This 45" White Satin Umbrella with Removable Black Cover from Westcott can be used in standard bounce mode with the black cover installed or in shoot-through mode like a softbox with the cover removed.
Umbrellas soften, broaden, and diminish the light output of any tungsten or flash light source. Umbrellas with a white interior will soften and weaken light more than an umbrella with a silver lining. A white umbrella without a black backing may also be used as a makeshift softbox, although the use of the light will not be as efficient as with a softbox.
Choosing umbrella size is determined by the size of the subject and the strength of the light supply being used.
Westcott umbrellas are rated safe for use with hot lights up to 300 watts. This size is perfect for a 1 or 2 person headshot, a head-to-waist shot, or a 4x6 ft product setup.