Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

An in-camera meter is classified as a reflective meter because it measures the light that reflects off the subject and enters the camera. Reflective metering is designed to interpret the light bouncing back from the scene, which allows the camera to determine the appropriate exposure settings based on the tonal values present in the frame. This type of metering is commonly used in digital and film cameras and operates under the assumption that the scene averages out to a mid-tone. As a result, the meter automatically adjusts to avoid overexposure or underexposure based on reflective values. In contrast, incident metering, which is another method of measuring light, requires a separate light meter that measures the light falling on the subject rather than the light reflecting off of it. Understanding the distinction between reflective and incident metering is crucial for photographers as it influences how they measure and adjust exposure settings to achieve their desired artistic results. This knowledge helps in making informed decisions about equipment and techniques based on specific shooting scenarios.