Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

What does gamma refer to in photography?

1. The intensity of light

2. The speed of editing

3. How quickly shades change from black to white

4. The resolution of an image

The correct answer is: How quickly shades change from black to white

Gamma in photography refers to the relationship between the input and output of tonal values in an image, particularly how quickly shades change from black to white. This concept is integral to understanding how images are rendered, particularly in terms of contrast and the overall brightness of an image. When referring to gamma, it is often about the gamma curve, which describes the non-linear transformation of the brightness levels. A higher gamma value implies a steeper curve, meaning that mid-tones are compressed while the highlights and shadows are more pronounced. This results in a particular visual appearance that affects how we perceive light and contrast in an image. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of gamma in photography. The intensity of light pertains more to exposure settings, the speed of editing is related to workflow efficiency rather than tonal adjustments, and resolution specifically deals with image detail rather than tonal transitions. Understanding gamma is crucial for photographers when adjusting images to achieve the desired visual outcome.