I have found that people starting out with flash for the first time just want a list of what to buy. They don’t want umpteen bazillion options, because it’s overwhelming. You just want to know what you need to get started, all the parts and pieces in one place.
So, to make it easy, I have created starter “packages” of all the exact gear you’d need for a complete set up based on the kind of camera you’re shooting, your budget and the work you’re doing.
The one big caveat is to double check in terms of the trigger, that your camera is compatible. When you follow the link, check the specs to make sure your model is listed. The triggers are made specifically to work with particular brands. Also, some entry level DSLR cameras or older cameras have limitations. So, just double check before buying.
The “I’m On A Budget” CANON Shooter ($180 for total package)
- 1 Yongnuo Speedlight 560IV
- 1 Yongnuo Trigger
- 1 Mounting Bracket
- 1 Light Stand
- 1 Umbrella Softbox
- AA batteries (if you want rechargeable, I recommend Enloop)
The “I’m On a Budget” NIKON Shooter ($180 for total package)
- 1 Yongnuo Speedlight 560IV
- 1 Yongnuo Trigger
- 1 Mounting Bracket
- 1 Light Stand
- 1 Umbrella Softbox
- AA batteries (if you want rechargables, I recommend Enloop)
The “I Don’t Have A Huge Budget But I Want Something That Will Last Longer and has more Features” for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Fuji. ($320 for total package)
- 1 Godox Speedlight V860II with Trigger **(select your camera’s brand in the options)**
- 1 Mounting Bracket
- 1 Light Stand
- 1 Speedlight Umbrella Softbox
I Shoot Canon and want Canon lights ($865 for total package)
- 1 Canon 600ex-rt speedlight
- 1 Trigger
- 1 Mounting Bracket
- 1 Light Stand
- 1 Speedlight Umbrella Softbox
- AA batteries (if you want rechargeable, I recommend Enloop)
I Shoot Nikon and want Nikon lights ($605 for total package)
- 1 Nikon speedlight
- 1 Trigger
- 1 Mounting Bracket
- 1 Light Stand
- 1 Speedlight Umbrella Softbox
- AA batteries (if you want rechargeable, I recommend Enloop)
I Want Exactly What YOU have, Joanie ($971 total package)
- 1 Godox AD600 Pro Monolight with X Pro Trigger **(select your camera’s brand in the options)**
- 1 Light Stand
- 1 Softbox (your selection of softbox will vary based on the work you’re doing, but here are options)
- Light & Airy Style ***Not easy to fold up, very large and bulky
- Dark and Moody Style***Not easy to fold up, but also not super large
- Somewhere in the Middle Style ***Not easy to fold up, large and bulky
Need one on one help with all this and want to learn how to use flash for natural looking food photography? My online course, Flash for Food Photography, is open for enrollment. It includes direct access to me for questions in a private Facebook Group just for students.
