Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

What is the color temperature range for a typical household incandescent bulb?

1. 1,000-2,000 K

2. 2,500-3,500 K

3. 4,000-5,000 K

4. 6,500-8,000 K

The correct answer is: 2,500-3,500 K

The color temperature range for a typical household incandescent bulb falls between 2,500 and 3,500 Kelvin. This range reflects the warm, yellowish light that incandescent bulbs emit, which is often described as soft or cozy. The lower end of this range, around 2,500 K, is closer to the appearance of candlelight, providing a warm, inviting ambiance. As you move towards 3,500 K, the light will appear slightly whiter but still maintains that warm quality characteristic of incandescent bulbs. Understanding color temperature is crucial in photography, as it impacts the mood and clarity of images. Different lighting sources emit light at various temperatures, which can influence how colors are rendered in photographs. This knowledge helps photographers select the correct white balance setting when shooting under different light sources to achieve accurate color reproduction.