Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

Using a gelled light on a white background results in what type of look?

1. vivid

2. pastel

3. monochromatic

4. dark

The correct answer is: pastel

When using a gelled light on a white background, the color of the gel can significantly influence the overall tonality of the photograph. A gel that is soft in hue will produce a pastel look, creating a softer, more subtle effect that is pleasing and serene. Pastel colors are characterized by their lighter tones with a hint of color rather than being saturated or vivid. In contrast, if a more vivid or saturated gel were used, the resulting look would lean towards bright and intense hues, creating a stark contrast against the white background instead of a muted, soft appearance. A monochromatic effect would imply the use of a single hue without variation, which doesn’t accurately describe the result of using a gelled light with various color options available. Lastly, a dark look implies the use of shadows or less light, which doesn’t occur when utilizing a gelled light focused on a white surface, as the light will illuminate rather than obscure the background. Therefore, a gelled light on a white background can effectively soften colors, leading to a pastel outcome, making this the most accurate description of the look achieved with this lighting technique.