The Barnet Book of Photography: A Collection of Practical Articles Trivia Quiz Questions and Answers

What is the name of the developer that produces a pure grey-black color and is particularly useful for copying line engravings?

  • Pyrogallic acid
  • Ortol
  • Metol
  • Ferrous oxalate

Correct Answer: Ferrous oxalate

Correct Answer Explanation: Ferrous oxalate was a popular developer in the late 19th century, known for its ability to produce a pure grey-black tone, making it suitable for copying line engravings and other high-contrast subjects.

Which of the following components of a developer is used to slow down its action and prevent fogging?

  • Reducer
  • Accelerator
  • Restrainer
  • Sulphite

Correct Answer: Restrainer

Correct Answer Explanation: A restrainer is a crucial component of a developer, often potassium bromide, which slows down the developer’s action, preventing it from affecting unexposed areas of the plate and causing fog.

What is the term used to describe the gradually fading of the edges of a photograph to create a softer effect?

  • Halation
  • Distortion
  • Vignetting
  • Depth of field

Correct Answer: Vignetting

Correct Answer Explanation: Vignetting is a technique used to create a softer effect in a photograph, achieved by darkening the edges of the image, often used for artistic purposes or to draw attention to the center of the composition.

What is the term used to describe the halo-like effect around bright objects in a photograph?

  • Halation
  • Distortion
  • Vignetting
  • Depth of field

Correct Answer: Halation

Correct Answer Explanation: Halation is a common phenomenon in photography, particularly with early plates, where light passing through the film or plate reflects back onto the emulsion, creating a halo around bright objects.

In the 1890s, what was the primary way to control the development of a photographic plate?

  • By adjusting the aperture of the lens
  • By using a filter on the lens
  • By altering the time the plate was immersed in the developer
  • By changing the type of developer

Correct Answer: By altering the time the plate was immersed in the developer

Correct Answer Explanation: In the 19th century, before the advent of automatic developing machines, photographers controlled the development of their plates by carefully monitoring the time they spent in the developer, adjusting the time based on the exposure and the desired density of the image.

What is the main reason for adding sulphite to a developer?

  • To prevent oxidation and staining
  • To speed up the development process
  • To increase the contrast of the image
  • To reduce the likelihood of halation

Correct Answer: To prevent oxidation and staining

Correct Answer Explanation: Sulphite is a vital component of many developers, acting as an antioxidant to prevent the developer from oxidizing and turning brown, which could stain the plate and negatively affect the image quality.

What is the name of the process that uses tissue coated with pigmented gelatine and bichromate to create a photograph?

  • Platinotype printing
  • Bromide printing
  • Carbon printing
  • Collodion printing

Correct Answer: Carbon printing

Correct Answer Explanation: Carbon printing, a complex process popular in the late 19th century, utilizes tissue coated with pigmented gelatine and bichromate, which hardens when exposed to light, allowing for the creation of permanent, durable prints.

What is the name of the process that uses a chemical solution to convert a latent image on a photographic material into a visible image?

  • Printing
  • Fixing
  • Developing
  • Sensitizing

Correct Answer: Developing

Correct Answer Explanation: Developing is a crucial step in the photographic process, where a chemical solution, known as a developer, converts the invisible latent image created by light exposure into a visible image.

What is the term used to describe the range of distances in focus in a photograph?

  • Vignetting
  • Depth of field
  • Distortion
  • Halation

Correct Answer: Depth of field

Correct Answer Explanation: Depth of field is a critical concept in photography, referring to the range of distances in front of and behind the point of focus that appear acceptably sharp in the final image.

What is the name of the type of photography that aims to create emotion and evoke feelings rather than simply document reality?

  • Documentary photography
  • Landscape photography
  • Pictorial photography
  • Architectural photography

Correct Answer: Pictorial photography

Correct Answer Explanation: Pictorial photography, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, sought to elevate photography to the level of fine art by emphasizing aesthetics, composition, and evoking emotions through the image.

Which of the following is NOT a commonly used developer in the late 19th century?

  • Pyrogallic acid
  • Ortol
  • Metol
  • Hydroquinone
  • Sodium bicarbonate

Correct Answer: Sodium bicarbonate

Correct Answer Explanation: While sodium bicarbonate has various uses, it was not a common developer used in the late 19th century for photographic purposes. Pyrogallic acid, ortol, metol, and hydroquinone were the primary developers used during that era.

In the late 19th century, what was the primary way to achieve different tones in a photograph?

  • Using different developers
  • Adjusting the aperture of the lens
  • Using different filters on the lens
  • Adjusting the exposure time

Correct Answer: Using different developers

Correct Answer Explanation: In the late 19th century, photographers relied heavily on different developers to achieve various tones and contrasts in their photographs, as developers had different chemical properties that affected the final image.

What is the term used to describe a change in the shape of objects in a photograph due to the lens?

  • Vignetting
  • Depth of field
  • Distortion
  • Halation

Correct Answer: Distortion

Correct Answer Explanation: Distortion is a common optical effect caused by lenses, particularly wide-angle lenses, which can make straight lines appear curved or objects appear stretched or compressed in a photograph.

In the late 19th century, what type of lens was considered an advancement and revolutionized photography?

  • Simple meniscus lens
  • Anastigmat lens
  • Petzval lens
  • Orthoscopic lens

Correct Answer: Anastigmat lens

Correct Answer Explanation: The development of anastigmat lenses in the late 19th century was a major breakthrough in photography, as these lenses offered significantly improved image sharpness and reduced distortion compared to earlier lens designs.

What is the term used to describe the invisible image created on a photographic plate after exposure to light?

  • Latent image
  • Visible image
  • Negative image
  • Positive image

Correct Answer: Latent image

Correct Answer Explanation: The latent image is the invisible image formed on a photographic plate after exposure to light. It is not visible until it is developed using a chemical solution, which converts the latent image into a visible one.

What is the name of the process used to permanently fix the image on a photographic plate?

  • Developing
  • Fixing
  • Printing
  • Sensitizing

Correct Answer: Fixing

Correct Answer Explanation: Fixing is a crucial step in the photographic process, where a chemical solution, known as a fixer, removes unexposed silver halide crystals from the plate, making the image permanent and resistant to further light exposure.

What is the name of the type of paper used in platinotype printing?

  • Gelatino-chloride paper
  • Bromide paper
  • Carbon tissue
  • Platinotype paper

Correct Answer: Platinotype paper

Correct Answer Explanation: Platinotype paper is a special type of paper coated with platinum salts, which reacts with light to create a beautiful, rich, and permanent print. Platinotype printing was highly prized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for its unique tonal qualities.

Which of the following is a key principle of pictorial photography?

  • Sharpness and detail
  • Composition and atmosphere
  • Speed and convenience
  • Technical accuracy

Correct Answer: Composition and atmosphere

Correct Answer Explanation: Pictorial photography, unlike purely documentary photography, emphasizes the artistic elements of composition, line, tone, and atmosphere to create evocative and emotionally resonant images.

What is the term used to describe the subtle veiling of objects caused by light scattering in the air?

  • Halation
  • Depth of field
  • Atmosphere
  • Distortion

Correct Answer: Atmosphere

Correct Answer Explanation: Atmosphere, a key element in pictorial photography, refers to the subtle veiling of objects in a photograph due to light scattering in the air, which can create a sense of depth, mood, and distance in the image.

In the late 19th century, what was the primary method of printing photographs?

  • Carbon printing
  • Platinotype printing
  • Bromide printing
  • Collodion printing

Correct Answer: Collodion printing

Correct Answer Explanation: Collodion printing, a wet-plate process popular in the mid-19th century, involved coating glass plates with collodion, a viscous solution containing silver nitrate. This process yielded high-quality, sharp images, but it was time-consuming and required careful handling.

What is the name of the process used to transfer the image from a carbon tissue to a permanent support?

  • Developing
  • Fixing
  • Printing
  • Transferring

Correct Answer: Transferring

Correct Answer Explanation: In carbon printing, after exposing the carbon tissue to light, the image is transferred to a permanent support, typically paper or a heavier material, using a process called transferring.

What is the term used to describe the process of preparing a photographic plate for exposure?

  • Sensitizing
  • Developing
  • Fixing
  • Printing

Correct Answer: Sensitizing

Correct Answer Explanation: Sensitizing refers to the process of preparing a photographic plate or paper for exposure to light. This typically involves coating the material with a light-sensitive emulsion, making it capable of recording an image.

In the late 19th century, what was a common concern for photographers when shooting in the mountains?

  • The lack of light
  • The difficulty of focusing
  • The effects of altitude on exposure
  • The weight of the camera equipment

Correct Answer: The effects of altitude on exposure

Correct Answer Explanation: In the late 19th century, photographers were aware that altitude significantly affected light exposure, requiring adjustments to exposure times to compensate for the thinner atmosphere and reduced light intensity.

What is the name of the process used to correct the image reversal caused by the carbon printing process?

  • Single transfer
  • Double transfer
  • Printing
  • Sensitizing

Correct Answer: Double transfer

Correct Answer Explanation: The carbon printing process inherently produces a reversed image, which is why a double transfer process was often employed to correct this reversal and create a final print that is the right way around.

What was the primary type of light source used by photographers in the late 19th century?

  • Incandescent light bulbs
  • Flashbulbs
  • Gaslight
  • Sunlight

Correct Answer: Sunlight

Correct Answer Explanation: In the late 19th century, sunlight was the primary light source for photographers, as artificial light sources were limited and not as reliable. Photographers would often plan their shoots around the time of day that provided the best light for their subject.

In the late 19th century, what was the primary way photographers corrected exposure errors?

  • Using filters
  • Using a developer to adjust the image
  • By re-exposing the plate
  • By using a different type of plate

Correct Answer: Using a developer to adjust the image

Correct Answer Explanation: In the late 19th century, photographers had limited ways to correct exposure errors after the initial shot. They primarily relied on developers with different properties to adjust the density and contrast of the image during the development process.

What is the name of the type of developer that produces a rich brown tone in a photograph?

  • Pyrogallic acid
  • Metol
  • Hydroquinone
  • Ferrous oxalate

Correct Answer: Pyrogallic acid

Correct Answer Explanation: Pyrogallic acid, a popular developer in the late 19th century, was known for its ability to produce rich brown tones in photographs. It was often preferred for portraits and landscape photography, where a warm and natural color palette was desired.

What is the name of the type of printing paper that was commonly used in the late 19th century for printing photographs?

  • Gelatino-chloride paper
  • Bromide paper
  • Platinotype paper
  • Carbon tissue

Correct Answer: Gelatino-chloride paper

Correct Answer Explanation: Gelatino-chloride paper, a type of photographic paper coated with silver chloride suspended in gelatin, was widely used in the late 19th century for printing photographs. It was relatively inexpensive, easy to use, and produced a wide range of tones and contrasts.

What is the name of the process that uses pigmented gelatine and bichromate to create a positive image on a support?

  • Carbon printing
  • Platinotype printing
  • Bromide printing
  • Collodion printing

Correct Answer: Carbon printing

Correct Answer Explanation: Carbon printing, a complex process that became popular in the late 19th century, involves coating tissue with pigmented gelatine and bichromate. When exposed to light, the bichromate hardens the gelatine, creating a positive image that can be transferred to a permanent support.

What is the name of the type of lens that is characterized by its long focal length and ability to create a shallow depth of field?

  • Wide-angle lens
  • Telephoto lens
  • Standard lens
  • Macro lens

Correct Answer: Telephoto lens

Correct Answer Explanation: A telephoto lens is a type of lens with a long focal length, typically 50mm or longer, which allows photographers to magnify distant subjects, creating a compressed perspective and a shallow depth of field.

What is the name of the chemical solution that is used to remove unexposed silver halide crystals from a photographic plate or paper?

  • Developer
  • Fixer
  • Restrainer
  • Accelerator

Correct Answer: Fixer

Correct Answer Explanation: A fixer, also known as a hypo, is a chemical solution that removes unexposed silver halide crystals from a photographic plate or paper after development. This process makes the image permanent and resistant to further light exposure.

What is the name of the type of printing paper that is particularly sensitive to light and requires less printing time?

  • Gelatino-chloride paper
  • Bromide paper
  • Platinotype paper
  • Carbon tissue

Correct Answer: Platinotype paper

Correct Answer Explanation: Platinotype paper, known for its rich, velvety blacks and warm tones, is more sensitive to light than other printing papers, requiring less printing time to achieve a satisfactory image.

What is the name of the process used to create a negative image from a positive image?

  • Printing
  • Developing
  • Fixing
  • Contact printing

Correct Answer: Contact printing

Correct Answer Explanation: Contact printing is a technique used to create a negative image from a positive image. This involves placing the positive image in direct contact with a light-sensitive material, typically photographic paper, and exposing it to light.

What is the term used to describe the process of adjusting the exposure time to compensate for the varying light conditions?

  • Bracketing
  • Metering
  • Compensating
  • Adjusting

Correct Answer: Metering

Correct Answer Explanation: Metering is the process of measuring the light intensity falling on a subject to determine the correct exposure time and aperture settings for a photograph.

What is the name of the type of lens that produces an image that is distorted at the edges?

  • Wide-angle lens
  • Telephoto lens
  • Standard lens
  • Fisheye lens

Correct Answer: Fisheye lens

Correct Answer Explanation: A fisheye lens is a type of ultra-wide-angle lens that produces a highly distorted image, often with a circular or panoramic field of view. It is known for its dramatic perspective and exaggerated effects, often used for creative purposes.

What is the name of the type of photography that focuses on capturing the beauty and grandeur of nature?

  • Landscape photography
  • Architectural photography
  • Portrait photography
  • Documentary photography

Correct Answer: Landscape photography

Correct Answer Explanation: Landscape photography is a genre of photography that focuses on capturing the beauty and grandeur of natural scenes, including mountains, forests, oceans, deserts, and other natural landscapes.

What is the name of the process used to create a multiple-exposure image?

  • Bracketing
  • Metering
  • Multiple exposure
  • Contact printing

Correct Answer: Multiple exposure

Correct Answer Explanation: Multiple exposure is a technique that involves exposing the same piece of film or sensor to light multiple times, creating a composite image with multiple superimposed exposures.

What is the name of the type of photography that focuses on capturing the human form?

  • Landscape photography
  • Architectural photography
  • Portrait photography
  • Documentary photography

Correct Answer: Portrait photography

Correct Answer Explanation: Portrait photography is a genre of photography that focuses on capturing the likeness, personality, and expressions of individuals.

What is the name of the type of printing paper that produces a high contrast image with rich blacks?

  • Gelatino-chloride paper
  • Bromide paper
  • Platinotype paper
  • Carbon tissue

Correct Answer: Bromide paper

Correct Answer Explanation: Bromide paper, a type of photographic paper coated with silver bromide, is known for its high contrast and ability to produce rich black tones. It is often used for printing high-contrast subjects like landscapes, architectural details, and portraits.

What is the name of the type of photography that focuses on documenting events and social issues?

  • Landscape photography
  • Architectural photography
  • Portrait photography
  • Documentary photography

Correct Answer: Documentary photography

Correct Answer Explanation: Documentary photography is a genre of photography that focuses on capturing and documenting events, social issues, and the lives of people. It aims to inform, raise awareness, and provide a visual record of the world around us.

What is the name of the type of camera that uses a bellows to adjust the distance between the lens and the film plane?

  • Box camera
  • View camera
  • Rangefinder camera
  • SLR camera

Correct Answer: View camera

Correct Answer Explanation: A view camera is a type of camera that uses a bellows to adjust the distance between the lens and the film plane, allowing for precise focus and control over perspective and composition. They are known for their large format and ability to create high-resolution images.

What is the name of the type of lens that produces a wide field of view and a distorted image?

  • Wide-angle lens
  • Telephoto lens
  • Standard lens
  • Fisheye lens

Correct Answer: Wide-angle lens

Correct Answer Explanation: A wide-angle lens is a type of lens with a short focal length, typically less than 35mm, which produces a wide field of view and a distorted image, particularly at the edges of the frame. They are often used for landscape photography, architecture, and capturing expansive scenes.

What is the name of the type of photography that focuses on capturing the beauty and details of buildings and other structures?

  • Landscape photography
  • Architectural photography
  • Portrait photography
  • Documentary photography

Correct Answer: Architectural photography

Correct Answer Explanation: Architectural photography is a genre of photography that focuses on capturing the beauty, details, and grandeur of buildings and other structures. It requires a careful understanding of perspective, composition, and lighting to create compelling images that showcase the architectural design.

What is the name of the type of camera that uses a mirror and prism to project the image onto a viewfinder?

  • Box camera
  • View camera
  • Rangefinder camera
  • SLR camera

Correct Answer: SLR camera

Correct Answer Explanation: An SLR camera, or Single Lens Reflex camera, uses a mirror and prism to project the image from the lens onto a viewfinder, allowing the photographer to see exactly what the lens sees before taking the picture. This makes SLR cameras versatile and popular for a wide range of photographic applications.

What is the name of the process used to create a black-and-white image from a color negative?

  • Printing
  • Developing
  • Fixing
  • Black and white printing

Correct Answer: Black and white printing

Correct Answer Explanation: Black and white printing is a process used to create a black-and-white image from a color negative or slide. It involves exposing a black-and-white photographic paper to the negative or slide and developing it in a chemical solution.

What is the name of the type of lighting that creates a soft and diffused light, ideal for portrait photography?

  • Direct lighting
  • Diffused lighting
  • Backlighting
  • Rim lighting

Correct Answer: Diffused lighting

Correct Answer Explanation: Diffused lighting is a type of lighting that creates a soft and gentle light by scattering or diffusing the light source, often using a diffuser or softbox. It is ideal for portrait photography, as it creates flattering shadows and reduces harsh highlights.

What is the name of the process used to adjust the brightness and contrast of a digital image?

  • Post-processing
  • Editing
  • Cropping
  • Retouching

Correct Answer: Post-processing

Correct Answer Explanation: Post-processing, or digital editing, refers to the process of adjusting the brightness, contrast, color, and other aspects of a digital image using software. It is an essential part of digital photography, allowing photographers to enhance their images and create the desired look and feel.

What is the name of the type of lens that produces a highly magnified image, often used for close-up photography?

  • Wide-angle lens
  • Telephoto lens
  • Standard lens
  • Macro lens

Correct Answer: Macro lens

Correct Answer Explanation: A macro lens is a type of lens designed for close-up photography, allowing photographers to capture extremely detailed images of small subjects. They typically have a high magnification ratio, enabling photographers to fill the frame with the subject and capture its fine details.

Learn more

Jessmyn Solana

Jessmyn Solana is the Digital Marketing Manager of Interact, a place for creating beautiful and engaging quizzes that generate email leads. She is a marketing enthusiast and storyteller. Outside of Interact Jessmyn loves exploring new places, eating all the local foods, and spending time with her favorite people (especially her dog).

Make a quiz for your business with AI

Use our AI quiz maker to create a beautiful quiz for your brand in a minute.

Make a quiz - for free