For seven years I ran my own photo studio loaded with ProFoto strobes and expensive gear.
I sold all my gear, and all I have now is two used Canon 430 EXII Flashes and a Phottix Odin radio/transceiver kit. This is perfect for shooting portraits no matter what the light conditions are. All the photos below are shot with this kit using a cheap umbrealla as reflector.
The great thing about the Phottix Odin radio/tranceivers is that you can shoot with high shutter speeds, and control everything from your camera.
Portrait of my son home in my living room
Flash setup: Flash into a white umbrella at 45 degree, right side. One flash behind him pointing at a white wall to make the background white.
Fitness portrait done at the gym
This photo was shot at the gym in bright day light. I used high shutter speed to block the room light. I had one flash in front of her (in umbrella) and one behind her to light up the hair and back of her arms.
Fitness portrait done at the gym II
This setup is almost the same as above, but the hair flash is closer so you can see it in the image.
Fitness portrait done at the gym III
This setup is also very similar to the two previous, but the model is in front of a large window.
I hope you found some use in these quick tips :)