well, the larger the light modifier the softer the light will be, there is no way around it. so for the main light if u use a bounce card or omni-bounce, the light will be harder due to the smaller light source. but hard light doesn't mean bad, and sometimes an off camera direct flash will provide a more dramatic effect in carving out the outline. if u like to go the strobist way, min setup would be an off camera light + a light modifier (i.e. either an umbrella, a softbox, or a beauty dish). if you want hairlight then u need to add a kicker and it becomes a 2 light setup. for providing the warm look you can use an led light with orange filter. the usual setup i usually carry with me is a 2 light system, which consist of 2 light stands, 1 shoot thru umbrella, 1 sb900 & 1 sb800 (i've just added 2 nissin di866 recently), and remote triggers.
