**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.

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

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

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")

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

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

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")

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

Rory Lewis is very pleased to announce his Portrait of Bill Speakman VC has been Shortlisted The British Photography Awards. The BPA run an open, responsible competition aimed at celebrating photographic talent from all British and British-based photographers.

The next stage of the competition is for the public to vote for their favourite portrait from 20 shortlisted portraits, if you would like to support Rory’s entry please vote by clicking below.

Bill Speakman was born and brought up in Altrincham, Cheshire and educated at Wellington school. He was 24 years old and a private in the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment), British Army, attached to the 1st Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers during the Korean War when the following deed took place at United Hill, for which he was awarded the VC.

Click Here Vote For Rory's Portrait

Rory Lewis Portrait of Bill Speakman Shortlisted The British Photography Awards 2022

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.

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

Long-Lasting Power for Extended Sessions

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

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")

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

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

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.

Why Every Portrait Photographer Needs a Reflector

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

Final Thoughts

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.

The Portrait of Britain exhibition, presented by the British Journal of Photography, has selected photographer Rory Lewis’s striking portrait of British Army soldier Trooper Collins for inclusion in its nationwide showcase.

Photographer Rory Lewis has achieved his seventh consecutive shortlist in the Portrait of Britain 2024 competition, presented by the British Journal of Photography.

Now based in Los Angeles I’m very pleased to be offering Military Portrait Sittings available also in New York. Portraits are very important to military personal. To be captured in uniform looking ones best and in full finery, can fill one with pride for the service.

Rory Lewis Photography is proud to sponsor the Jonathan Art Foundation's March 2023 Online Auction Fundraiser. Offering the winners a Portrait Sitting at Rory Lewis Los Angeles Photography Studio.

U.S Army Colonel Nyland is a distinguished member of the military, who has dedicated his life to serving his country. As a highly respected officer, it was an honor for our New York photography studio to capture his portrait.

Amber Butterworth arranged a session at the Los Angeles studio in Downtown to update her portfolio of Actors Headshots.

Portrait of Britain is presented by the British Journal of Photography. A Portrait by Photographer Rory Lewis of Black Rod Sarah Clarke OBE has been shortlisted.

Rory Lewis is very pleased to announce his Portrait of Bill Speakman VC has been Shortlisted The British Photography Awards. The BPA run an open, responsible competition aimed at celebrating photographic talent from all British and British-based photographers.

The next stage of the competition is for the public to vote for their favourite portrait from 20 shortlisted portraits, if you would like to support Rory’s entry please vote by clicking below.

Ciarán Hinds recently interviewed by The Irish Times, featured my portrait captured for my Selah Exhibition. Set to appear in new RTÉ drama, The Dry, the Ciarán actor talks about that night at the Oscars, and his lifetime of non-stop working.

Vida Lapus arranged a session at the Los Angeles studio in Downtown to update her portfolio of Actors Headshots.

Connor arranged a headshot session at the Los Angeles Studio in the heart of the Downtown LA. Updating his portfolio of Actors Headshots. Working through several setups we achieved a series vivid and thought provoking Headshots.

Portrait of Britain is presented by the British Journal of Photography . A Portrait by Photographer Rory Lewis of Black Rod Sarah Clarke OBE has been shortlisted.