Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

When capturing a profile, how many degrees is the face turned from the camera?

1. 45 degrees

2. 90 degrees

3. 120 degrees

4. 180 degrees

The correct answer is: 90 degrees

When capturing a profile, the face is typically turned 90 degrees from the camera. This position presents the subject's side view, allowing for the most pronounced definition of facial features such as the nose, cheekbones, and jawline. At a 90-degree angle, the camera captures the profile with clarity, highlighting the contours and creating a strong visual impact. In a profile shot, the head is not facing directly towards the camera but is positioned to the side. This angle is essential in portrait photography as it helps convey a sense of depth and dimension. A 45-degree angle, while beneficial for three-quarter views, does not provide a true profile. Angles greater than 90 degrees, such as 120 or 180 degrees, would either turn the face towards the back, which is not a recognizable profile, or show the back of the head, offering no insight into the subject's features. Thus, the 90-degree angle is the most appropriate for capturing a classic profile image.