Certification Prep Classes, Pre-Con @ IUSA

[Mark_Levesque]

Everybody knows about Gary Meek's pre-convention class at ImagingUSA in San Antonio. What you may not realize is that this class fills up every year, and people who want to take the class have to be turned away. This raises an issue this year because Certify with Sandy Puc' is expected to create a larger than normal demand for this certification prep class.

PPA really doesn't like to turn people away, ESPECIALLY when we are talking about something that directly impacts the level of professionalism/knowledge/capabilities of its members. The issue that is faced is that historically, photographers sign up for pre-conference classes in large numbers starting at the beginning of December, and by the end of December quite often they are turning people away. For this reason, it is particularly important this year that people sign up early. Signing up early guarantees you a spot in the class. Additionally, if there is sufficient demand, a 2nd class may be added to accommodate additional attendees. But for the 2nd class to be offered, the demand cannot be appearing at the end of December or beginning of January. The demand needs to be evident by the beginning of December in order for PPA to manage the logistics of a 2nd class. There is a lot of work involved and it frankly cannot be pulled off at the last minute.

So PLEASE, if you are planning to attend IUSA and want to take a CPP Prep class during the pre-convention, PLEASE sign up soon. Procrastination may prove very costly this time as the demand is expected to be significantly higher than normal, and if you wait too long there won't be a 2nd chance to get in. So sign up soon. Whether there's a 2nd class or not, you want to be sure to secure your spot while there is still opportunity.

[pete_rezac]

I took Gary's class this year in Nashville. It was by far one of the best photographic classes I've ever taken. Gary is an amazing instructor!

[Roger_Williams]

I took Gary's class this year in Nashville. It was by far one of the best photographic classes I've ever taken. Gary is an amazing instructor!

Ditto!!! Even though I did not really need it, I took it and it was worth every penny and the time. If you are on the fence, jump on this one before it fills up and is to late.

[GregYager]

I took the test 2 weeks ago and if you're considering taking it soon I would highly recommend the class. There are many questions on the test that simply don't involve what most of us do on a daily basis so taking the class will bring you up to speed on these items.

I'm still waiting to receive my results and though I feel I've passed I'm sure my confidence level would be higher had I been able to take the class.

[Missy50]

Ditto. The class is a refresher of what I studied in school (late 80's) and if you have not been in a dark room in a while, or ever. Which many who are new to photography will not be familiar with. And if you move into the digital age kicking and screaming like I did, Gary covers the digital darkroom well.

They do expect you to have read & study "the book" (they will cover it, but it is fast!) and practice all the prentice hall questions. Some even brought printouts of those questions with them to class for explainations on what they did not understand.

[GregYager]

*Update* Received my results today and I passed but taking the class would have still made it easier and less stressful.

[Rick_Massarini]

Congratulations, Greg !!!

[Roger_Williams]

*Update* Received my results today and I passed but taking the class would have still made it easier and less stressful.

Congratulations!

[GregYager]

Thanks Rick, I owe a lot of the credit to advice and information I received here. The experience of becoming certified has made me want to become very active in helping others through the process. I don't want to teach the test...I want to teach the skills required to pass the test and the techniques needed for a successful image review which in turn leads to a higher quality of work being produced by certified members.

[Rick_Massarini]

Thanks Rick, I owe a lot of the credit to advice and information I received here. The experience of becoming certified has made me want to become very active in helping others through the process. I don't want to teach the test...I want to teach the skills required to pass the test and the techniques needed for a successful image review which in turn leads to a higher quality of work being produced by certified members.

Sounds like you're on the right track! Go for it! Our profession will be better off as a whole for your efforts!!!