What sort of lighting, cameras etc would be best for a beginner? I've just got a compact digital camera at the moment which I've had good results with but I now want to move up a step and make some money.
I want the photos to look professional as if done in a studio
A digital SLR camera would be a good start. E.g Canon,Nikon Sony, Olympus. On the hotshoe of camera you need an adaptor to a light stand with umbrella. A simple 283 Vivitar flash can be attached to light stand. Any 6-9 ft background you like will do. A portrait lens for you Slr also.