Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

What effect does a black reflector have on an image?

1. It adds more light

2. It eliminates some of the light

3. It softens shadows

4. It increases contrast

The correct answer is: It eliminates some of the light

A black reflector absorbs light rather than reflecting it. This means that its presence in a scene can reduce the amount of light that bounces back towards the subject, effectively eliminating some of the light in the environment. This characteristic makes black reflectors useful for controlling exposure and creating specific lighting effects, especially when a photographer wants to diminish unwanted reflections or reduce the overall brightness of an image. By absorbing light, a black reflector aids in creating deeper shadows, thus influencing the overall atmosphere of the shot. The other options do not accurately describe the function of a black reflector. For example, it does not add light or soften shadows; rather, it creates a stark contrast by lowering light levels and emphasizing darkness or shadow detail in a photograph.