Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

A split-complementary color scheme involves a base color and two _______________ colors.

1. primary

2. complementary

3. secondary

4. tertiary

The correct answer is: secondary

A split-complementary color scheme is built around a base color and two colors that are adjacent to its complementary color on the color wheel. The base color is typically a primary, secondary, or tertiary color, while the two colors provide contrast without being directly opposite, which helps in creating a visually dynamic effect. In this context, the correct response is complementary colors, because they represent those adjacent hues that complement and contrast with the base color. The confusion may arise with the term secondary, as secondary colors can be used in various color schemes; however, the specific definition of a split-complementary scheme relies on the relationship to the complementary color rather than the classification of the colors themselves. Thus, while secondary colors can be involved in such schemes, they do not define the structure of a split-complementary color relationship. Overall, understanding color theory is essential for photographers who wish to create compelling visual narratives, and recognizing how various color combinations affect mood and composition is key to success in photography.