Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

What color temperature range is typical for a standard Tungsten bulb?

1. 1,000-2,000 K

2. 2,500-3,500 K

3. 3,000-4,000 K

4. 5,000-6,500 K

The correct answer is: 2,500-3,500 K

The typical color temperature range for a standard Tungsten bulb falls between 2,500 and 3,500 Kelvin. This range corresponds to the warm, yellowish light that Tungsten bulbs emit, which is often used in indoor settings for its flattering effects on skin tones and overall ambiance. In photography, understanding the color temperature is crucial because it affects how colors are rendered in your images. Tungsten lighting can create pleasing effects, especially for portrait photography, due to its warm color cast. Adjustments may be needed, such as using filters or white balance settings in the camera, to compensate for this warmer light when shooting in diverse lighting conditions. The other ranges presented do not represent the color temperature associated with standard Tungsten bulbs; instead, they correspond to other types of light sources, such as daylight or fluorescent lights. This contextual understanding is vital for photographers to effectively manage lighting conditions and achieve desired results in their work.