You dont have to have a softbox. Umbrellas are great to start out with.I am a newbie and bought stuff on a budget, so umbrellas were the way to go. But there is no way around not metering your lights.You cant skimp on the light meter. Been there done that...It doesnt work.
AB 800 & Silver Umbrella:
AB 800 & Shoot thru Umbrella:
