Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

As the sun climbs higher in the sky, what happens to the contrast between colors?

1. It decreases

2. It increases

3. It remains the same

4. It fluctuates

The correct answer is: It increases

As the sun rises higher in the sky, the intensity of the sunlight increases, leading to more direct light hitting the subjects being photographed. This results in greater contrast between colors. In bright sunlight, shadows become more pronounced, and highlights are sharper, creating a more vivid separation between different tones and colors. This heightened contrast can enhance the visual impact of images, making colors appear more saturated and vibrant. Additionally, during midday, when the sun is overhead, the light is less diffuse compared to when it is closer to the horizon, resulting in less scattering of light. Consequently, colors are perceived with greater distinction under these direct lighting conditions. Understanding how natural light affects color contrast is crucial for photographers in creating compelling images.