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 create directional illumination when used at a chosen angle. Silver reflective surfaces provide less softening; they tend to add a cooler tone to skin.

Reflective umbrellas are typically aimed at the subject with the light source pointing away from the subject into the umbrella. Shoot-through umbrellas are positioned facing the subject, with the light source aimed toward the subject through the umbrella. Gold-silver umbrellas both soften shadows through indirect use and slightly reduce light output, while also adding a warm, pleasing tone to skin.