Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

When would it be appropriate to use a slower shutter speed with a neutral density filter?

1. To freeze fast motion.

2. To create a blurred effect in motion.

3. To improve low light performance.

4. To enhance color accuracy.

The correct answer is: To create a blurred effect in motion.

Using a slower shutter speed in conjunction with a neutral density filter is most appropriate for creating a blurred effect in motion. The core purpose of a neutral density filter is to reduce the amount of light entering the lens without affecting the color of the light, which allows for longer exposure times even in bright conditions. When you apply a slower shutter speed, you enable the camera to capture the movement of a subject over an extended period. This technique can convey a sense of motion, as moving objects will appear blurred while stationary elements remain sharp. This is particularly effective in situations like photographing flowing water or moving vehicles, where the desired outcome is to illustrate motion and the dynamic qualities of the scene. In contrast, freezing fast motion would require a faster shutter speed to stop the action, while improving low light performance would typically involve using a wider aperture or higher ISO settings rather than a slower shutter speed. Enhancing color accuracy does not correlate with shutter speed choices but rather involves factors like white balance and lens quality. Thus, the option that aligns with the use of a slower shutter speed paired with a neutral density filter is indeed to create a blurred effect in motion.