All questions

IAI Photography Practice Test

Browse all practice questions for the IAI Photography Practice Test. Search by topic, open any question and review its full explanation, then test yourself in the practice quiz.

IAI Photography Practice Test 2026 – Comprehensive Exam Prep Resource course image
All questions

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

  • What does TTL stand for in the context of photography?
  • Which of the following f-stops is considered "fast"?
  • When using the burn or dodge tool in Adobe, what diameter should the round feather brush be?
  • What is the best technique to soften a hard shadow created by an oblique flash?
  • When using flash in bright daylight, what effect can occur?
  • If using a 200mm lens, what is the slowest shutter speed advisable for hand-holding the camera?
  • What are the normal full f/stops in photography?
  • The wagon wheel ellipse demonstrates how the ________ of the photographer can affect distance relationship perceived in photographs.
  • What type of camera setting is least effective for fast-moving subjects?
  • On a heavy overcast day with ISO 400, which aperture setting should be used to convert film speed to shutter speed?
  • If two areas of lighting extremes need to be photographed together, what should be used?
  • What concept refers to film's limitation in capturing details in extreme lighting situations?
  • The f/16 sunny day rule is most applicable to what type of photography?
  • What type of filter is primarily used to enhance contrast in black and white photography?
  • Tungsten light will create what color tint in a photograph?
  • What device breaks up the light coming through the viewfinder into grids assigning different values?
  • When should a photographer drape a photograph?
  • What is the bending of light as it travels from one medium into another called?
  • Which factor primarily affects the exposure time in photography when utilizing a flash?
  • What commonly affects the exposure in photography when using different film isos?
  • Which sequence best represents the order of enhancements in photography?
  • What type of shutter is commonly found in a single lens reflex camera?
  • During which time frame are most aerial photographs typically taken?
  • What happens if the ISO is set too high when photographing in low light?
  • Why is composition emphasized in crime scene photography?
  • Which components are part of the exposure triangle?
  • To determine the magnification ratio of a telephoto lens, the focal length should be divided by?
  • In what type of lighting should cameras be loaded and unloaded?
  • What does the f-stop represent in photography?
  • What is the primary purpose of ambient shadows in photography?
  • What shutter speed is typically required to freeze a vehicle traveling at 60 mph?
  • What f-stop should be set when using 400 speed film with a shutter speed of 1/500th in deep shade?
  • What is an important factor to consider when aiming flash underwater?
  • What process is necessary to improve the quality of an underexposed image?
  • When would you most likely use a shallow depth of field?
  • Aime Laussedat is considered the developer of which field?
  • What appears to be in focus when the variable range goes from foreground to background?
  • What should you expect when photographing a scene with very high contrast lighting?
  • What shutter speed should be used when hand holding a camera that is focused on a target 600 feet away?
  • What technique involves masking an area of the negative to allow more light in the unmasked area?
  • What technique maximizes depth of field when infinity is not in the background?
  • What group determined that 1000 pixels per inch is the minimum resolution for 1:1 photography?
  • To maximize depth of field in low light conditions, which combination is best?
  • Which of the following can be metered in order to determine "proper" exposures in a "non-normal" scene?
  • Barrel distortion is usually an effect of using a _________?
  • When photographing underwater objects, where should the flash or underwater light be aimed?
  • At midday on a bright sunny day with crisp shadows, which aperture is advised and how should it interact with ISO speed?
  • ___________ maximizes depth of field when infinity is in the background.
  • What does the aperture control in photography?
  • What shutter speed is typically needed to freeze an airplane powered by propellers?
  • In a Single Lens Reflex camera, where is the shutter typically located?
  • For Nikon and Sony, lens length settings need to be multiplied by what factor for digital focal length equivalent?
  • What is necessary when taking underwater photographs?
  • What element measures the amount of light passing through the lens?
  • To effectively freeze the motion of a jogger, what shutter speed or faster is required?
  • Which aperture setting allows the most light to enter the camera?
  • Which statement about film plane parallelism is TRUE?
  • A palm reflects what percentage of the light striking it?
  • If a portion of a scene is expected to be out of focus, what should a photographer do?
  • What is the recommended f-stop increase for correcting a predominately light scene such as dirty snow?
  • Which technique is used to maximize depth of field when infinity is composed in the background?
  • At the time of publication, which camera models could capture images over 20MP?
  • What does the acronym ISO stand for in photography?
  • What will DX coded film set automatically on a compatible camera?
  • At what distance from your intended subject should you be before adjusting the flash for proper aim?
  • What does the word "photography" literally mean?
  • Using a wide-angle lens results in which of the following effects?
  • What is the term for lenses that have a focal length shorter than 50mm?
  • What is the process of altering an image using software tools to create a new meaning called?
  • When discussing ISO settings, using the 'slowest possible' means:
  • How many bytes roughly make up one terabyte?
  • What aspect does adjusting the ISO setting on a camera primarily affect?
  • What shutter speed is typically best for freezing a bicyclist or slow-moving vehicle (up to 30 mph)?
  • What is the most appropriate technique when photographing a single item with the film plane parallel to the item of evidence?
  • When attaching filters to the camera, in which direction should the lens be aimed?
  • What technique can be used to compensate for underexposure of the background while photographing Luminol evidence?
  • According to the theory of reciprocity, what is true regarding photo opportunities?
  • The sunny day rule recommends which f-stop for most outdoor photography at 100 ISO?
  • A total of 8 bits is used to represent how many shades of gray?
  • To produce an image with the same 100 line pair per millimeter as 100 ISO black and white film, a digital camera would need to capture _________ megapixels.
  • What shutter speed is necessary to "freeze" the movement of a slow-moving vehicle traveling at 30 mph?
  • What is typically the composition of a color filter array (CFA) in cameras?
  • What color filter should be used with a UV light source when photographing fluorescence at a crime scene?
  • What effect might the use of an electronic flash create in your image?
  • What is the smallest unit of digital memory called?
  • What does the 'f/16 sunny day rule' recommend?
  • Glow in the dark toys are an example of which phenomenon?
  • Which of the following choices impacts the clarity of an underwater photograph the most?
  • When photographing a knife on a kitchen floor, how should the camera be positioned?
  • Which camera feature corrects for the quality of the photographer's eye?
  • What is the primary purpose of a histogram in photography?
  • When is it advisable to use a fast shutter speed in photography?
  • Which type of filter can be used for lens protection and to filter excessive blue from the sky?
  • When shooting in low light conditions, which setting should you adjust to help improve exposure?
  • What does an infrared (IR) filter block?
  • Which technique is commonly used to create depth of field in photography?
  • After enhancing an image, which compression format is most suitable?
  • What is an effective method for maximizing depth of field?
  • What shutter speed is recommended to effectively freeze the motion of a walker?
  • What is the approximate depth of field ratio for close-up photography at distances of less than 3 feet?
  • Which technique is recommended to make an object like a fence disappear in a photograph?
  • Which of the following is NOT a concern when selecting film for photography?
  • RAW and TIF images are characterized by what type of compression?
  • How can a photographer indicate that an "altered" photograph is distinguishable from an "as found" photograph?
  • How can flash shadow be controlled?
  • For low-level aerial photography, filters are not required as long as you are below which altitude?
  • How much of a lens can be obscured and still effectively photograph a subject under surveillance?
  • What type of scene benefit from using hyperfocal focus?
  • What should a photographer focus on when aiming for a well-composed photo?
  • ISO 100 speed film can normally be expected to be correctable for which of the following?
  • When shooting indoors or outdoors at night, which ISO is preferred?
  • What does HDR stand for in photography?
  • What three camera variables affect the depth of field range?
  • If a handkerchief is unavailable when using a manual flash, what can be used instead?
  • Which of the following is considered a normal scene?
  • What type of light meter measures the amount of light falling on the subject?
  • What type of ISO setting is recommended for taking surveillance photographs?
  • What can assist in determining focus correction when utilizing UV light?
  • What does the term 'sharpness' refer to in photography?
  • What should be used to convert file speed to shutter speed on an overcast day?
  • What is the technique called that uses a sheet of glass at a 45-degree angle for photographing untreated fingerprints on glossy surfaces?
  • On a bright cloudy day with no shadows, which aperture setting is recommended and how should it relate to film speed?
  • When feathering an area of interest, if the resolution exceeds 1500 PPI, by how much should you multiply the number of hundreds?
  • What is the purpose of using a polarizing filter in photography?
  • What does the term "depth of field" refer to?
  • True or False: Enhanced digital images may be used if new material has been added to the original image.
  • What technique is used to hold light back from an overexposed area?
  • What effect does a wide-angle lens typically have on a photographic subject?
  • For surveillance photography, how many millimeters of lens should be used for every foot of distance between the camera and the suspect?
  • What is a good guideline for selecting ISO settings in photography?
  • What is the digital camera equivalent of reciprocity failure?
  • If a scene is lit with shade, overcast with clouds or near twilight, the tint in the photograph appears what color?
  • How is one nanometer defined?
  • The function of the shutter in a camera is to:
  • Who is recognized as the father of the modern crime lab?
  • What does the abbreviation "AF" stand for in photography?
  • In relation to aperture settings, the term "sweet spot" indicates what?
  • If the flash recycle time exceeds a certain duration, what does it indicate?
  • Which type of paper is best for use with an inkjet printer?
  • What type of lighting creates a warm yellowish tint in images?
  • What type of light does the light meter in most SLR cameras measure?
  • Which of the following is a recommended technique to photograph bullet hole evidence in glass?
  • Which aperture setting would be best for achieving a shallow depth of field?
  • What is the term for the distance in millimeters between the optical center of a lens and the camera sensor when focused on infinity?
  • Which camera mode allows you to manually set both the shutter speed and aperture?
  • What is the primary function of a polarizing filter in photography?
  • Before pressing the shutter button, which issues should a photographer consider?
  • What technique should be used to maximize depth of field when photographing large crime scenes?
  • What can influence the overall exposure of an image?
  • To eliminate blur while hand-holding the camera, what is the recommended method?
  • What can degrade images captured with the widest apertures of a lens?
  • What material can be placed over the flash head to effectively reduce the manual flash output by about one stop?
  • What is the recommended correction method for large amounts of blue sky in a photograph's background?
  • What technique can be used to properly expose a backlit or high-contrast scene?
  • To prevent backscatter when taking underwater photographs, the flash should be:
  • How can you specifically improve only the underexposed areas of a digital image?
  • What is the cure for most lens aberrations?
  • Which Supreme Court case established the admissibility of photographs in place of original documents?
  • What is the recommended technique to maximize depth of field when taking photographs of a large crime scene when infinity is NOT in the background?
  • For aerial photography, what is the minimum recommended shutter speed?
  • Which of the following can be used to magnify small objects to fill the frame?
  • What is the term used to describe the rendering of a sharp edge in photography?
  • Distance in millimeters between the optical center of a lens and the sensor when focused at infinity is known as?
  • Elongation of foreground and background can occur using which type of lens?
  • In what year did videotapes begin to be used as evidence in court?
  • On a bright, but hazy day with soft shadows, which aperture should be used to convert film speed to shutter speed?
  • What is the term for the loss of resolution, edge sharpness, and clarity in an image?
  • Which aperture number indicates the largest opening and most light in photography?
  • When is auto focus best utilized?
  • What is the primary purpose of calibrating your camera equipment?
  • What is the relationship between aperture size and depth of field?
  • Who is credited with being the inventor of photography for creating the first known photograph in 1826?
  • In aperture priority mode, what will the camera automatically select?
  • Film sensitivity is primarily due to different sizes of what component?
  • If you cannot switch to a faster film to achieve proper exposure, which option could help using existing light?
  • What aperture setting is suggested for converting film speed to shutter speed on a bright, hazy day with soft shadows?
  • Stokes' Law is fundamental to which type of photography?
  • What aspect of crime scene photography is considered the most important and/or hardest?
  • In the common f/stop range of f/2 to f/22, which setting represents the shortest depth of field (DOF)?
  • What does increasing the ISO setting on a camera do?
  • When should you typically use a polarizing filter?
  • What is the term used for a defect in an image that reduces the resolution produced by a lens?
  • What is the effect of increasing the ISO setting on your camera during nighttime photography?
  • Which method increases the risk of overexposure when using different film speeds?
  • What term describes defects in optics quality?
  • In camera settings, what does a lower f-stop number indicate?
  • What does depth of field primarily control in a photograph?
  • Which of the following scenarios is least suitable for using black and white film?
  • What is an effect of using a wide aperture while photographing a scene?
  • Which aberration occurs when light is focused at different areas of the film plane or sensor?
  • Crime scene photography is documented to date back to which year?
  • The guide number divided by the distance between the flash and the subject matter equal the required__________?
  • Dots per inch (DPI) refer to what aspect of printing?
  • How is GSR affected by IR light?
  • What is the effect of stopping down the aperture in photography?
  • Which of the following best describes the function of a polarizing filter?
  • What is the name of the technique used to track a moving subject with the camera to reduce image blurriness?
  • Which lens type typically provides the greatest depth of field?
  • Is the statement "The 'primary subject' of a photograph refers to a single object within the composition" true or false?
  • Which of the following is true about RAW image files?
  • If using an exposure of f/8 and 1/125th second, what would be a better reciprocal exposure combination?
  • What device measures light from a very precise area near the center of the viewfinder?
  • What type of filter is required for a "night shot" capable camera to take full infrared photographs?
  • What term describes the apertures that are 2 to 3 stops in from the extreme f/stops of a lens?
  • What angle should a polarizing lens be used to effectively eliminate reflections?
  • Which component is critical for determining film's reaction to light exposure?
  • What factor primarily influences the resolution in a photograph?
  • What color tint can less common fluorescent lights create in a photograph?
  • What is the primary purpose of using a flash bracket in photography?
  • If you meter your palm to achieve a proper exposure, what else must be done?
  • Which individual is credited with coining the term "photography"?
  • What is the term for the phenomenon where light reflected from a single point in space causes an out-of-focus image?
  • Under infrared light, where is gunshot residue (GSR) found more easily?
  • If you meter your palm to achieve a proper exposure, what adjustment should you make?
  • Which of the following factors is crucial for underwater photography?
  • Diffraction primarily affects which aspect of an image?
  • If a lens is shorter than what measurement, is it classified as a wide-angle lens?
  • When using flash, beyond what distance is the "world" effectively nonexistent?
  • On a bright cloudy day with no shadows, which f-stop should you set for the proper film speed and shutter speed conversion?
  • Which of the following is a common type of digital file used in photography?
  • Pincushion distortion is usually created by what type of lens?
  • Reciprocity failure can affect which type of cameras?
  • The hyperfocal distance is defined as how many times the short end of the depth of field (DOF) range?
  • What term describes a camera's ability to render sharp edges in the photograph?
  • What effect does a polarizing filter create when photographing natural landscapes?
  • What is the appropriate correction for a predominately dark scene, such as a black tire?
  • In which mode does the photographer set the f/stop and shutter speed?
  • Which guidelines specify the necessity of maintaining a detailed history of the enhancement process in photography?
  • For early morning, late afternoon, overcast days, night or indoors photography, which ISO setting is typically recommended?
  • Why do some digital cameras have a focal length multiplier?
  • Why is it important to ensure the film plane is parallel to the item of evidence in forensic photography?
  • RAW files are approximately how much of the file size of a non-compressed TIF image?
  • Which photographic technique refers to lightening specific areas of an image?
  • Which photography technique would be best for adding detail to shadowed areas?
  • How does lens choice influence the depth of field in photography?
  • According to photography standards, what is considered the "sweet spot" for apertures?
  • What color tint will fluorescent light typically create in a photograph?
  • What is the primary function of a lens hood in photography?
  • What part of a camera is influenced by the diameter of the diaphragm?
  • What is the location called where the camera is designed to focus light coming through the lens?
  • If an image does not require much enhancement, how many bits per channel are typically used?
  • Which of the following factors is important for achieving a correct exposure?
  • What is defined as the fraction of the size of the opening in relation to the focal length of the lens?
  • Which setting is recommended for achieving sharp underwater images?
  • In existing light situations, what will the camera's light meter likely indicate in an excessively dark scene?
  • What is an effective way to mitigate diffraction effects in photography?
  • What does TIFF stand for in photography?
  • What is the appropriate angle for close up/comparison quality photographs to ensure the entire subject is in view?
  • The Color Filter Array is commonly referred to by what pattern name?
  • What corrective action is performed to improve focus when shooting with UV light?
  • What is the process of creating an electronic image from a physical object using a digital camera or scanner called?
  • What does JPEG stand for in the context of digital photography?
  • What term refers to bright spots visible underwater caused by flash photography?
  • What is the term for light that is reflected from an object causing the light to be diffused?
  • Which type of lighting is characterized by the ability to capture depth and texture?
  • In digital imaging, which format is most commonly used for photographic files?
  • Using a telephoto lens primarily results in which of the following effects?
  • What is the term used for being two stops in from the widest aperture?
  • When photographing fast-moving subjects, what is generally recommended for shutter speed?
  • What is the term for the bending of light when it strikes an edge?
  • What term encompasses a film's ability to capture detail in varying lighting conditions?
  • What does DX coding on a film communicate to the camera?
  • This type of aberration occurs when the primary colors of red, green, and blue separate and converge near the sensor at different locations.
  • Which of the following is a popular lens type for portrait photography?
  • What type of lighting condition usually requires a higher ISO to compensate for low light?
  • What aperture setting should the camera be set to when following Tiller's Rule of Film Selection?
  • Which exposure setting will provide the largest depth of field?
  • What is another commonly used filter, besides the unsharp mask, for correcting and addressing imaging sensor issues in raw files?
  • What can degrade images captured with the widest aperture of a lens?
  • What is a significant requirement for high dynamic range imaging?
  • What shutter speed is recommended to freeze the motion of a jogger or someone running or jumping?
  • What process adds light to an underexposed area in photos?
  • What is the effect of using a wider aperture on depth of field in photography?
  • Which of the following methods is often used to enhance depth of field in photography?
  • What percentage of a skid mark may be identified as a "shadow mark" when visualized using a polarizing lens?
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy