One of the next frontiers for me is lighting. I've decided to go the strobist route and try wireless flash rather than traditional studio lights. It's compact, light, flexible, affordable and completely wireless. I'm intentionally starting with just one light to take it one step at a time.

Here's my starter kit. A Canon 430 EX II flash, a six foot stand that collapses to 20", a 43" umbrella that collapses to 15", an umbrella swivel and hot shoe adapter and a Cactus wireless trigger. This all fits into a 22" bag I can take anywhere.

Total cost, about $450.

This video is a good introduction on getting started with this approach.