Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

The requirement for faster shutter speeds when photographing subjects at a distance is due to what factor?

1. Lens aperture

2. Low light conditions

3. Camera-to-subject distance

4. Subject color

The correct answer is: Camera-to-subject distance

Faster shutter speeds are necessary when photographing subjects at a distance primarily due to the impact of camera-to-subject distance on the physics of capturing movement and detail. When you're further away from the subject, any movement – whether it's the subject itself moving, or camera shake from hand-holding the camera – has a greater effect on the image. This is because the angle of view is narrower at greater distances, so even minor movements can result in noticeable blurring. Additionally, the longer the focal length (which is often used when photographing distant subjects), the more susceptible the image becomes to motion blur. This phenomenon requires a faster shutter speed to freeze the action and maintain clarity. Hence, recognizing the relationship between distance and the need for increased shutter speed helps ensure that the images are sharp and well-defined, further reinforcing the importance of understanding how distance influences photography techniques.