Deep vs Shallow Umbrellas, Different Fabrics...infinite possibilities!

Intro by Skip Cohen

Almost a year ago Profoto introduced an expanded line of umbrellas...in fact, twelve different models in two different shapes, giving photographers an infinite combination of creative lighting tools. While this short video is a definite infomercial, it's got some great educational content and worth watching.

I was surprised at how many comments people sent me on the post just a few weeks ago about using a reflector. So many of you understood its application, but forgot about using one. Well, I'm betting the same is true for umbrellas, softboxes and other light-shaping tools.  

Check out this short video for a quick lesson in the difference between a deep umbrella and a shallow one...then jump over to the Profoto site to see some of the results of different fabrics and even the modification to turn an umbrella into a softbox.

Note: After posting the video at the bottom from Profoto's archives, I found an outstanding video with the deep umbrella together with the phenomenal performance of the B1. Since last year Profoto has introduced six new small and medium deep umbrellas.

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A big thanks to Profoto and Profoto USA for their support of education and helping photographers raise the bar on their creativity and the quality of their images.

by Fredrik Franzén

Umbrellas are the backbone of many photographers’ toolboxes, and understandably so. Umbrellas are affordable, easy to work with and very easy to transport. The downside is that they tend to be quite fragile and it can be difficult to control their light spread. This is something we aim solve with the our new line of umbrellas, available in two shapes: deep and shallow.

Umbrella Deep is available in two sizes (130cm/51” and 165cm/65”) and in three fabrics: White, Silver and Translucent. All six versions have a deeper, more parabolic shape than the average umbrella. The deeper shape gives the photographer better control of the light spread. It also allows the photographer to focus and shape light by simply sliding the umbrella shaft in its holder.

Umbrella Shallow is also available in two sizes (85cm/33” and 105cm/41”) and in three fabrics: White, Silver and Translucent. The most important difference is that Umbrella Shallow is smaller and less parabolic, making it very lightweight and portable.

Much effort was invested into making both Umbrella Deep and Umbrella Shallow as reliable and sturdy as possible. The fabrics were selected to provide a superior quality of light over years of heavy-duty use, and the metallic elements have been surface treated to prevent rust and discoloration.

The optional Diffusor is also worth mentioning. This is simply pulled over the front of the White or the Silver version to turn it into a large softbox with an even softer and more even light spread.

All Profoto Umbrellas are delivered in a high-quality bag that protects the umbrella during storage and transport.

The new Umbrella Deep XL replaces the old Umbrella XL. The new Umbrella Deep L replaces the old Umbrella L. The new Umbrella Shallow M replaces the old Umbrella M. The new Umbrella Shallow S replaces the old Umbrella S.

Click here to learn more about Profoto Umbrellas.