Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

In low light conditions after sunset, how are shadows generally characterized?

1. Increased darkness

2. They disappear

3. They appear brighter

4. They may look blue

The correct answer is: They may look blue

In low light conditions after sunset, shadows often take on a bluish tint due to the color temperature of the available ambient light. During twilight, the natural light from the sky becomes cooler and can shift towards the blue spectrum, especially in contrast to warmer light sources that may be present, such as streetlights. This dilution and alteration of color can cause shadows to be perceived as having a bluish hue, creating a distinct visual effect that is characteristic of low light photography. The increase in darkness or vanishing of shadows does not accurately describe the phenomenon found in these conditions, as shadows will still exist but may change in appearance. Similarly, shadows appearing brighter contradicts the principles of light; shadows typically absorb light, resulting in decreased brightness rather than an increase. The characteristic blue tone in shadows serves as a reminder of how environmental lighting influences color perception in photography.