Photography Help (Real Advanced Photos;touch ups,airbrushing,etc)?

[l w]

My mother is a photographer, i go with her on her jobs as her assistant.
My senior photos are coming up, and she will be taking them.
i want my photos a specific way, like the pics below;

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=9kp0tt&s=3

http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=244b2pd&s=3

what i needed to know how were these things achieved?

I. The Digital

1. the flawless luminiscent skintone and makeup
(i know there is paintshop pro, but how exactly is the look achieved, and is there an easier way to do it_

2. the wording

3. that soft dreamstate appearance (not shown on either photos)

II. Photo

1. the ligihting/the perfect lighting

2. type of photo paper to use, matte, glossy,etc? and what size is usual for senior photos (the size they usually put in senior books)

2. types and size of lights...where to find them (the names of them etc)

3. where to find back grounds for cheap

4. and anything else i may need to know