Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

How does the color temperature of a moderately overcast sky range?

1. 6,500-8,000 K

2. 5,000-6,500 K

3. 9,000-10,000 K

4. 1,000-2,000 K

The correct answer is: 6,500-8,000 K

The color temperature of a moderately overcast sky typically ranges from approximately 6,500 to 8,000 Kelvin. This range reflects the cooler, bluish tones that are characteristic of overcast conditions, where the clouds diffuse sunlight and give the scene a more subdued lighting quality. The higher color temperatures represent the light cast on the surface during these conditions, which can result in a cooler and less saturated appearance in photographs. In photography, understanding color temperature is crucial, as it impacts how images are rendered in terms of warmth and coolness. Moderate overcast weather often leads to lighting that requires adjustments in white balance settings to capture the true colors of the scene. This is why the range provided is particularly relevant for photographers when assessing lighting conditions during certain weather scenarios.