Credentials / Certification
Heather Donlan

I really value being part of a professional organization like PPA. With the tremendous influx of new "professionals" to our industry, it's so important to set myself apart and above as much as I can. Getting my certification and joining PPA is a huge piece of that puzzle. ...Read More

I really value being part of a professional organization like PPA. With the tremendous influx of new "professionals" to our industry, it's so important to set myself apart and above as much as I can. Getting my certification and joining PPA is a huge piece of that puzzle. Healthy competition is good for any industry, but I feel that we need to be smarter about qualifying and requiring certification. Being a member of PPA is just part of being "professional." I am proud to be a part of this organization. And, every month when I read through Professional Photographer I feel like I pick up one new little tidbit. There is always something new to learn. SMS has also helped out my business. Before we got SMS help, I really had no idea how to price nor did I realize how much product actually cost. SMS really helped give me great insight into what the true cost of doing business was.

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Heather Donlan • PPA Member Since 2007

What is certification?

Every industry has its benchmark. The Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation is ours. No matter your specialty, the CPP is a fundamental step in mastering your craft. Whether you’re just getting started or have years of experience under your belt, you’ll come out of the certification experience with the knowledge you need to succeed as a photographer in this competitive business.

 

Why should you get certified?

Our CPP program empowers photographers to be knowledgeable, successful, and technically-equipped. While our members pursue certification for a variety of personal and professional reasons, we’ve uncovered a common theme: it helps you sell yourself. We’ve heard countless stories of how the CPP has given members a leg up on the competition by inspiring confidence, justifying pricing, and conveying competence. How will it impact you?