How to Set Up a Profoto Deep White Umbrella M

By Matphoto | Published: 2026-10-26

Category: How-to Guides

Learn to set up the Profoto Deep White Umbrella M in minutes. This guide covers mounting, positioning, and common mistakes for soft, even light.

Quick answer

Attach the Profoto Deep White Umbrella M to your studio light via the umbrella mount, open the umbrella fully, position it 2–3 feet from your subject, and angle the shaft toward the center of the light for even coverage.

Why choose a deep white umbrella over a softbox

The Profoto Deep White Umbrella M (105 cm diameter) creates a broad, soft light source similar to a medium softbox, but it sets up and breaks down in seconds. Unlike a softbox, it has no inner baffle or rods to assemble—just open and mount. The trade-off is less directional control: light spills more around the edges, so you need careful positioning to avoid flare or unwanted fill on the background.

Rental considerations

When renting the Profoto Deep White Umbrella M from Matphoto, inspect the fabric for tears or creases before leaving the store. A damaged umbrella can produce uneven light. Also confirm that your studio light has a standard umbrella mount (a small hole with a tightening screw). Most Profoto and Elinchrom heads accept it, but some compact monolights may not.

Step-by-step setup

Mount the umbrella on the light: Insert the umbrella shaft into the umbrella mount on your studio light. Tighten the screw firmly so the umbrella doesn't rotate or fall. Make sure the umbrella opens away from the light head—the shaft should point toward the center of the reflector. Common mistake: inserting the shaft too shallowly, causing the umbrella to wobble or slip. Push it in until the shaft stops.
Open the umbrella fully: Hold the umbrella by the handle and push the sliding collar upward until the ribs lock open. You should hear a click. Check that the fabric is evenly stretched—no wrinkles or sagging sections. Common mistake: not locking the collar completely, so the umbrella collapses during the shoot. Give it a gentle tug to confirm it's locked.
Position the light and umbrella: Place the light stand 2–3 feet from your subject. Angle the light so the umbrella points directly at the subject. For a classic portrait look, position the umbrella at 45 degrees above the subject's eye line, about 3–4 feet away. Adjust distance to control softness: closer = softer, farther = harder. Common mistake: placing the umbrella too far (over 5 feet), which reduces the softness advantage. Keep it within 3–4 feet for best results.
Set the light power and shoot: Start with your light at half power. Take a test shot and check the exposure. Adjust power up or down as needed. The deep white umbrella produces a warm, even light—no need for gels unless you want a color effect. If the light is too harsh, move the umbrella closer or add a diffusion layer (not included). Common mistake: forgetting that the umbrella's white interior warms the light slightly. If you need neutral color, set a custom white balance or use a gray card.

Product facts

PARAPLUIE PROFOTO DEEP WHITE M: The Profoto Deep White Umbrella M has a 105 cm diameter and is a deep white umbrella. The 105 cm size gives a broad, soft light ideal for portraits and product shots, while the deep shape concentrates the beam more than a standard umbrella, reducing spill.
PARAPLUIE PROFOTO DEEP WHITE M