Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

What is another term for a flag in lighting?

1. gobo

2. reflector

3. dimmer

4. filter

The correct answer is: gobo

A flag in lighting refers to a material used to block or control light, typically to eliminate unwanted highlights or to control the spread of light in a scene. The term "gobo" is indeed a legitimate term used in lighting design, which derives from "go between" and refers to a stencil or template placed in front of a light source to shape the light or cast interesting shadows. While flags can be used similarly to gobos in blocking or shaping light, the primary function is to reduce light rather than project patterns. Reflectors, on the other hand, are designed to bounce light and direct it onto a subject, rather than blocking it. A dimmer is a device used to adjust the intensity of light, allowing for control over brightness levels. Filters are used to modify the color of the light or reduce its intensity, but they do not perform the same function as flags when it comes to blocking light. Therefore, in the context of lighting, "gobo" aligns most closely with the functionality associated with a flag.