Nekoman, I use wireless triggers from Cowboy Studio, about $20 on Amazon, been using them for months and fire 100% of the time. I use Vivitar 285 speedlights, built like a brick and about $85 brand new. I am up to 3 complete sets including stands and a lot of light modifiers, and going to get more because I am addicted to them, they rock! There is no need to spend a fortune. 2 websites I highly recommend:
Strobist &
DIY Photography, both have a wealth of info on creative lighting.
As far as experimenting, that is the fun in doing this hobby, if using constant lighting try moving the lights around at different angles and shooting to see which one looks more dramatic. Don't shoot with your light at the same angle all the time. Try using colored bulbs for some cool effects. One thing about mirrors is that they reflect light, foamcore will bounce it and you will get a softer light.
It's hard to come up with original ideas, photography has been around 150+ years so there is a pretty good chance someone else has tried your brainstorm before! lol. Your shots look great but there is always room to improve and try new things.
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"It ain't about how hard you hit, but how hard you can get hit, how much you can take and keep moving forward - thats how winning is done!" Rocky Balboa