Overcoming harsh sunlight...tips?

Okay,

I know sunlight (especially clear days around noon) are among the worst times/situations to shoot, but unfortunately life doesn't wait for good light to happen.

So, I am curious as to what tricks/tips people have on overcoming (or at least suppressing) the dreaded 'harsh daylight' shooting situations.

I ask b/c some gigs (i.e. weddings, marathons, parties, etc) take place outside and on clear, sunny days; and a lot of people (i.e. paying customers) expect great photos, even in those types of lighting situations.

I know the normal stuff, like :
- using the lens hood
- using CPL/ND/GND filters
- using fill flash
- using large, continuous shadows (i.e. getting subject while they are in them)
- using reflectors (translucent, etc)

Any tips?

get a scrim and shade your subject.

Fill flash works to eliminate shadows but I think reflectors are best as you can use the sunlight to your advantage.

If taken off the camera I suppose flash acts like a reflector with harsher light but then you are basically using sun competing with flash as primary light sources.

Don't get me wrong, I use flash all the time for fill when shadows are my only concern.

Hoods are used when you have no choice as the sun would otherwise be hitting your lens in an unwanted fashion.

By large, continuous shadows I assume you are talking about placing the subject in the shade. This is normally okay but the background sunlight seems to get overexposed if no further light source is utilized.

Overexpose a touch & shoot RAW:
Horsies" - A CMHA Equestrian Event

PhotosGuy wrote in post #5351414
Overexpose a touch & shoot RAW:
Horsies" - A CMHA Equestrian Event

My manager would love you, short, sweet and to the point.

I tend to get into details too much.

I also just read the page about the "Sweet 16" suggestion.

I am partial to the large diffuser option if you have an assistant to hold it.

PhotosGuy wrote in post #5351414
Overexpose a touch & shoot RAW:
Horsies" - A CMHA Equestrian Event

Why overexpose?

As I said, "a touch" to keep the shadow detail under the hat. What might be a "normal" exposure for a WA shot, isn't always the "right' exposure for a close-up?
And, notice I didn't suggest that he use EC. My exposure workflow:
First set the f-stop & shutter speed you need. Then adjust the ISO. Need an exposure crutch?
More on how the subject affects the exposure in Post # 47

Meter the background, adjust for the brightness, then flashfill. I am still learning this stuff, trying some of the strobist ways. You could just carry a few PW and lightstands in your trunk.