Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

When discussing the "quality" of light, it often refers to its degree of what?

1. Brightness

2. Diffusion

3. Temperature

4. Intensity

The correct answer is: Diffusion

The term "quality" of light primarily relates to its degree of diffusion. This concept encompasses how soft or hard the light appears in a photograph. Soft light, which is highly diffused, produces gentle shadows and highlights, leading to a more flattering, even illumination of subjects—often desirable in portraiture. On the other hand, hard light is less diffused, creating more pronounced shadows and stark highlights, which can enhance textures and add drama to an image but may also be less flattering for certain subjects. In photographic practice, the diffusion of light is influenced by factors such as the size of the light source relative to the subject and the presence of modifiers like softboxes, umbrellas, or reflectors. Understanding light diffusion allows photographers to manipulate the mood and tone of their images effectively. Brightness, temperature, and intensity are crucial elements of light, but they specifically pertain to the strength and warmth of the light being used rather than its quality in terms of softness or harshness. Therefore, diffusion stands out as the most relevant characteristic when discussing the "quality" of light in photography.