Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

What color does the ink color Magenta + Yellow reflect?

1. Blue

2. Red

3. Green

4. Yellow

The correct answer is: Red

When mixing colors in the subtractive color model, which is typically used in printing, combining magenta and yellow produces a specific color. In this model, magenta absorbs green light and yellow absorbs blue light. Therefore, when the two colors are mixed, they effectively cancel out the green and blue light, allowing only the red light to be reflected. This is why the combination of magenta and yellow will reflect red light. Understanding color mixing in this context is essential for photographers and printers, as it influences how colors are represented in photographs and printed materials. By knowing the behavior of these color interactions, photographers can make informed decisions in editing and producing their work.