Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

What does CRI stand for in photography?

1. Color Replacement Index

2. Color Regulation Indicator

3. Color Reproduction Index

4. Color Rendering Index

The correct answer is: Color Rendering Index

The term CRI stands for Color Rendering Index. It is a measure used to evaluate the ability of a light source to reveal the colors of various objects faithfully in comparison to a natural light source. A high CRI value indicates that colors will appear more accurate and vibrant under that light, which is essential for photographers when selecting lighting for their work. This measure is particularly important in situations where color accuracy is critical, such as portrait photography or product photography, where the representation of colors must be true to life. Understanding CRI helps photographers choose the right lighting equipment and understand how different light sources will affect color perception in their images. The concept of CRI is geared towards ensuring that the camera captures colors in a way that aligns closely with human visual perception of those colors under ideal lighting conditions.