Why Be Certified as a Professional Photographer?

Having just returned from Imaging USA, in Nashville, TN, where approximately 10,000 photographers (both domestic and foreign) came together to see, touch, and learn about the craft of photography, I thought about why it was so important to me that I become Certified, and how I would communicate that to you. My answer came to me in an email this morning. But before I share that with you, let me describe what "Certified" means.

Certifiably nuts, yes, you might say that about me, but Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) is an earned honor from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). Like other professions, you must pass a written exam and then submit a body of work (20 images) to a panel of judges, all of whom have earned the title Master Craftsmen. Once Certified, you must renew every five years by submitting new work. The CPP demonstrates to the general public that you have achieved a level of competence within your profession. Think CPA for an accountant and you're on the right track.

As I've just completed the written exam, after a blistering 3-day review class at Imaging USA, I await the results. I am now working on which 20 images I will submit for the judges review. These 20 images must be work that I've done for my clients - that would be 'yawl', to borrow a phrase from Nashville.

So this morning I received this in an email. In the eyes of the public, it makes a difference when hiring a professional.

http://tiny.cc/WhyHireAPro983

Dateline: Nashville, TN

What a fun time in Nashville, TN! It's cold down here ( 9 degrees this morning) but my heart's been warmed by the country music that I've taken in at the Ryman Theatre over the last two nights! You walk into the main theatre and the uneven, creaky, floor boards let you know that you're sitting where millions of country music fans have sat for years. It's "hallowed ground" for those that are asked to perform here. As someone that's listened to country music since I was 18, let's just say it was the equivalent of a musical mecca.

It was Speed & Sound weekend in Nashville so NASCAR fans dominated the wooden pews on Friday night. Kyle Petty played a couple of songs and Michael Waltrip took turns at the WSM mike for the live broadcast. Add in a little Vince Gill, Hank Williams, Jr, Danny Gokey (buy his album when it comes out. He does country well!), "Little" Jimmy Dickens, Chris Young, The Grascals, "Whipsering" Bill Anderson, and The Whites and both evenings were soothing. It was just the thing I needed to settle 3 days worth of information into my brain. You see, I've been studying for a test.

I'm really here for my National Professional Photographers meeting, and tomorrow morning I take my test for Certified Professional Photographer. When I pass the exam, and the review of 20 prints, it means I'm competent as a Professional Photographer. Kind of like the CPA, CLU and other professional acronyms. So it's back to studying and then a good nights sleep. I'm sure I'll be replaying the Grand Ole Opry in my head as I fall asleep!