Taking control of the flash on your digital camera goes a long way in the quality of your photographs. Having the flash go off when you want it to instead of when the camera thinks it should makes a big difference in taking outdoor portraits.
By changing from the flash on to the fill flash mode (a little-known but wonderful feature), your camera exposes the background first, and then adds enough light to illuminate your subject. This results in a professional-quality print in which everything looks good in the picture.
This is a technique wedding photographers have used for a long time. Try placing the subject in the open shade of a tree and turn on the fill flash. The background is exposed properly and the portrait comes out beautifully. Keep in mind that most built-in digital camera flashes have a range of 10 feet or less, so don't stand too far away for your pictures.
There are many variations you can use once you learn to use your flash outdoors; one is to position them so the sun shines on the side or back of their hair. Referred to as rim lighting, you can create spectacular shots with this lighting technique. Try placing your subject in the shade and use the flash to take the photo. This helps eliminate the squinty eye shot, and helps keep the person cool and comfortable, allowing for a more relaxed picture.
Another important but often overlooked part of the world is at your feet, there is an entire world down there that we pay little if any attention to. Try using the close up feature on your camera (instead of lying on your belly on the ground). There are photos just waiting to be taken that are quite beautiful.