Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

What is typically the goal when using a large light source for highly reflective surfaces?

1. To add drama to the scene

2. To minimize reflections

3. To create soft reflections

4. To enhance contrasts

The correct answer is: To create soft reflections

Using a large light source for highly reflective surfaces is aimed at creating soft reflections. This approach is effective because a larger light source, compared to the size of the reflective surface, produces light that wraps around and diffuses, resulting in a gentler transition in highlights and minimizing harsh shadows. The soft reflections created by a large light source help to maintain the detail and texture of the reflective surface, enhancing visual appeal without introducing distracting hard edges. In contrast, using a small light source would lead to sharper, more defined reflections that could overwhelm the overall image or distort the subject's features. Thus, the choice of a large light source is purposefully made to achieve a pleasing and aesthetically soft quality in reflective surfaces.