Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

What is the result when a color is desaturated?

1. It becomes brighter

2. It becomes darker

3. It becomes duller

4. It becomes warmer

The correct answer is: It becomes duller

Desaturation refers to the reduction of a color's intensity or purity. When a color is desaturated, it loses some of its vibrancy and appears more muted or dull. This can happen by mixing the color with gray or its complementary color, which effectively diminishes the strength of the color. As a result, the character of the color changes such that it no longer appears as bright or vivid, leading to a more subdued appearance. For instance, a bright red when desaturated may appear closer to a grayish or brownish tone, which is perceived as a 'duller' version of the original color. This concept is vital in photography and design, where color moves from being striking and vibrant to softer or more neutral tones can greatly affect the mood and aesthetic of an image or design. Other responses like brightness, darkness, or warmth do not accurately capture the outcome of desaturation, as these terms refer to brightness levels or temperature rather than the intensity of color.