Sounds like you have lots of sun out where you are. It would be a shame not to use it. There are several reflector makers. I use the Impact brand, from B&H, and it's pretty good. A reflector holder (lightstand w/boom) at B&H is about $80, and pretty useful.
See if there are any Meetup.Com groups in your area for photography. That's an excellent place to find people to work with, often for free, or under $100 per event. You can shoot to your hearts content, AND network with other photogs and models.
