Portrait Help Needed

[evader]

I've never done any real portrait type photo's before but a friend of my wife's has lent me some stuff that she doesn't use anymore so I thought I would give it a shot.

I'm having a bit of trouble though...the pictures I'm taking sort of look like nothing more than a passport type of picture...if that makes any sense.

I'm shooting with a Nikon D60 and here's the equipment I got from her...

- Aurora Light Bank Translucent Light Filter (HSD80)

- Aurora Light Bank 32"×48" Silver & Gold Light Panel Reflector (LP812)

- Tristar 4 Section Light Stand (has 3 digital imaging fluorescent 26w true daylight spiral bulbs).

And I've got a black bed sheet as a back drop...

Is this a good set up to start with? Can anyone point me to a good site that would show diagrams on set ups for shooting with 1 light? Does anyone have any info or tips they could share?

[zona5101]

Maybe start with posting one of your pictures. Describe what you don't like or want to improve. Include your camera settings and I'll bet someone here will be able to help.

[evader]

I will have to set the equipment up and take some more pictures as I didn't save any of the first ones I took