Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

Which statement is true regarding cooler colors on the Kelvin scale?

1. They have lower numbers on the Kelvin scale

2. They have higher numbers on the Kelvin scale

3. They do not exist on the Kelvin scale

4. They are always brighter than warmer colors

The correct answer is: They have lower numbers on the Kelvin scale

Cooler colors on the Kelvin scale are characterized by higher color temperatures, which are indicated by higher numerical values on the scale. For example, light that appears blueish, such as daylight or overcast sky light, typically falls within a range of 5000K to 7000K and beyond, signifying cooler colors. In contrast, warmer colors, which are associated with lower color temperatures, can range from about 2000K to 4000K and often have a yellow or red appearance. While suggesting that cooler colors have low numbers might seem appealing, it does not align with the established understanding of how the Kelvin scale categorizes color temperature. This distinction is crucial for photographers since it affects lighting choices and color balance in imaging. Other options misconstrue the relationship between color temperature and the appearance of colors, failing to capture the correct association inherent in the Kelvin scale.