Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

Which type of meter measures the light falling onto it?

1. Reflective

2. Incident

3. Integrated

4. Average

The correct answer is: Incident

The type of meter that measures the light falling onto it is the incident meter. This device is specifically designed to capture the light that reaches its sensor directly at the location of the subject being photographed. By doing so, it provides an accurate reading of the light conditions in that specific environment, ensuring that the exposure settings are well-suited for the subject. Incident meters are typically outfitted with a white diffuser dome that helps to average out light coming from various angles, allowing the photographer to achieve a balanced exposure regardless of the reflectivity of the surfaces in the scene. This approach contrasts with other types of meters, such as reflective meters, which measure light reflecting off the subject and can be influenced by the color and texture of that subject. The ability of incident meters to measure light directly rather than relying on reflections makes them particularly useful for studio photography and when working with controlled lighting setups, as it yields more consistent and reliable exposure results.