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Elevate Your Craft: Become a Certified Professional Photographer or Certified Drone Photographer!
Doctors, lawyers, even plumbers—no matter the profession, customers understand the value of credentials. Photographers are no exception. That's where PPA Certification (Certified Professional Photographer–CPP or Certified Drone Photographer) comes into play. Your prospective clients may not understand the ins and outs of your craft, but they always appreciate the value of a credentialed professional.
What Is a Certified Professional Photographer?
The CPP (Certified Professional Photographer) designation is the official credential for photographers looking to distinguish themselves within the industry. The program, offered by PPA, assures potential clients of a photographer's knowledge, experience, and ability to develop new skills and techniques. In essence, earning the CPP designation is a declaration of one's professional competence and ability. For photographers who may have entered the industry with loads of passion but a limited formal education, the CPP program provides a solid foundation to elevate their craft and achieve new heights.
Why Become a Certified Professional Photographer?
Photographers who earn their CPP credential do so for three primary reasons:
- It gives them an edge in advertising their services, as certification promotes trust in clients' and consumers' minds.
- It's a way to justify the price of services offered by the industry's top photographers.
- The peer validation step signals to the photography world that you genuinely care about your craft.
In simple terms, becoming certified helps you sell your abilities as a photographer. Need more convincing? Here are the benefits of becoming a Certified Professional Photographer as told by PPA Member Aly Kuler:
You don't need a certification to be a professional, but I wanted to elevate myself from the crowd. As a self-taught photographer, I wanted to see if I was on the right path and to educate myself more. The CPP process has doubled my skills and knowledge of photography. It added finesse to my style and huge confidence in my business. And as a result, it added value to my business and helped me increase my prices.
How to Become a Certified Professional Photographer
The journey to becoming a Certified Professional Photographer is a simple, 3-step process:
- Declare your candidacy to PPA.
- Study for and pass the CPP exam.
- Submit a set of images for official review.
Once images are approved, the photographer will officially earn the title of Certified Professional Photographer. Ready to get started? To take the first step to become a CPP or Certified Drone Photographer, visit PPA.com/CPP.