Since I have been testing out a bunch of new equipment this month, my test models of choice are (of course) my children. They are readily available, don't require a fee for modeling, and it means that I get some updated portraits of them. Contrary to what some may think, I don't photograph them all the time. In fact, when I'm busy, we can go a long time between sessions. My busy season starts at the end of this month with first communion, weddings, and spring/summer location portrait sessions - so, I'm getting as much of the kids as I can right now.
The equipment that I'm working with right now is called a speedlite (or hotshoe flash). It's intended to mount to the top of the camera, but you can use them off camera as well (with much better lighting, BTW). They are small but powerful little things - much easier to lug around than large studio strobes, but with more complex settings than a studio strobe. I am working with multiple speedlites, off camera, and different umbrella adapters to get a "studio portrait" without the heavy studio equipment. BTW, if you are interested in this type of lighting, "Strobist" is a website (http://strobist.blogspot.com/) with a lot of great information. I will be using these for weddings over the next few months - very excited! I just love working the lighting!
