How do you go about lighting if you're outside in the daylight or nature? Should you just work within the camera to get the desired effect? Use reflectors?

That largely depends on money, your grip gear and the amount
of grip people you have. Also the kind of weather, the look and
the shot you are trying to do will have an influence in this.

I believe sunlight is usually softened with nets and bounced to
create fill etc.

Overcast (cloudy) day should give you excellent lighting conditions,
as will the magic hour when the sun sets.

In the United States it's winter right now which means that days are far shorter and light quality can change in a very short period of time. Remember to keep that in mind both while planning your shoot and while shooting. Chances are good that you'll have to make adjustments for lighting condtions.

Good luck!