Critique My Starter Umbrella Kit

Ok, Tried to do some food photography with on camera flash (580 EX II). Obviously turned out ok but not great. Deciding between softbox vs. umbrella decided to go with umbrella as it's pretty cheap, and I'm only doing this for myself so not as critical.

Photogenic 32" Eclipse Umbrella with White Satin Interior & Black Cover
Interfit 7.5ft Air Cushioned Light Stand
LumoPro LP633 Umbrella Swivel w/ Flash Shoe Adapter

Again, this is for a 580exii and mainly food photography, so never really a huge subject, but if I can mess around with head and shoulder portraits maybe I will. Is that a large enough umbrella, should I go bigger? I don't have a studio room so the smaller the better.

Also, how to control off camera, should I go with a pc cord and force myself to learn manual? Right now all I'm using is ETTL. Or get a flash zebra off camera ettl cord which is pricier, but out of stock. Also, how does it mount to the flash if the flash is mounted using the shoe already?

I'm open to any other suggestions for triggering the flash.

not sure about the umbrella swivel you have-- i have a similar one, and it's junk.

but if you're looking for cheap (and best bang for your buck) triggers, go with the RF-602's.

well your kit there is not bad, but the umbrella is $30, Stand is $30 and Braket is $20 so total is about 80 with out shipping.
I got this kit and it is very good, it comes with two air stands, two umbrellas ( can use as shoot through or reflecting) and two brackets.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Flash_Umbrella_​Mount.html

very versatile, cheap and provides great results.

I'd go with a larger umbrella like this:
http://www.mpex.com/br​owse.cfm/4,4635.html

And yes, get the RF-602's and go manual.

If you're starting out with one flash, get a reflector of some sorts. For food photography, a bunch of foam core boards will do great.

Em2 wrote in post #9859381
well your kit there is not bad, but the umbrella is $30, Stand is $30 and Braket is $20 so total is about 80 with out shipping.
I got this kit and it is very good, it comes with two air stands, two umbrellas ( can use as shoot through or reflecting) and two brackets.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Flash_Umbrella_​Mount.html

very versatile, cheap and provides great results.

Actually, the umbrella is $21, Stand is $27, Bracket is about $18. So about $66 plus shipping. Yeah your kit looks pretty good but I'll be spending $40 more for stuff I won't need really. Plus I heard the photogenic is a pretty good umbrella, with hidden ribs if that's worth anything.

I guess I don't need an aircushioned stand. So I've basically gone with a new setup, that is now $55 not bad. it's the same umbrella, but the impact stand and impact swivel mount from that kit. Personal experience from a fellow user is the best review.

No. get some sort of radio slave. Yes. Learn manual. There's less voo doo involved.