Basic Equipment

[Annia]

A basic kit can be as simple as one camera body, two lenses and one external flash!

As a photographer I feel Natural light is the best light, so the need for lights and umbrellas aren't so necessary to have.

I would rather spend the extra on reflectors, batteries, extra cards and a great backpck to put it all in!

Happy Photographing!
Andrea

[Analog6]

Reflectors are a very undervalued and underused accessory.  I have 2, both the same with a gold and a silver side, and I often use a piece of white paper or card.

Excellent for lighting the 'dark side' of window/nas tural light portraits.

[admin]

We do the same. We market our portrait business as "lifestyle" photography, shooting mainly outdoors using available light.
Given the choice of a traditional 2 - 3 light portrait set up (as per the local mall) and background, or a walk and a chat at the client's favourite beach or park - 99% go for the natural light. However, as Odille correctly points out, reflectors are undervalued. You can't always shoot in the golden hours of late afternoon though we try to set every appointment for around this time (or early morning, which tends to be a cooler light).
We have a folding 5 colour disc. White, Silver, Gold, Black (yes black for 'subtractive' use) and a silver / white stripe. The black and silver double as the reflector's zip on cover.

If we are shooting inside by window light, we are looking for a natural reflector, such as a corner wall...or hey presto! a bed sheet from the linen press, or a sheet of light card. They can all be pressed into service.
If you can avoid the harsh contrasty light found in the middle of the day, we look to use 'subtractive lighting' under the shade of a tree, an awning, or shaded area (watch for the blue cast inherent in open shade on a bright blue sky day)