Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

What characteristic makes black and white film more sensitive to certain colors?

1. Color spectrum

2. Film grain

3. Color temperature

4. Blue sensitivity

The correct answer is: Blue sensitivity

The characteristic that makes black and white film more sensitive to certain colors is blue sensitivity. Black and white film typically exhibits a higher sensitivity to blue light compared to other wavelengths in the light spectrum. This means that when capturing images, tones that are influenced by blue light will yield more pronounced results on the film, leading to brighter and more defined areas in the final print. This sensitivity is particularly important for photographers to understand because it affects how subjects with different colors and lighting conditions are rendered in monochrome photography. For instance, scenes with a lot of blue elements or lighting—like skies—will have more impact on the final image due to this heightened sensitivity. Photographers can leverage this property creatively to emphasize specific tones and contrasts in their work, further illustrating the significance of blue sensitivity in contrast to the other terms. The color spectrum refers to the range of colors and their wavelengths, which does not directly address the sensitivity characteristic of the film. Film grain pertains to the texture and quality of black and white films, influencing image appearance but not the sensitivity to colors. Color temperature pertains to the warmth or coolness of light, affecting how images are rendered but also not specifically linked to film's sensitivity to colors.