Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

What does luminance measure in the context of photography?

1. The contrast between colors

2. The amount of light emitted from the monitor

3. The duration of exposure

4. The quality of a lens

The correct answer is: The amount of light emitted from the monitor

Luminance specifically measures the amount of light emitted from a surface or seen from a surface, which in the context of photography, directly relates to how bright an image appears on a monitor or other display. It quantifies the intensity of light that is reflected or transmitted from an object, which is crucial for photographers as it affects the brightness and overall visual impact of an image. When dealing with photography, understanding luminance allows photographers to make informed decisions about exposure settings, lighting conditions, and post-processing adjustments to ensure that images convey the intended mood and visual clarity. This concept is essential for achieving proper exposure and contrast in photographs, making it a fundamental element in both capture and editing stages. The other options contribute differently to the photographic process: the perception of contrast relates to the difference between colors, duration of exposure affects how much light hits the sensor, and the quality of a lens impacts sharpness and distortion rather than brightness itself.