Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

An FLD filter is used for "daylight" balanced fluorescent tubes, while which filter is used for "warm" light balanced fluorescent tubes?

1. FLW filter

2. ND filter

3. UV filter

4. Polarizer

The correct answer is: FLW filter

The FLW filter, or Fluorescent Light Warm filter, is specifically designed to balance the color temperature of "warm" light fluorescent tubes, which typically emit a yellowish or warmer light compared to the cooler daylight balance. When using artificial lighting, especially fluorescent lights, the color temperature can significantly affect the final image. For photographers, achieving accurate and natural color reproduction is vital, particularly when working in environments illuminated by fluorescent bulbs. The FLW filter helps to correct the color cast from the warm fluorescent lights, allowing for more true-to-life colors in the captured image. This filter effectively adjusts the warmer tones produced by the light source, counterbalancing the color temperature to ensure that skin tones and other colors appear more natural. In contrast, other filters mentioned, such as ND (Neutral Density) filters, primarily reduce light intensity without affecting color balance, UV filters are designed to block ultraviolet light and protect lenses but do not impact color temperature, and polarizers are used to reduce glare and improve color saturation but don't specifically adjust to fluorescent lighting conditions. Therefore, the FLW filter is the appropriate choice for managing the warm light balance in these situations.