Julie it is the same in my case, fine family album shots but not in the same league as portraits done with controlled lighting. It is the only answer to blown highlights and over-contrast, not to mention screwed up eyes and tense faces (people and dogs both) in direct sunlight or even bright cloudlight.

I know that I need to invest in a good lighting system and probably some professional assistance in how to get the best out of it. My difficult choice is whether to get that "next", or fill another need first, which is a faster and longer lens for the dog action. Decisions, decisions again.

The shot of your daughter is lovely, but I think the advantages of controlled lighting would make the same shot really stunning.