Soft lighting against black background?

[FMX]

Can anyone tell me how I can achieve this shot:

I want to take a pic in the dark with a light hitting my friend's back so that it shows his tattoo. It needs to be against a black background as well.

How would I achieve this? I know I need flash but how will I know how to expose with the flash on?

Can anyone show me some sample shots like what I am talking about?

[Frugal]

What lighting equipment do you have?

[FMX]

I have none. But I do have intentions of buying. I wish I could find a sample of what I would like to achieve but I think most would know what I am talking about.

[anj273]

www.strobist.blogspot.com

Has quite a substantial catalog of lighting tutorials, start from the beginning, and learn the basics. Soon you'll have a good understanding of how to expose with artificial lighting, and the picture you're talking about won't seem so hard.

[mitchman]

Might sound crazy, but you'd be surprised with what you can do with a flashlight. Heck shine it through a sheet. It's worth a try. Otherwise, I agree with checking out the stobist website. But get ready for a long (but really great) read.