Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

When using bellows or extension tubes, the type of light falloff that occurs is characterized as being related to the decrease in the intensity of light reaching the film or sensor due to the increased distance between the lens and the subject.

As you increase the distance through bellows or extension tubes, the effective aperture becomes smaller in relation to the distance, which results in less light reaching the capture medium. This phenomenon, often referred to as "light falloff," leads to reduced light intensity on the edges of your image compared to the center, causing a noticeable decrease in exposure levels, particularly in macro photography.

Understanding this concept is essential for photographers, especially when shooting at greater magnifications where precise exposure and focus are critical. This falloff can impact the overall quality and exposure of the photograph, making it important to consider when setting up your shot.