[TurboFan]

I'm not that good at portrait photography, but when you whip out a D200 with vertical grip and an 80-400VR lens, people think you're Ansel frickin' Adams (yeah, i know he wasn't really into portraits, but he's a name everyone knows...)

I think portraits look best with a softer background, and that's where I like the fast aperatures. I also agree with early in the day / late afternoon for the most interesting light. Sometimes that isn't possible, or doesn't fit the desired mood. In that case, I also agree with the above, difuse sunlight is better than direct in most cases.

Hey, it's digital. Shoot a ton, and figure out what you like!