If I use the infinite light with HDR IBL I set the models diffuse color always on R: 127 G: 127 B: 127
the middle of the grey color between the white and black, this bring the surface in balance, you need to use also shadows for the infinite light to get the more natural look, Ambient Occlusion is very low in a bright sunny day, it is more effective in a cloudy day where are not direct strog shadows, if you set the surface color right the infinite light will bright up the ambient occlusion that turn out more natural...
The HDRVX_pond_01 in poser 7 is set to bright, the contrast is very high on the HDR map already, I would use another one or just set the intensity of the IBL Light down until you see the blue sky in the shader node preview.

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