Step 3: Image Evaluation Overview

After you have passed the CPP exam, you will be eligible to submit your image evaluation. There are five evaluation periods per year, each opened for two weeks at a time.

In this process, you will be required to create 3 assigned images using a CPP Image Kit ordered from BlickU. Using the 5 items in the kit and the evaluation setup guidelines you will choose from one of three offered lighting scenarios to create the images assigned. These set ups will demonstrate your understanding of key photographic concepts including; depth of field, camera angle, exposure, lens compression, white balance, light sources and file handling criteria. All images will be evaluated on pre-set elements including; cropping, focus, sharpness, lighting, camera angle and white balance. A successful evaluation will satisfy all elements for all three images. You will be able to submit your evaluation as many times as needed during your candidacy period.

Your Technical Image Evaluation kit will be ordered online from BlickU. Please use the Ordering Guide to help you through the process.

Please allow between 5-10 business days for kit delivery. Each kit costs approximately $35 shipping included.

Each Image Evaluation will demonstrate three images. Please use the Technical Image Evaluation Guide, sample images, and Equipment List to set up your evaluation. All images will then be evaluated against the Image Evaluation Checklist to ensure all criteria are met within each image. 

Your Technical Image Evaluation will be comprised of THREE (3) images that have been taken from one of the listed lighting scenarios.

• OPTION 1: Electronic Flash Technical Image Evaluation Setup Guide (speedlights, studio strobes, location strobes) Electronic Flash Setup Guide
• OPTION 2: Continuous Light Technical Image Evaluation Setup Guide (modeling lights, tungsten lights, LED) Continuous Light Setup Guide
• OPTION 3: Natural Light Technical Image Evaluation Setup Guide (window light, available light) Natural Light Setup Guide

All images submitted must be self-directed and not set up in a workshop environment or under the direct supervision of an instructor.

All images must be photographed and uploaded in the smallest RAW format your camera allows.

Here are some pretty amazing resources to help you understand and submit a successful evaluation:

• BlickU Ordering Guide
• Setup Guide
• Equipment List
• Evaluation Criteria Checklist
• Setup Guide for CPP Technical Image Evaluation Video
• Metering Basics for CPP Technical Image Evaluation Video
• Tips for CPP Technical Image Evaluation Video
• FAQs

Electronic Flash Lighting

• Electronic Flash Lighting Setup Guide
• Electronic Flash Lighting Diagram
• Electronic Flash Scenario for CPP Technical Image Evaluation Video

Continuous Light

• Continuous Light Setup Guide
• Continuous Light Diagram
• Continuous Light Scenario for CPP Technical Image Evaluation Video

Natural Light

• Natural Light Setup Guide
• Natural Light Diagram
• Natural Light Scenario for CPP Technical Image Evaluation Video

Examples of passing sample images

• Electronic Flash sample images (zip folder)
• Electronic Flash sample images (PDF)
• Continuous Light sample images (zip folder)
• Continuous Light sample images (PDF)
• Natural Light sample images (zip folder)
• Natural Light sample images (PDF)
• Sample Images with Grid Lines

Examples of failing sample images

• Underexposed sample images
• Overexposed sample images
• Layout /Camera Angle sample images

Here is the evaluation criteria checklist which your three required images will be evaluated by. Each image must satisfy all the criteria listed and ALL THREE images must pass for your evaluation to pass. If one or more of your images does not pass you will only need to resubmit the failed image(s) in another evaluation period. If choosing the electronic flash scenario, we recommend setting your white balance to 5500K to ensure your white balance meets the requirement and is in range.

Make sure you follow the checklist so your evaluation is successful!

The scheduled Technical Image Evaluation dates for 2023 are:

• Friday, February 3, 2023 12PM (noon) ET – Friday, February 17, 2023 12PM (noon) ET
• Friday, April 7, 2023 12PM (noon) ET – Friday, April 21, 2023 12PM (noon) ET
• Friday, June 2, 2023 12PM (noon) ET – Friday, June 16, 2023 12PM (noon) ET
• Friday, August 4, 2023 12PM (noon) ET – Friday, August 18, 2023 12PM (noon) ET
• Friday, October 6, 2023 12PM (noon) ET – Friday, October 20, 2023 12PM (noon) ET

If you have passed your exam and are an eligible candidate to submit your evaluation; you can access the evaluation upload platform by:

1. Log on to your MyPPA dashboard  
2. Navigate to the myAchievements tab 
3. Select "Certifications" to expand the selection where you can view the option to “Upload Evaluation”

From there you may upload your evaluation during any open evaluation period (please note: the upload evaluation button will only be visible during the two-week period the evaluation is open). 

Technical Image Evaluation results will be sent via email approximately three (3) weeks after the Technical Image Evaluation deadline. For questions or if you need additional assistance please email cppmailbox@ppa.com. Good luck!