You're never done learning. Probably every single pro photographer would agree with that statement. Pushing yourself to polish your technical knowledge and artistic skills keeps your art fresh and alive. That's a big benefit of pursuing certification. Heather McKay, CPP and owner of McKay's Photography in Rochester, NY agrees: "Going through the process to become a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) was probably the best thing I've done for myself in years! My work has improved drastically, even though I was already a seasoned pro."

Plus, the CPP program can help assure clients of your competency--certification is a credential the public can easily understand. After all, many industries have certification programs for their professionals.

Add it all together, and you may be wondering, "Why AREN'T I certified?" But we saved the best news for last: It's easy to get started. Just go to CertifiedPhotographer.com to declare your candidacy.

Even better? There's a Certification Prep Class in Atlanta (July 9-11) that will help you study for the exam and then take it! Many past attendees have praised these prep classes with helping them pass the rigorous exam, so it might be a smart action to consider.

So, are you ready to get certified?

Ever wondered what certification can really do for you as a photographer? As Lew Everling, Cr.Photog., CPP,  of L-Photography & Design says: "The fact that you have worked hard to pass the examination and qualify your images proves you have the ability to work under pressure, handle nearly any situation, and take the initiative!"

But do your clients understand that? Do they even know if you are a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)? It's one of the most widely recognized credentials (almost every industry has certifications), but it won't promote itself. That's why Lew stresses the need to market certification--showcase those extra steps you took to set yourself apart from the competition.

Whether you're a newly minted CPP, have had the bragging rights for years or are considering the program, browse these tips on boosting awareness in print, in public and beyond.

Dear PPA Member,

Twice this week, I was reminded of how having a certification makes a difference to consumers.

First reminder: It's tax time. (Your taxes are done, right?) Rather than have my taxes done by Bob's neighbor's cousin who works at a car dealership but once took a tax course and does tax returns on the side, I made a conscious choice to have a CPA look at my return. I trust the CPA, because they're certified.

My second reminder? The dreaded "find a doctor" game. I'm in the market for a new one, and in the process of making my decision, one of the deciding factors is certification. My doctor must be board certified. Why? There are a lot of great doctors out there who went to great schools and have thriving practices. However, being "board certified" is voluntary and shows that these doctors are committed to continuing to educate themselves in their field, which is frankly, an assurance that I'm getting the best care possible.

This week's Vital Signs talks about the Certified Professional Photographer program. Like being a "board certified" physician, it's voluntary and shows that a professional photographer is committed to providing the best care possible to a client--and that can only be a win for your business.

Cheers!
Christel Aprigliano
Director of Member Value & Experience

P.S. While we hope that you're done with your taxes, PPA has some great last minute tips (and even a webinar to help you!).

Professional credentials are not just handed out willy-nilly. They are earned through hard work and study, and that's what makes them so valuable to photographers and their clients. Even if a client doesn't know all the ins and outs of photographic certification, they understand that someone who has been certified in his or her craft has industry-leading technical skills. It's not easy, but it's worth it; and any Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) can tell you that. That's why PPA offers certification preparation classes to help members prepare for certification exams and image submissions.

"We all have our own weaknesses," says Gary Meek, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API, EA-ASP, one of the instructors of the upcoming Certification Preparation Class, along with his wife, Kathy, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API. "That's the beauty of this class. We can find out what the weaknesses are and concentrate on strengthening a participant's knowledge on those points."

The Meeks are able to do that because every person who signs up for their class is sent about a hundred pages of handouts and study guides...prior to the class. You'll get sample tests, Gary's own white papers, a handout on histograms and even a page of photographic formulas.

Interested in working towards your Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation? Preparation is key, so take advantage of the following new resources this year:

• PPA's intensive, three-day Certification Preparation Class (August 22-24, 2010) on the exam topics, Image Submission Review and more. Fees are $299, and the CPP Certification Exam will be offered August 24th.
• Certify with Sandy Puc', a free motivational and support program developed by Sandy Puc, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, API to encourage other photographers to complete the certification process.

Make this the year you get certified--it's the crazy smart thing to do. Read more about these opportunities here.

Dear PPA Member,

My older brother is certified. (No, not certifiable...that's my younger brother.) He's received his certification as a Project Management Professional, which is a pretty big deal in his field. That being said, I won't let him touch my taxes or my car or diagnose my medical conditions. My taxes are completed by a CPA, my car is serviced by an ASE Certified mechanic and my doctor is AMA board certified. I expect that these individuals know what they're doing and that they're on top of the knowledge in their industry.

When clients are looking for photographers, being certified can make a difference between you and your peers in the same market. Moreover, the process of becoming certified is an experience that many believe help them become better photographers. It's a win-win situation for both you and your clients--you get a marketing edge, and a potential client gets a photographer who is technically and artistically competent and has taken the steps to become certified.

Certification in any field can be a daunting experience (I'm in the process of becoming a Certified Association Executive, so I understand daunting...), but it's worth it in the long run. If you're looking for a way to separate yourself from other photographers in your area, then this week's Vital Signs should be taken to heart.

Cheers,
Christel Aprigliano
PPA's Director of Member Value & Experience

Certifications are a universal sign to all of us that the person who is credentialed has made the extra effort to ensure that his or her skills are up to par. As consumers, we feel an extra measure of assurance when we do business with a certified professional, whether it's a doctor, accountant or plumber.

Photography is no different. The ability to claim the designation of Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) certainly benefits you, but the education process photographers participate in to become certified also improves the industry and raises standards of excellence across the board.

PPA believes in the educational process and the importance of achieving this designation, and we're offering a three-day Certification Preparation Class in August for all interested photographers who wish to better their skills and become a Certified Professional Photographer.

CPP Certification Preparation Class in August
This three-day intensive class will delve into the technical topics covered in the CPP Certification Exam, explore the Image Submission Review...and give you a more thorough working knowledge of photography.

The second image submission judging of 2010 for Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) candidates (and those CPPs who are in the re-certification process) is now in process, and you have until April 23, 2010, midnight (ET). You must complete an Application for Image Submission before you submit your images. For details on the Certification process, visit www.certifiedphotographer.com/become-certified.html.

If you are working to earn your Certified Profesional Photographer designation, the next Image Review submission deadline is February 19, 2010. To register and upload your images for the next Image Review, use this form: Image Submission Application. For complete details on the certification process, please visit www.CertifiedPhotographer.com.

These CPP Award Winners were recognized for the highest scoring Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) print, album, or electronic submission in their state print competition.

John Hill, M.Photog., CPP
PP of Connecticut
Kelly Highby, CPP
PP of Nebraska
Catherine Carter, M.Photog., CPP
PP of North Carolina
Jennifer Hudson, M.Photog.Cr., CPP
PPA of Massachusetts
Ryan T. Brown, M.Photog.Cr., CPP
PPA of Missouri
Jeff Bowman, M.Photog.Cr., CPP
Virginia PPA
Wilbur Jeffcoat, CPP
South Carolina PPA
Steven Yahr, CPP
PPA of New Jersey
Paul Speaker, Cr.Photog., CPP
PP of California
David Deutsch, M.Photog.Cr., CPP
PP of Michigan
Bogdan Fundalinski, M.Photog.Cr.,CPP
PPS of New York
Gary Fail, M.Photog.Cr.,CPP
Kansas PPA.
Beth Forester, M.Photog.Cr., CPP
PP West Virginia
Ella Carlson, CPP
PP of New Hampshire

Has your affiliate awarded this CPP Award to one of your members? Let us know so we can share and celebrate this with all of our affiliates! Send the member's name, your affiliate name, when the award was given, and even a .jpg image of the award winner to affiliates@ppa.com.