Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

What type of filter can effectively darken a blue sky in photography?

1. Neutral density

2. Circular

3. Polarizing

4. Infrared

The correct answer is: Polarizing

A polarizing filter is particularly effective for darkening a blue sky in photography. This filter works by reducing glare from reflective surfaces, such as water and glass, and it enhances the saturation of colors. When used to photograph a blue sky, a polarizing filter can increase the contrast between the sky and clouds, making the blue appear richer and the clouds more defined. The result is a more dramatic sky that captures attention and adds depth to the image. In addition to darkening the sky, a polarizing filter also helps reduce the amount of light entering the lens, which can enhance the overall color contrast and clarity of the photograph. Its ability to remove reflections makes it a favored tool among landscape photographers, especially on sunny days when vibrant sky colors are desired. While neutral density filters block a portion of light entering the camera without affecting color, they do not specifically target the enhancement of sky color. Circular filters can refer to a variety of filters, including polarizing filters, but without specification, they do not imply a definitive effect on the sky. Infrared filters are designed for capturing different wavelengths of light and don't directly enhance or darken blue skies in the way that a polarizing filter does.