Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

Is it true that when shadows lengthen, surfaces become strongly textured?

1. True

2. False

3. Only in low light conditions

4. Only with certain colors

The correct answer is: True

When shadows lengthen, they tend to emphasize the features and textures of surfaces. This phenomenon occurs because the angle of the light source affects how shadows are cast. As the light becomes more oblique—such as during the golden hour when the sun is lower in the sky—it creates longer shadows that can reveal the depth and detail in the texture of surfaces. The contrast between light and shadow enhances these textures, making them appear more pronounced and visually interesting. In different lighting scenarios, particularly low light conditions, the textures might still be present but not as visible. The observation about certain colors influencing this effect can also be valid; however, the essence of the question focuses primarily on the relationship between shadow length and surface texture visibility, making the assertion true in general terms. Thus, the statement holds true as a general principle in photography and visual perception.