If you want something [relatively] inexpensive, yet very flexible & portable, you might want to take a look at the information contained in the Strobist, and more specifically the Lighting 101 section. When reading it, keep in mind you don't actually need Pocketwizards starting out, as there are many lower cost alternatives to fit any experience level.


So what can you do with small, shoe-mount flashes used off-camera? Quite a bit...









(3 flashes--one is creating the sun effect in background)









(3 flashes--two visible in background)









(2 flashes)









(1 flash)









(1 flash)









(3 flashes)