Which size Alien Bee?

[srwatters]

Originally Posted by suzyjazz

Oops, I don't know that either. I ordered this one: "60-inch Silver/White Reversible Umbrella" http://www.alienbees.com/usw.html

L:ooks like it's a bounce only. Should I call tomorrow and change it to "Translucent White "Shoot-Thru" Umbrellas", U60TWB? I didn't realize there are shoot through umbrellas.

I prefer the TWB for a main light if you're going to use an umbrella. It just gives you more options. What it does is diffuses and increases the size of the light source making it softer. The secondary use for shoot through is the light that bounces off the back of the umbrella spreads out in the room and bounces off the walls and ceiling to give you more ambient fill.

Another consideration is that you lose less light by shooting through than you would bouncing. Not really an issue unless you are shooting a large group and back the light up a good distance from the subjects.

Both types of umbrellas have their strengths. My 60" is a shoot through and I have both a shoot through and silver bounce 45".

[suzyjazz]

I was able to change the order to a TWB and it supposedly shipped out yesterday
Thanks again everyone!