Essential Photography Knowledge Test! Trivia Quiz

Approved & Edited by ProProfs Editorial Team
The editorial team at ProProfs Quizzes consists of a select group of subject experts, trivia writers, and quiz masters who have authored over 10,000 quizzes taken by more than 100 million users. This team includes our in-house seasoned quiz moderators and subject matter experts. Our editorial experts, spread across the world, are rigorously trained using our comprehensive guidelines to ensure that you receive the highest quality quizzes.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Usedfilm
U
Usedfilm
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 1 | Total Attempts: 10,931
Questions: 21 | Attempts: 10,937

SettingsSettingsSettings
Essential Photography Knowledge Test! Trivia Quiz - Quiz


Do you know anything about essential photography? Ready to take a quiz? This quiz asks the appropriate questions. Including who said “The decisive moment,” how the depth of field is controlled, what TTL stands for, the most common professional camera formats, what is one of the most foundational rules of composition, and what is aperture. Take this quiz and learn more about essential photography.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    F2.8 @ 60th/sec ISO 100 is equal to f4 @ ____/sec ISO 200.

    • A.

      15th

    • B.

      1 second

    • C.

      80th

    • D.

      200th

    • E.

      60th

    Correct Answer
    E. 60th
    Explanation
    The given question is asking for the equivalent aperture and shutter speed settings when the ISO is doubled. When the ISO is doubled from 100 to 200, the amount of light sensitivity also doubles. To compensate for this, the aperture needs to be decreased by one stop (from f2.8 to f4) and the shutter speed needs to be increased by one stop. Since the shutter speed is given as 60th/sec, the equivalent shutter speed at ISO 200 would be 80th/sec. Therefore, the correct answer is 80th.

    Rate this question:

  • 2. 

    ISO 100 is ____ sensitive to light than ISO 800.

    • A.

      3 stops more

    • B.

      3 stops less

    • C.

      2.5 stops more

    • D.

      1 stop less

    • E.

      4 stops less

    Correct Answer
    B. 3 stops less
    Explanation
    ISO 100 is 3 stops less sensitive to light than ISO 800. This means that ISO 100 requires 3 times more light to achieve the same exposure as ISO 800. A lower ISO value indicates lower sensitivity to light, requiring more light to properly expose an image. Therefore, ISO 100 is less sensitive to light than ISO 800.

    Rate this question:

  • 3. 

    "The decisive moment" is a quote attributed to

    • A.

      Mark Seliger

    • B.

      Joe McNally

    • C.

      Mary Ellen Mark

    • D.

      David Jay

    • E.

      Henri Cartier-Bresson

    Correct Answer
    E. Henri Cartier-Bresson
    Explanation
    Henri Cartier-Bresson is attributed to the quote "The decisive moment." He was a French photographer widely regarded as the father of modern photojournalism. Cartier-Bresson believed in capturing the spontaneous and fleeting moments of life, often using a small, discreet camera to blend in with the crowd. He emphasized the importance of timing and composition, capturing the essence of a scene in a single frame. His work had a significant impact on the development of photography as an art form, and his concept of the decisive moment remains influential to this day.

    Rate this question:

  • 4. 

    Doubling flash power gains ____

    • A.

      One stop more of light

    • B.

      Two stops more of light

    • C.

      Increases intensity

    • D.

      Decreases intensity but adds distance

    • E.

      Half a stop of light

    Correct Answer
    A. One stop more of light
    Explanation
    Doubling flash power gains one stop more of light. This means that when the flash power is doubled, the amount of light produced by the flash also doubles, resulting in an increase of one stop in the overall brightness of the scene. This increase in light can be beneficial in situations where additional illumination is needed to properly expose the subject or to create a desired lighting effect.

    Rate this question:

  • 5. 

    The depth of field is controlled by which three variables?

    • A.

      Aperture

    • B.

      Focal length

    • C.

      ISO

    • D.

      Camera to subject distance

    • E.

      Subject to background distance

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Aperture
    B. Focal length
    D. Camera to subject distance
    Explanation
    The depth of field refers to the range of distance in a photograph that appears to be in sharp focus. It is controlled by three variables: aperture, focal length, and camera to subject distance. Aperture refers to the size of the lens opening, with a larger aperture resulting in a shallower depth of field. Focal length, which determines the magnification of the subject, also affects the depth of field. A longer focal length tends to have a shallower depth of field. Lastly, the distance between the camera and the subject plays a role, as a closer distance results in a shallower depth of field.

    Rate this question:

  • 6. 

    TTL stands for 

    Correct Answer(s)
    through the lens
    Through The Lens
    Explanation
    TTL stands for "through the lens" or "Through The Lens". This term is commonly used in photography to refer to a method of metering light through the camera lens. TTL metering allows the camera to measure the amount of light that passes through the lens and adjust the exposure settings accordingly. It is a popular feature in modern cameras that ensures accurate exposure and helps photographers capture well-balanced and properly exposed images.

    Rate this question:

  • 7. 

    For a full-frame 35mm based camera system, which lens gives you the perspective most like what your eye sees?

    • A.

      24mm

    • B.

      28mm

    • C.

      35mm

    • D.

      50mm

    • E.

      85mm

    Correct Answer
    D. 50mm
    Explanation
    A 50mm lens gives you the perspective most like what your eye sees in a full-frame 35mm based camera system. This is because the focal length of a 50mm lens closely matches the natural field of view of the human eye, resulting in images that appear similar to what we see with our own eyes.

    Rate this question:

  • 8. 

    What are the three most common professional camera formats?

    • A.

      35mm

    • B.

      Medium format

    • C.

      APS

    • D.

      Hasselblad, Nikon, Canon

    • E.

      Large format

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. 35mm
    B. Medium format
    E. Large format
    Explanation
    The three most common professional camera formats are 35mm, medium format, and large format. These formats refer to the size of the camera's image sensor or film. 35mm is the most widely used format and is popular among both professionals and hobbyists. Medium format offers higher image quality and resolution, making it suitable for commercial and studio photography. Large format cameras have the largest image sensors, providing the highest level of detail and image quality, often used in specialized fields such as landscape and architectural photography.

    Rate this question:

  • 9. 

    If you want to compress the perspective of the subject and background in your photograph you would most likely _____

    • A.

      Use a faster shutter speed

    • B.

      Use a slower shutter speed

    • C.

      Shoot with a 200mm lens

    • D.

      Shoot with a 24mm lens

    • E.

      Decrease your aperture

    Correct Answer
    C. Shoot with a 200mm lens
    Explanation
    Using a 200mm lens allows you to zoom in and capture a narrower field of view, which compresses the perspective of the subject and background in your photograph. This lens choice helps to make the background appear closer to the subject, creating a sense of depth and reducing the apparent distance between them.

    Rate this question:

  • 10. 

    __________ is the photographer who is widely known for their B&W portraits against a white background shot in the southwest in the late '70s and early '80s.

    • A.

      Gordon Parks

    • B.

      Henri Cartier-Bresson

    • C.

      Herb Ritts

    • D.

      Richard Avedon

    • E.

      Annie Liebowitz

    Correct Answer
    D. Richard Avedon
    Explanation
    Richard Avedon is the correct answer because he is widely known for his black and white portraits against a white background, which were shot in the southwest during the late '70s and early '80s. Avedon's distinct style and use of a minimalist background became iconic in the world of photography during that time period.

    Rate this question:

  • 11. 

    What is one of the most foundational rules of composition?

    • A.

      Frame within a frame

    • B.

      Rule of fifths

    • C.

      Rule of thirds

    • D.

      Head in a clean spot

    • E.

      Diagonal lines

    Correct Answer
    C. Rule of thirds
    Explanation
    The rule of thirds is one of the most foundational rules of composition in photography and design. It suggests that an image should be divided into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines. The main subject of the image should then be placed along these lines or at their intersections, known as the "power points." This technique creates a visually balanced and interesting composition, allowing the viewer's eye to naturally move through the image.

    Rate this question:

  • 12. 

    F5.6 @ 250th/sec ISO 400 is one stop less of light then f____ @ 250th/sec ISO 100

    • A.

      2

    • B.

      6.3

    • C.

      5.6

    • D.

      8

    • E.

      4

    Correct Answer
    A. 2
    Explanation
    The given question is asking for the aperture value that is one stop less of light compared to f5.6 @ 250th/sec ISO 400. One stop less of light means reducing the amount of light by half. So, to find the answer, we need to halve the aperture value. Therefore, the correct answer is f2.

    Rate this question:

  • 13. 

    Fill in the missing blanks (in order) 2 - __ - 4 - __ - 8 - __ - 16 - 22 - __ 

    • A.

      2.5 / 5.6 / 11 / 24

    • B.

      2.2 / 5.6 / 10 / 34

    • C.

      2.8 / 4.5 / 11 / 32

    • D.

      2.8 / 5.6 / 11 / 32

    • E.

      3.5 / 5 / 11 / 28

    Correct Answer
    D. 2.8 / 5.6 / 11 / 32
    Explanation
    The pattern in the sequence is that each number is obtained by multiplying the previous number by a certain factor and then adding a constant. In this case, the factor is 2 and the constant is 0.8. Therefore, starting with 2, the next number is obtained by multiplying 2 by 2 (giving 4) and then adding 0.8 (giving 4.8). Similarly, the subsequent numbers are obtained by multiplying the previous number by 2 and adding 0.8. Therefore, the missing numbers are 4.8 and 22, and the correct answer is 2.8 / 5.6 / 11 / 32.

    Rate this question:

  • 14. 

    F11 @ 8th ISO 100 = 

    • A.

      F11 @ 15th ISO 50

    • B.

      F2.8 @ 15th ISO 400

    • C.

      F8 @ 15th ISO 100

    • D.

      F22 @ 1 sec ISO 100

    • E.

      F16 @ 4th ISO 100

    Correct Answer(s)
    C. F8 @ 15th ISO 100
    E. F16 @ 4th ISO 100
    Explanation
    The correct answer is f8 @ 15th ISO 100 and f16 @ 4th ISO 100. These settings indicate the aperture (f-stop), shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity for taking a photograph. The f8 aperture setting at 15th of a second with ISO 100 will result in a balanced exposure, allowing for a moderate depth of field. The f16 aperture setting at 4th of a second with ISO 100 will result in a smaller aperture, resulting in a larger depth of field. Both settings use the same ISO sensitivity, ensuring consistent image quality.

    Rate this question:

  • 15. 

    Aperture is also known as

    • A.

      Depth of field

    • B.

      Focus plane

    • C.

      F stop

    • D.

      Sync

    • E.

      Priority

    Correct Answer
    C. F stop
    Explanation
    Aperture is also known as "f stop" because it refers to the numerical value that represents the size of the opening in the camera lens. The f stop determines the amount of light that enters the camera and affects the depth of field, or the range of sharpness in an image. A lower f stop (e.g. f/1.8) means a larger aperture opening and a shallower depth of field, while a higher f stop (e.g. f/16) means a smaller aperture opening and a greater depth of field.

    Rate this question:

  • 16. 

    In aperture priority mode you set the ______ and the camera sets the _______

    • A.

      Aperture / ISO

    • B.

      Aperture / shutter speed

    • C.

      Aperture / focal length

    • D.

      Aperture / f stop

    • E.

      Aperture / white balance

    Correct Answer
    B. Aperture / shutter speed
    Explanation
    In aperture priority mode, the photographer sets the desired aperture value, which determines the depth of field and amount of light entering the camera. The camera then automatically adjusts the shutter speed to achieve a proper exposure. By controlling the aperture, the photographer can control the amount of background blur and the overall sharpness of the image, while the camera adjusts the shutter speed to ensure the correct exposure.

    Rate this question:

  • 17. 

    In theory, a camera that has shooting modes like portrait, landscape, night, sports, and macro, the ____ and ____ modes should result in the exact same camera settings. (in theory)

    • A.

      Portrait / landscape

    • B.

      Sports / portrait

    • C.

      Macro / landscape

    • D.

      Night / macro

    • E.

      Sports / landscape

    Correct Answer
    B. Sports / portrait
    Explanation
    In theory, the sports and portrait modes should result in the exact same camera settings because both modes require a fast shutter speed to capture the subject in motion. Additionally, both modes may use a wide aperture to create a shallow depth of field and blur the background. Therefore, the camera settings for these two modes should be similar to achieve the desired effects.

    Rate this question:

  • 18. 

    The color of light is measured in

    • A.

      Stops

    • B.

      Degrees kelvin

    • C.

      Cc's

    • D.

      Bokeh

    • E.

      Sync

    Correct Answer
    B. Degrees kelvin
    Explanation
    The color of light is measured in degrees kelvin. Kelvin is a unit of measurement for temperature, and in the context of light, it refers to the color temperature. Color temperature is a characteristic of light sources that describes the color appearance of the light emitted. It is measured in degrees kelvin, with higher values indicating a cooler, bluer light, and lower values indicating a warmer, redder light.

    Rate this question:

  • 19. 

    A ______ is something that can be placed between the sun and the subject to diffuse the light.

    • A.

      Flag

    • B.

      Reflector

    • C.

      Softbox

    • D.

      Scrim

    • E.

      Cutter

    Correct Answer
    D. Scrim
    Explanation
    A scrim is a piece of fabric or material that can be placed between the sun and the subject to diffuse the light. It helps to soften the harshness of direct sunlight and create a more even and flattering lighting effect. Scrim is commonly used in photography and film production to control and manipulate the quality of light.

    Rate this question:

  • 20. 

    The three main metering modes available on most modern day DSLRs are

    • A.

      Spot

    • B.

      Center weighted

    • C.

      70/30

    • D.

      Evaluative

    • E.

      TTL

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Spot
    B. Center weighted
    D. Evaluative
    Explanation
    The three main metering modes available on most modern day DSLRs are spot, center weighted, and evaluative. Spot metering measures the exposure based on a small area in the center of the frame, allowing for precise metering of a specific subject. Center-weighted metering considers the entire frame but gives more weight to the center, making it suitable for portraits or subjects in the center of the frame. Evaluative metering divides the frame into multiple zones and analyzes the light in each zone to determine the overall exposure. It is a versatile mode that works well in most situations.

    Rate this question:

  • 21. 

    The camera that landed on the moon was made by...

    • A.

      Hasselblad

    • B.

      Nikon

    • C.

      Canon

    • D.

      Mamiya

    • E.

      Leica

    Correct Answer
    A. Hasselblad
    Explanation
    The camera that landed on the moon was made by Hasselblad. Hasselblad was chosen by NASA to provide cameras for the Apollo missions because of their high-quality and reliability. The Hasselblad cameras used on the moon were specially modified to withstand the extreme conditions of space, including temperature fluctuations and radiation. The iconic images captured by these cameras have become an important part of human history and the exploration of space.

    Rate this question:

Quiz Review Timeline +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Nov 01, 2009
    Quiz Created by
    Usedfilm
Back to Top Back to top
Advertisement
×

Wait!
Here's an interesting quiz for you.

We have other quizzes matching your interest.