Patrick,
The great thing about digital and a good flash set up is that you can put a photographer out of business.
I could set up a full blown studio with a background and multiple lighting to create a Rembrandt effect but instead, with a good flash, with a Gary Fong diffuser and the light aimed upwards, here is what you can get.
I can make this shot better many ways but why bother? It was a simple point and shoot, totally automatic.
Again, my point is go for the lens quality and make sure you get the best, strongest flash made for that camera and use a good diffuser with bounced lighting (always), all on automatic.
You will soon be a pro.
