Umbrellas are used in photography as an affordable and effective way to control light. White reflective surfaces soften shadows by absorbing part of the light output and creating directional light at an angle set by the photographer. Silver reflective surfaces do not provide the same softening effect and tend to add a cooler tone to skin.

Reflective umbrellas are typically used with the reflective surface facing the subject, while the light source is aimed away from the subject. Shoot-through umbrellas are used the opposite way: they are placed with the outer side facing the subject, and the light is aimed toward the subject. Gold-silver umbrellas combine indirect softening and a slight reduction in light output while adding a warm, pleasant tone to skin.