Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

After sunset, how does the light in the sky often appear?

1. Gray and dull

2. Warm and vibrant

3. Tinted by sunset colors

4. Dark and shadowy

The correct answer is: Tinted by sunset colors

After sunset, the light in the sky often appears tinted by sunset colors. This phenomenon occurs due to the scattering of sunlight by the Earth's atmosphere. As the sun dips below the horizon, the light must pass through a greater thickness of the atmosphere, allowing for longer wavelengths of light—typically reds, oranges, and pinks—to dominate the scene. This scattering results in the warm and vibrant hues that photographers often seek to capture during the "golden hour." While other options may describe different lighting scenarios, the post-sunset sky is particularly known for its rich, colorful displays that can evoke dramatic effects in photography. The unique conditions at this time create a palette that can enhance the aesthetic quality of images captured shortly after sunset.