Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

What does a reflective light meter measure?

1. Light falling on a subject

2. Light reflecting from a surface

3. Ambient light in an environment

4. Light intensity in a specific area

The correct answer is: Light reflecting from a surface

A reflective light meter is specifically designed to measure the light that is reflecting off a subject's surface. This type of meter determines the brightness of the light that bounces back to the meter, which is crucial for accurately capturing the exposure needed for a photograph. By evaluating reflections, the meter helps photographers assess the brightness of the subject in relation to the lighting conditions, allowing them to make informed decisions about camera settings, such as aperture and shutter speed. In contrast, measuring light falling on a subject would typically involve an incident light meter, which gauges light in the area that will illuminate the subject directly. Meanwhile, measuring ambient light without taking reflections into account does not provide the nuanced assessment needed for specific subject exposures. Lastly, while light intensity in a specific area may seem relevant, it does not focus on the reflected nature of light, which is the primary function of the reflective light meter. Thus, B accurately captures the essence of what this type of meter measures.