This is a very difficult question to answer without knowing a few things.
What is your photographic experience?
If you just got yourself a camera and think you can produce outstanding photographs like what you've seen in magazines or on the Net, think again. Photography is an Art and
basic techniques MUST be learned and applied in order to produce great photographs.
Do you want these portraits to earn money or would they be just for your family and friends?
Selling your work is a business and there are many pre-requisites before you can start earning money with photography. Of course, you may be lucky and sell a few here and
there, but if you plan to have a place of business, it's another story all together.
Tools used to make pictures (camera, lenses, lights) do not make a person a photographer. Only experience will make you progress and give you the insight to read light and create masterpieces.
Photography is just a light capture and the mixture of light and shadows can be anywhere from extremely pleasing to the eyes to literally disgusting. Only constant practice and study will make you create better pictures. No lens of camera will give you the knowledge. It's like any other field, practice, practice and failure will teach you the road to success.
Now maybe you could fill us in about yourself, how old are you, what are your goals and your equipment. Then we might be able to help you in your quest.
Good luck and welcome to Nikonites.