Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

What type of meter is necessary to accurately measure flash exposure?

1. Reflective meter

2. Incident meter

3. Spot meter

4. Digital meter

The correct answer is: Incident meter

An incident meter is specifically designed to measure the amount of light falling on a subject, which makes it the preferred choice for accurately measuring flash exposure. When working with flash, it is crucial to assess the light intensity provided directly by the flash to ensure proper exposure. An incident meter does this by using a dome or flat disc to capture light in the environment where the subject will be photographed. By positioning the incident meter at the subject's location and pointing it towards the camera, photographers can effectively measure the light output of the flash while compensating for ambient light conditions. This capability allows the photographer to determine the correct settings for aperture and shutter speed to achieve balanced and accurate exposure. While a reflective meter measures light that reflects off surfaces and comes back to the camera, this method can be affected by the color and texture of the subject, leading to less reliable outcomes in flash photography. Spot meters, which assess light in a specific area, are also less effective for flash exposure since they may not capture the entire illuminated scene produced by the flash. Digital meters could theoretically measure light output, but they typically do not provide the same level of precision and practicality in flash scenarios as an incident meter.