Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam 2026 - Free CPP Practice Questions and Study Guide

Pushing film refers to the practice of shooting film at a higher ISO than it is rated for, effectively increasing the film speed. This technique is utilized to compensate for lower light conditions or to achieve a desired level of contrast and grain in the final image. When a photographer pushes film, they are effectively telling the film to be more sensitive to light, allowing for better exposure in challenging lighting scenarios, such as dimly lit environments.

This method is commonly applied when shooting in situations where there isn't enough light to properly expose the film at its native ISO setting. It requires the photographer to adjust the development process to enhance the film's characteristics and compensate for the increased sensitivity. For those practicing film photography, understanding how to push and pull film is crucial for achieving the desired artistic outcomes in varying lighting conditions.