Portrait photography?

I want to get into portrait photography. I enjoy being creative, but my artistic abilities are not so great. I'm hoping photography could be that creative outlet. This is not for a business or anything like that. I'm definitely new to photography and simply want to have fun with it.

I own 2 older Nikon digital slr's. The D50 and D3100, and I have a few old film slr's that produce awesome images. I understand the bare basics as far as iso, aperature, shutter speed, and white balance. I can compose a decent shot that is exposed well. My question is how do I go from producing everyday run of the mill shots to something dramatic and nice to look at? I've been experimenting with lighting but I don't want the plain olan mills family portrait look. I really like the look of the hollywood glamour shots of the 50's. Obviosly these were produced by pros but as far as lighting goes what can I use without spending thousands of dollars on professional equipment? I've been researching lighting setups for beginners, and i've considered buying a cheap amazon beginner lighting set. Any helpful hints for a clueless newbie?
Added (1). Thanks for the feedback. The word "client" doesn't have anything to do with me taking photographs. I think for some photography could be an art, for others it's a meticulous undertaking that results in getting a check to pay the bills. My question for the most part pertained to lighting.

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Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 or Nikkor 50mm f/1.8?

Using for general shots of people. Which one?

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Nikon D5000 v D7000?

I currently have a Nikon D5000 that I'm beginning to outgrow. I'd like to upgrade to a new Nikon without completely breaking the bank! Would I see a significant improvement in image quality with a D7000? Very vague question I understand, but all input is appreciated!

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Windows Vista Help URGENT?!

I have a disc from a family vacation but need the pictures TODAY for a gift! It's just a few pictures, taken with a nikon, that were properly uploaded onto a computer and then given to me. My laptop runs vista, and loads audio discs with NO problem, but when i insert the disc, first, it doesnt even give me options to view the files, and when i go to "my computer" it shows the disc, and shows that theres 720 MB of data on it but then the window says not responding when i click on the disc. I have reinstalled the driver, rebooted the computer, cleaned out old drivers… What can i do to get these pictures?!

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Deciding on speedlights and wireless triggers?

Hi, I'm thinking on getting a speedlight for my photography. I have decided on Yongnuo YN-560iii as they are great speedlights for their price. My first quetion is whether I should buy only 1 speedlight or two as on Strobist.com and many other sites and such, I have seen that a double speedlight setup results in much more creative control, espcially for some of the shots I have in mind.

Second question is, can a Yongnuo RF-603 C1 flash work with a Nikon D3200 or are there some limitations? I know the cable release won't work, but doesn't the thing act as a wireless camera trigger? Please explain in depth.

Thanks in advance

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What are turrets on a scope?

Just bought a Nikon prostaff target efr and it has a zero turret feature. Not quite sure what it is or how to use it? Any idea?

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How to use external (maybe boom mic) microphone on Nikon D5000?

HI. How can i use external (maybe boom mic) microphone on Nikon D5000? Could you help me please?

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