[CGphotography]

On an outdoor photo shoot, it's pretty obvious you need to weigh down light stands to keep them from tipping over in a stiff breeze. Indoors, the need for safety may not be so apparent. I was shooting a group portrait in the lobby of a hotel/restaurant (with permission) and far from any open doors or windows that might present a problem for umbrellas on light stands. I had set up one stand with a 45" umbrella and before I fired the first frame, someone in the group pointed to the light as it began to fall. Of course, all I could do was watch it crash to the ground and break my brand new umbrella. Nothing else was damaged - except maybe my psyche. So, if you're not already doing so, put some weight (even if just your camera bag) on those light stands, wherever you're shooting.
(By the way, no one was injured.)

[brettmaxwell]

that's why I like cheap umbrellas, they're $15 cushions to protect $300 flashes

[CGphotography]

brettmaxwell, on November 8 2009, 09:15 PM, said:

that's why I like cheap umbrellas, they're $15 cushions to protect $300 flashes

I agree! I was really impressed with the "cushion" the umbrella created, taking all the impact from the fall. Not only that, but what I had assumed to be a broken umbrella, turns out to be completely usable after bending a couple of the metal ribs back into place. Gotta give props here to the construction of the Calumet Soft Bounce Umbrella. Very sturdy, including what appears to be a solid core tube (not the hollow fragile type), a removable black cover for shooting thru the umbrella, and a nice carrying sleeve.

[mattcam]

Indoors, even a 12" piece of gaffers tape anchoring a leg opposite the umbrella will help matters.

[escott]

Haha, I love the title of this thread. Glad everything was ok!

[Chris Lin]

Well, mine on Friday fell right onto the model. She caught it by the front of the shoot-through umbrella.

[JenniferBuehrer]

I was with a group of photographers. We were learning to photograph children. The instructor seemed a little nervous having us there (It was his first class) and didn't notice his top heavy umbrella as it made direct contact to a two year old's face. I felt so embarrassed for him.

[Melanie J]

That's why I love cheap SANDBAGS! Glad everythings ok.

I have to admit that when I was in photo school I had a light fall on a model- she needed STITCHES. it was horrible, now I use sandbags.

[AndyWarnerSimpson]

I have had a couple of lights fall on the heads of models. No injurys so far as they have only ever been sb800s and small soft boxes. Lost an sb28 years ago due to a gust of wind. It smashed into little tiny bits.

[Greta Dawn]

Oh no... I hope I never have to witness this first hand. Thankfully, your flashes weren't busted!