The Humble Umbrella

by Lourens Durand
Published the 9th of April 2021

'Shelter From The Storm' by Christophe Kiciak

As photographers, we are familiar with the umbrella as a lighting modifier in the studio. Although its application in photography is relatively new, the umbrella itself has actually been around for centuries.

The umbrella and its forerunner, the parasol, were first used by ancient Egyptians and Chinese as protection against the sun, and became status and religious symbols, used by royalty and religious leaders in many ancient cultures. Starting out as simple palm leaves or silk coverings, they evolved into elaborate and elaborate decorative items, painted with scenes of flowers and birds.

Nowadays umbrellas are used as shelter against rain and sleet, as well as for protection against the sun’s rays, as fashion accessories, or even as weapons to fend off unwanted attention from strangers.

The English call them Brollies, whilst Americans sometimes use the peculiar word “Bumbershoot” (a combination of umbrella and parachute) when making fun of the English.

The umbrella also features in the English language as a term of unity, of grouping things, or as a symbol of protection, as in an umbrella body, which is a central coordinating organisation that represents the activities of several smaller, independent organisations or individuals, all of which have a similar purpose.

(Something like 1X.com….)

Whatever its uses or meanings, the umbrella is often a colourful element of photographs, as illustrated in the selection from 1X.com photographers that follows.

'by Peter Kemp