Hmmm...well, I'd recommend either Cybersyncs or the new Radiopopper JrX units.


I recommend Cybersyncs because they're what I use, and they work very well. They're reliable, have good battery life, and more than enough range for most people.


I recommend the RadioPopper JrX units because--when coupled with the yet-to-be-released RadioPopper Cube--you'll be able to manually adjust the output of your ETTL-enabled flash from the trigger on top of your camera.


That said, I'm not sure I'd recommend a 60" umbrella to start out with. That would be much more difficult to travel with as it won't compact down to a small size. Plus, you'd need a somewhat sturdy stand and even more sandbags to keep that windsail from getting away from you. Try the 43" Westcott White Collapsible umbrellas--they're fantastic.


Regardless of what you choose, dive in head first and start experimenting. Using off-camera flash is a great way to boost your creativity and see monumental gains in the quality of your portraits.


(I've been having to keep this series under wraps because the bride doesn't want her husband to see her in her dress before the wedding. I'm pretty sure he won't accidentally stumble upon this before Saturday. After this weekend I'll be posting a few of the pics to my flickr photostream.)


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strobist: 1 Vivitar 285HV, camera left, 1/2 power, shot through a white umbrella. 1 Vivitar 285HV, camera right (to the side of subject), 1/16 power, bare. 1 Vivitar 285, behind subject in tree, 1/4 power, 1/4 CTO and Yellow gelled, acting as sun. Flashes triggered via Cybersyncs.