The subject of your photo helps to determine the type of light needed to create the perfect picture.  Wildlife photographs require different light than portraits, while ocean scenes require different light than a snowscape.  Some pictures need clear bright white light yet others need muted light to produce the best outcome.  Picking the right light, the right time of day and using the proper tools will ensure that your picture will come out the way you intended it to.

Let us begin with wildlife photography.  The best results often result from photographs taken on overcast days.  The natural muting of light allows the subjects natural beauty to shine through.  The color and unique detail of your subject is less likely to be washed out if your target isn’t over bathed in white light.  Another great time for wildlife photography is what is known as the golden hour.  This is early morning or late evening as the sun is rising or setting.  This golden hue cast by the sun is ideal for catching your subject in just the right light.

Portraits are different.  Without enough light the subject will be too dark, yet with too much light the subject can end up washed out.  On most digital cameras there is a setting for portraits.  It utilizes the flash but in a burst sequence to eliminate red eye.  Let your subject know about this feature or you may end up with photos of your subject with their eyes closed.

Ocean photography often ends up with great pictures in mid day light.  When the sun is high the glistening light on the cresting waves is amazing.  The water can turn into a field of diamonds right before your lens.  The same is true for rivers, lakes and other bodies of water.  However if you are taking pictures on the water, and your subject is not the water, mid day light may be too intense.  The result will be glare, which isn’t very often the desired effect.

Winter photography should not be taken in mid day light if the scene contains snow.  The light will glare off the white of the snow and create blinding photographs.  Once again the golden hour is ideal for snow scenes.  Winter photography can result in some amazing pictures.

With the right light and a little patience you can produce wonderful photographs.  One great thing with digital photography is that you can take as many pictures as you want and then delete the pictures that didn’t turn out the way you expected and keep the ones you love.

Remember photography is an art and as with any form of art may take some work to get the effect you want. But don’t give up; your perfect picture is out there waiting for you.

You can find further tips at Simple Digital Photo Tips.