Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a subtractive color model?

1. RGB

2. HSB

3. CMYK

4. Lab

The correct answer is: CMYK

The CMYK color model is indeed a subtractive color model, which is fundamental in the field of color theory and printing. In subtractive color mixing, colors are created by subtracting varying percentages of light absorbed by the pigments. When colors are mixed in this model, such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (key), they absorb various wavelengths of light and reflect others, resulting in the final perceived color. This model is essential for printing processes because it aligns with how inks behave on paper. As layers of ink are applied, they reflect light and subtract from the spectrum of colors reflecting back to the observer. In contrast, RGB (Red, Green, Blue) is an additive color model used in electronic displays, where colors are created by combining light. HSB (Hue, Saturation, Brightness) is not a color model in the conventional sense but rather a means to describe color perception. The Lab color model is designed to be device-independent and is based on human vision, incorporating a different approach to representing colors compared to the traditional subtractive model.