Portrait questions

Hello all recently I was approached by a friend who inquired if I could take their childs senior portrait. I am fairly new to photography and have not even delved into portraits. I declined but they insisted I should try as they know I am into learning about this hobby (very serious hobby ).
I have an xti with the 18-55 kit lens, 70-300 non is, 50 2.8, a tripod but no external flash. I also have a G10. I have pp software (corel prox ultimate) maybe purchasing ps elements. But is there a lot of pp that needs to go into the pic cause I don't do a lot of pp on my pics. He wants to take the shot in autumn in a cedar patch here in Vermont. He also wants his dog (a black Swiss mountain dog) in the pic. Do I have the equiptment to get the job done? Any recommendations on settings/set ups? I usually shoot raw in all modes. I would also have access to an xsi if needed. Any help, suggestions, links would be appreciated!

Wait for an overcast day would be my first suggestion.
Angeline outdoors

Use this for your settings:
Need an exposure crutch?

Why?
Post #47

yes, either overcast or set up the shoot late in the afternoon

Thanks for the links! I think I got most of it, I just gotta play around with those tips before hand. But what about lens selection? Are any of mine going to do the trick or would it be in my best interest to purchase a different one?

I'd say a flash could be your biggest boost, with some type of ability to modify it (reflector, softbox). Doing outdoor portraits can be fantastic, but control of light can be crucial.

Your lenses will work, but you might want to experiment with your 50 at wide apertures to get some closeups with the "soft background" effect.