My newest goal is to gain the nationally-recognized title of Certified Professional Photographer.  This certification is judged by masters of photography who have been practicing it their entire lives, and is provided by the Photographer’s Association of America (PPA).  There are thousands of photographers out there, and it seems that many people think that just by picking up a camera and pressing a button, they’re a professional photographer.

The digital era has made it much easier for inexperienced part-time and fly-by-night photographers to throw their hat into the ring, undercutting professionals with rock bottom prices. Certification is an easy way to help consumers understand and appreciate your level of experience and talent.

I spend hours every day researching photography – technical aspects, techniques, artistic styles, marketing, products, gear, etc.  I know by looking at my photography over the years, that I have grown and continue to grow as a photographer because of my passion and dedication to the art. I have loved photography my entire life – this isn’t a hobby I picked up and realized I enjoyed. But how do my potential clients know this at a glance?

By becoming certified as a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP), I am showing my potential clients that I have met high standards and can provide quality work, both artistically and technically. This is SO important!

As the leading certifying agency for imaging professionals, the Professional Photographic Certification program is recognized throughout the industry.Those who have earned the Professional Photographic Certification have passed a comprehensive written exam measuring their technical expertise, and have successfully submitted their work to a panel of judges for review and approval.

To quote directly from their website, “ Certification is granted by the Professional Photographic Certification Commission, an objective third party who validates your expertise, and that speaks volumes to potential clients about your skill. When potential clients become aware that Certified Photographers must re-certify every five years, they understand that education, training, and the latest industry techniques and skills are important to you – and your images.”

As of today, there are only 18 Certified Professional Photographers in South Carolina!  Amazing! If you do a Google Search, or worse, a Facebook search, you will find hundreds, probably even thousands, of “professional” photographers throughout the state of South Carolina, but none of them have gone through the trials, judging, tests, and certification process to receive the credentials to become a Certified Professional Photographer.

I plan to be number 19!  I am always committed to providing the highest level of quality in all forms to my clients, and I feel this is a natural part of the process. I want my clients to feel confident and proud that they have hired me as their photographer. Not only will they get gorgeous images to share with their family forever, but they also will have someone dedicated to both artistic and technical excellence in all of their images!

Wish me luck!

What about you? Would you feel more comfortable if your photographer for your special event and lifetime of memories were certified, or are you fine with the latest Facebook find?  Comment below!  (and I can’t give you guys a blog posting without an image, so here’s a picture I love from one of my trips to downtown Charleston… random but pretty.)