Wim,
I have 2 umbrellas. One small one that is white and translucent, and one
larger one that is white on the inside and black lined on the outside. The
translucent one can be used either as a reflector, or as a diffuser. If you
fire through it, you get the benefit of the large surface area as the main
light source, like a soft-box without the box. The reflection in the room
will raise the ambient light level.
I have found that the black lined umbrella better controls the light by
absorbing any light that would pass through the white inner liner. That way
the reflected light from the white liner is not muddied by the increase of
ambient light from stray reflections. Both are very useful. I use them in
tandem when I need a lot of light. Generally the lined one will be my key
light and the other will be for fill.
As for silver and gold, I have no experience with them, though I've read
that the gold is for warming purposes.
Using the TTL cables allows you to go either TTL auto or manual. If you
choose TTL auto, your sole balancing option is to adjust the distance of
flash to subject to get the balance of exposure you desire. But even if you
are not balanced you will get a good exposure thanks to the camera's
exposure control. If you go manual you have the option to go half power
with the T 32. I've found that I get better first time results in manual
mode and using a flash meter. I find with multiple flash units that my
results are far more predictable using the flash meter and manual exposure.
With a single flash unit, on or off camera, the TTL auto is quite reliable.
Start with a single umbrella and your T-32 wired and on auto. You'll be
amazed at the improvement over on camera flash, and even with the camera
mounted on the BG unit. Start with a translucent white model. It will give
you more options to work with. I've had good results with a single umbrella
and a white card reflecter on the far side of the subject to fill. There is
a lot you can do with a single flash and you will build your knowledge as
you experiment.
Have fun and good luck.
-Mickey
----- Original Message -----
From: "Wim Verheyen" <aemit@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <Olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, December 28, 2003 7:22 AM
Subject: Re: [OM] softbox for use with T32
> About umbrellas.
> I see there are different kinds : white, silver, gold, translucent or not.
> What is recommended for portrait photography ?
>
>
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------
> Wim Verheyen, Houthalen, Belgium, aemit@xxxxxxxxx
> Photography and synthesizers
> http://users.skynet.be/aemit/
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