Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

As the size of light decreases relative to the subject, the shadows produced will be what?

1. Lighter

2. Fainter

3. Sharper

4. Wider

The correct answer is: Sharper

When the size of the light source decreases relative to the subject, the resulting shadows become sharper. This occurs because a smaller light source produces more defined edges to the shadow. When light is diffused through a larger source, it creates a softer transition between light and shadow, leading to a more gradual effect. In contrast, as the light source gets smaller, the shadows produced lack this diffusion and thus exhibit a more abrupt delineation, resulting in sharper edges and well-defined shapes. This principle is crucial in photography, as it impacts the mood and texture of the image through shadow play. The sharper shadows can suggest a more dramatic effect, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the subject.