consider this, im using a shoot through umbrella to light a subject which hits the subject at about 30-45 degrees from camera right and it is in front of the camera but to the side. the umbrella also reflects some light and i dont want any light to flare the camera. is it better to flag the light source with a large flag or just the lens with a medium or small lens.
The problem with shoot through umbrellas is that they reflect 25-50% of the light back in the wrong direct. If you put the cover back on the umbrella and use it as a reflector, you'll have a more efficient light modifier, and you won't have to flag it.
If you want a softer light source, use a larger umbrella.
To flag a light source in front of you, you need to block the excess light coming in the front of the lens, without blocking the field of view. Ideally, when flagging the light, you would attach some black foamcore, or black cinefoil to the side of the light to direct the light away from the camera. A good way to think about is directing the water from a garden hose, it's surprisingly similar movement. Flagging an umbrella is a tough thing, as it doesn't give you much purchase to attach anything to, and it's such a wide and indirect light source that as you need a really huge flag for it to be that effective.
What you're describing is a common problem with shoot through umbrellas, which is why the 'Halo', which is a shoot through umbrella with the back closed in, was invented.
hi, thanks for the response. i have a bunch of matthews flags of different sizes that i use with c stands to control light and im familiar with using them.
i guess im getting at a somewhat different question... i understand the purpose of flagging a light so it doesnt go here or there especially on the camera lens flaring it, i was curious to nail down the differences if any in flagging technique.... that is either using a large flag near the light source to block off obviously a large area including the camera or a smaller flag near the camera to prevent flare.
does spill light crossing into the path of the lens but not falling on the lens cause any problems, if so then a large flag closer to the light would be better.
i think i know the answer to that last one, and i think it is no based on that light travels to a subject and we are capturing the light reflected back from the subject, but still would like to know your thoughts.
I've been using Lee's Hood to help with that. I notice no difference whether you place the flag closer to the light source or by just using a expandable lens hood to protect the lens. But I do use some flags too, but that can really clutter things up and so my hood is first choice as most lights do face the camera the way I like to light. Any flare that possibly get through I removed by adding contrast selectively. However...that's a good question and I look to hear a more scientific explanation than what I can say based just on my trials.
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