Essential Equipment for the Portrait Photographer (Featuring Westcott)

Westcott FJ400 II Touchscreen Strobe with FJ Pro AC/DC Battery (400Ws)

As a portrait photographer, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that your choice of equipment defines not only your workflow but also the quality of your results. Over the years, I’ve tested and worked with countless lighting systems, modifiers, and accessories, and I always come back to Westcott. Their gear is innovative, reliable, and designed with portrait artists in mind. In fact, I use Westcott exclusively for all my portrait work—whether I’m in the studio or on location.

If you’re building your kit or upgrading your tools, here’s my essential gear list for portrait photographers featuring Westcott’s industry-leading equipment.

---

USE PROMO CODE (lewis10) TO SAVE 10%

---

1. Westcott FJ400 II Touchscreen Strobe with FJ Pro AC/DC Battery (400Ws)

Compact Power. Unmatched Reliability.

Westcott FJ400 II Touchscreen Strobe with FJ Pro AC/DC Battery (400Ws)

The FJ400 II is the beating heart of my portrait work. It packs 400Ws of portable flash power into a surprisingly compact unit, making it ideal for both location and studio shoots.

Key reasons I trust the FJ400 II:

• Speed: Industry-leading recycle times of just 0.01–0.9 seconds ensure you never miss a fleeting expression.

• Endurance: With the included FJ Pro AC/DC battery, you’ll get over 550 full-power flashes. On longer days, I always keep spare batteries on hand (see below).

• Consistency: Stable 5500K (±150K) color temperature delivers natural, repeatable results across a session.

• Control: A full-color OLED touchscreen with built-in help guides makes adjustments effortless.

• Flexibility: High-Speed Sync, TTL, Freeze Sync, front/rear curtain sync, and flash durations up to 1/24,000s.

If you want reliability with portability, the FJ400 II is the perfect blend.

👉 Check out the FJ400 II here

---

2. J ProMax AC/DC Battery and Power Adapter

Long-Lasting Power for Extended Sessions

J ProMax AC/DC Battery and Power Adapter

For on-location shoots or marathon studio days, extra power is non-negotiable. The J ProMax AC/DC Battery ensures I never run out of juice mid-session.

• 1,000+ full-power flashes per charge with the FJ400 II

• Lightweight and portable at just 2.2 lbs

• Recharge in 3 hours and ready to go again

• Built-in trickle charge keeps your strobe running without downtime

This is an essential add-on for any serious portrait photographer.

👉 Get the J ProMax Battery here

---

Westcott Rapid Box Switch Octa-S

3. Westcott Rapid Box Switch Octa-S

The Ideal Modifier for Portraits

If there’s one modifier every portrait photographer should own, it’s an octa softbox. The octagonal shape creates soft, even light while leaving a natural, rounded catchlight in your subject’s eyes—just like you’d see in a Vanity Fair cover shoot.

Why I love the Rapid Box Switch Octa-S:

• Fastest setup and breakdown in the industry

• Durable, heat-resistant fabrics for long life

• Bowens-mount compatible with Switch Inserts

• Compact and portable for travel

• Produces that classic flattering glow on skin

I use mine as a key light in nearly every portrait session.

👉 Grab the Rapid Box Octa-S here

---

4. Westcott Standard Umbrella – Optical White Satin Diffusion (32")

4. Westcott Standard Umbrella – Optical White Satin Diffusion (32")

Soften and Expand Your Light

For quick, lightweight setups, nothing beats a diffusion umbrella. I use Westcott’s 32" Optical White Satin Umbrella for:

• Soft, broad fill light

• Beautiful, natural-looking catchlights

• Lightweight, portable construction with durable fiberglass ribs

Perfect for travel, quick portraits, or when you need a softer touch to balance shadows.

👉 Shop the Diffusion Umbrella here

---

5. Westcott Air-Cushioned Heavy-Duty Light Stand (8')

Secure Light Placement

Westcott Air-Cushioned Heavy-Duty Light Stand (8')

Never skimp on stands. A solid, reliable stand protects your strobes, modifiers, and ultimately your subjects. Westcott’s Air-Cushioned Heavy-Duty Stand is my go-to.

• Extends to 8 feet tall, folds to under 4 feet for travel

• Air-cushioning protects your gear during adjustments

• Supports up to 13 lbs—plenty for strobes + modifiers

• Thick aluminum tubing, matte black finish (no reflections!)

👉 See the Heavy-Duty Stand here

---

6. Westcott FJ-X3 Wireless Flash Trigger

Westcott FJ-X3 Wireless Flash Trigger

Seamless Multi-Brand Compatibility

A great flash system is nothing without a reliable trigger. The FJ-X3 Wireless Trigger syncs flawlessly across Canon, Nikon, Sony (manual), Fuji, Lumix, and Olympus.

• Range of up to 985 feet

• TTL, HSS, Freeze, and multiple sync modes

• Controls up to 6 groups / 32 channels

• Long-lasting removable battery with USB-C charging

• Bluetooth app integration for even more features

It’s the brain of my lighting system and has never let me down.

👉 Explore the FJ-X3 Trigger here

---

7.Westcott Illuminator QuickGrip 5-in-1 Reflector (50")

Westcott Illuminator QuickGrip 5-in-1 Reflector (50")

Lighting gear is the backbone of portrait photography, but sometimes the most powerful tools are also the simplest. One piece of equipment I never leave behind is the Westcott Illuminator QuickGrip 5-in-1 Reflector (50"). Compact, versatile, and budget-friendly, it gives me an incredible amount of control over my lighting—whether I’m shooting in the studio or chasing natural light on location.

Why Every Portrait Photographer Needs a Reflector

Reflectors are often underestimated, but they can transform your portraits. With a single tool, you can:

• Fill in shadows for a balanced, polished look

• Create natural catchlights in the eyes

• Bounce sunlight or strobe light to flatter your subject

• Diffuse harsh light into something soft and usable

• Subtract light for added drama and contrast

Unlike strobes or continuous lights, reflectors require no power—they’re instant, intuitive, and incredibly effective.

Westcott took the classic reflector and made it better. The QuickGrip handle alone is a game-changer, giving you one-handed control over a full 50" surface. That means I can hold and adjust it myself, or easily hand it off to an assistant—or even the subject—for quick repositioning.

Here’s what makes it indispensable:

• Five-in-One Design: Silver (crisp, bright light), Gold (warm glow), White (soft fill), Black (light subtraction), and Diffusion (softening harsh sources).

• Large 50" Size: Ideal for portraits and half-body shots while still compact enough to carry anywhere.

• Durability: Strong seams, resilient fabrics, and a flexible frame built to last.

• Travel-Friendly: Collapses into a portable size with a carry case—perfect for on-location sessions.

---

8. Westcott X-Drop Pro Backdrops

Vanity Fair Style, Anywhere

Lighting is half the portrait equation—the backdrop is the other. Westcott’s X-Drop Pro Backdrops give you professional, fabric backgrounds that set the stage for editorial-quality images.

• Lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabric prints

• Easy to swap out between colors and textures

• Perfect for both studio and on-location portrait sessions

• That signature Vanity Fair-style aesthetic for a polished, timeless look

👉 Browse X-Drop Pro Backdrops here

---

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re just starting out or upgrading your kit, investing in Westcott gear is one of the smartest decisions you can make as a portrait photographer. Their strobes, modifiers, stands, and backdrops aren’t just tools—they’re creative partners that allow you to consistently capture stunning, professional portraits.

I use Westcott exclusively for my work because I trust their innovation, reliability, and design. They’ve never failed me, whether I’m shooting Hollywood actors, military generals, or business leaders.

If you’re serious about portrait photography, build your kit with Westcott.

👉 Shop Westcott Portrait Essentials here

Capturing Character: July Portrait & Headshot Sessions Now Booking in New York with Rory Lewis

This July, step in front of the lens with Rory Lewis—one of the most sought-after portrait and headshot photographers working today. With a career spanning two decades and a client list that includes everyone from celebrated actors and models to political figures, military leaders, and major corporations, Rory brings a rare mix of artistry, professionalism, and warmth to every session.

Once again, he returns to New York City this summer, offering limited sessions in his beautifully appointed Midtown Manhattan studio. Whether you're an actor needing an update, a business professional looking to elevate your image, a servicemember wanting a timeless portrait, or someone eager to learn photography from the best—Rory has something to offer.

A Photographer Who Captures the Real You

There’s a reason people fly in for these sessions. Rory has a gift for making people feel seen. His portraits don’t just look good—they say something. They’re intentional, expressive, and thoughtfully crafted to reflect personality, presence, and professionalism.

Over the years, he’s worked with icons like Sir Ian McKellen, Maye Musk, William Shatner, and Natalie Dormer. But whether you’re famous or simply want to look your best, his approach remains the same: collaborative, creative, and personal.

What’s Happening in July?

Actors Headshots
If you’re in the performing arts, your headshot is often your first impression. Rory’s sessions focus on bringing out emotion and character range in each shot, providing casting-friendly imagery that’s both bold and subtle in all the right ways. The results speak for themselves—clean, honest, compelling portraits that stand out in a sea of sameness.

---

Professional Portraits
Executives, entrepreneurs, authors, and creatives alike have all turned to Rory for portraits that go beyond the standard studio shot. These sessions are tailored to your story—whether you’re rebranding, launching a website, or stepping into a new chapter of your career. It’s not just about looking sharp; it’s about being seen.

---

Military Portraiture
For those in uniform, these portraits serve as a legacy. Rory’s work with senior military figures and servicemembers is deeply respectful, capturing not only the honor and history of service, but the individual behind the uniform. These portraits often become family heirlooms—formal, powerful, and enduring.

---

One-to-One Photography Workshops
In addition to portrait sessions, Rory offers bespoke photography workshops designed to inspire and inform. Whether you're a hobbyist wanting to move to the next level, or a professional looking to refine your craft, these private sessions offer hands-on insight, direct feedback, and a chance to work with an internationally respected photographer.

---

The Studio

 

Located on 8th Avenue in the heart of Manhattan, the studio is a welcoming space where creativity and comfort go hand-in-hand. It’s easily accessible, filled with natural light, and equipped with everything needed for a relaxed, professional, and productive session.

From first-timers to longtime clients, everyone is treated with the same level of care and attention. You won’t feel rushed or “processed”—every session is personalized to get the very best results.

---

Special Offers This Month

Rory is offering a limited number of short-format headshot sessions this July—perfect for quick updates or time-sensitive needs. These include two outfit changes, an online gallery, and a professionally retouched image at a special rate.

Appointments are limited and tend to fill up quickly, so booking early is highly recommended.

---

What Clients Are Saying

“The best portrait I’ve ever had. Rory is an artist in every sense.”

“Rory didn’t just take a picture—he captured a version of me I didn’t know I could see.”

“Professional, precise, and a pleasure to work with. The entire experience was first-class.”