It is very convenient to have an umbrella that allows you to take pictures through and reflected. It is also lightweight and easy to carry anywhere.

[@GavinHoey]

Hi Adel. I also have several 2 in 1 umbrellas and your 100% right, they are great for travel. But of course I usually want the opposite type of brolly to what it's set-up to shoot! The low cost of umbrellas means I prefer one (or more) of each when working in my small home studio 😉

[@adelgundyrin9309]

@@GavinHoey Hi! Outside the studio, he can save from the rain.😉

[@valentinkovshik]

2:35 That is why I use a reflective umbrella but with a white surface inside instead of silver, so it is more diffusing.

[@Fifthimagez]

This was great and very helpful

[@pattymattes7124]

Thanks for this. I have both. Now I'm going to try to use the shoot through as a fill light. I just love your videos.

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks Patty. Shoot throughs make great fill lights 👍

[@josegeraldoresendeboaventu2274]

Very good, thanks adorama, thanks Gavin.

[@romiemiller7876]

Shoot through umbrellas do make good fill lights when using a soft box or something as a key light.

[@RafaelAntonioRiveraRodriguez]

Gavin, eres genial, gracias por compartir tus conocimientos, saludos desde Colombia

[@kirstyhepworth7343]

Great video gavin 👏 👍

[@waltereaton6404]

Thanks, Gavin! Some really important info here.

[@shirishpandey3503]

Excellent explanation which is Gavin's hallmark. Great learning 👍

[@JOEY-gy1zn]

Well done sir.🙏

[@lumbraproductions]

Thank you for this video!!

[@chrisduffy4852]

Very informative thank you!

[@hawg427]

It's nice that Sophie know how to move & pose her hands. When you put the books on her head it reminded me of a youtube Wiener Dog named Harslo the balancing hound from Ireland. Check him out. LOL Nothing as heavy as books but he is a cutie. Nice video guys.

[@adrianabocanegraphotograph8912]

You are absolutely the best instructor and photographer!!!!! You make everything so easy 🤓 Thanks for all your efforts and videos.

[@paulhales8369]

Apart from all the fantastic images you create the thing I love most of all about your videos is the lack of waffle. Simple demonstrations of the right way to do it but also showing can be incorrect. No long winded facts and figures just simple representations oh and you get to work with awesome models such as Sophie and Jade Lyon.

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks Paul. I have far more incorrect images then correct ones. The real skill is know which is which 😉

[@davidbentley8848]

Thank you again Gavin, great stuff again .. :) P.S. Well done Sophie, excellent Book balancing skills 😊

[@Neopulse00]

I see Gavin, I click.

[@BenSussmanpro]

Great tutorial. I was looking for this solution because I’m tired of lugging my soft-boxes around, I’m moving to umbrellas. Thanks’

[@rockxie6710]

amazing.

[@DuaKaliTambah]

yeayyy, Mr Gavin Hoey,. 🥰🥰🥰👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@gillfry1669]

As usual a great tutorial. Thankyou

[@pixelmite]

Awesome video!

[@jaggededgeimages]

another nice one

[@jonathanosbaldiston9282]

Really great video - very informative - Best Wishes Jono.

[@tomasvojencak]

Very beautiful video 👌👌

[@DesireeDuarteVera]

Thank you so much for your valuable information, I don't have umbrellas yet, but I'll try do to some exercises with my light bouncers. Greetings from Mexico, I love how didactic are your videos 🤗

[@ipedder68]

Brilliant 👏

[@josephchan4198]

I was wondering if Gavin can do another product photography also? Great instructor!!

[@goldmalibko]

Merci pour tout 💪👍🍾👑

[@rudjard]

ahh the Swiss Army knife of light modifier... cheap but very effective just dont use it outside on a windy day 😁

[@KMaybach1]

Great video and very educational as always.

[@vikesbenbetter]

Great video as always. I see a double shadow on nose of the reflective umbrella image in your side by side, similar to what you said of the reflective pattern on the wall. Good to know to be on the lookout for that.

[@MrShrimpy72]

Great video as always. Love your work.

[@leuvafamily8554]

Thanks for information

[@LucaIacono]

great content as always !