What kind of lighting equipment should I have as a Strobist beginner?

Question

What kind of lighting equipment should I have as a beginner?

Basically I want to take some great portrait pictures with a decent lighting equipment.

Any suggestion towards strobist accessories?

Answer

Well if you're really trying to roll Strobist-style then, the minimal basics are:

• A flash with manual settings
• A small-medium shoot-through umbrella
• A small folding light stand
• A radio trigger for the flash
• Some gels to color correct in different lighting.

There's a unofficial, but semi-endorsed basic kit here at mpex.com

How much you want to spend largely depends on exactly what to buy there. You can spend 30 dollars on a simple radio, or 300+ on TTL style radios. You can buy a simple, off brand, all manual flash for 60, or a professional grade flash for 500+.

After those basic items, you start talking about different light modifiers, more flashes, sturdier equipment, and most importantly...practice.

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