Using off-camera flash and a soft umbrella reflector can nicely complement the warmth of back-lighting by lifting unwanted shadows and helping ensure the subjects in my portraits stand out. By stepping into some shade and leveraging off-camera lighting, I was able to create a nice glow on Bella's face and still have a bright sunlit background radiating off the barn in the first shot. The second image was set against the coolness of a tree line, so the off-camera lighting helped lift the shadows off her face creating a nice even skin tone. 

Off-camera lighting also works on gray, flat overcast days when you need to make your colors pop and help eliminate dark shadows. If you want to create a specific mood or add dramatic effect, manipulate the flash and change its position to create that added pizazz. The beauty is that you have the freedom to leave your lighting set-up in one place and move around without restriction to get all those gorgeous shots. Try it, you’ll love the difference it makes.