At some point you come across off camera flash (OCF) and get introduced to a world full of cool looking images and behind the scenes images.

You see post after post of multiple light setups with big softboxes, stands and other equipment and then you go shopping. 

Hold up. STOP.

You don’t need a ton of gear to get going with OCF portraits. A simple and relatively inexpensive lighting kit can get a lot done.

All you need is a flash (Speedlite), triggers, light stand and a bracket.

Basic Kit

The kit below is Pixapro gear.  The reason I recommend it is I know it works and they provide great support.  Other options exist on the market including camera manufacturer light and I am sure they are great, but I have not used any other lights of years so can’t say much about them from experience.

1. Speedlite – I recommend the Pixapro Li-ION 580 series as they have a receiver built in meaning no separate receiver unit to buy with the trigger.

2. Trigger – ST-IV TTL Trigger.  With a TTL capable light you can run the flash in an auto mode and also go manual if you wish.  This trigger is easy to use and has a clear display which is why I recommend it.

3. Light Stand – Grab a air cushioned stand like the Pixapro Retractable 240cm Stand. 

4. Bracket – I recommend getting the smart bracket shown in the video as it will let you take the speedlite and use it with more modifiers down the road.  This will hold your light and also other more powerful lights like the Pika 200 should you upgrade later.

5. A 5in1 Reflector – These can be used to reflect light, bounce light off, diffuse light and subtract light. I also use the bags to lay on when shooting from a lower position on location.

You can also use some white foam board as a reflector / fill card. 

You can start with that and get a lot done with no modifier.  After all you can bounce that light off a wall or a reflector (see kit listed above).

The images below were lit using a speedlite either directly ( or zoomed head) for a hard light or by bouncing off a white wall to create a larger source offering a softer light.

When it’s time to add a modifier go for a 60 or 40” convertible or shoot through umbrella. They are cheap and very flexible in terms of what can be done with them.

The images below were all lit by a 60” umbrella and a single light. One has a white bounce card in for a little fill. Can you spot it?

The kit above will get a lot of work done.  You have a light which can produce a hard punchy light and also move in to a soft light.  It will light an individual and groups.  This kit will stay with you as you grow.

Start simple, build an on budget simple kit and get to work.  After you have shot that kit for 12 months you will know what you need next.

Any questions hit me in the comments.

Rick