Professional Photographers of America Reveals Certified Professional Photographer Recipients and Announces New Resource

Professional Photographers of America announced today the newest Certified Professional Photographers (CPPs) and revealed an image bank to assist with future CPP candidates.

Like in other professions, certification helps photographers gain skills and confidence, and assists in their marketing, positioning them as recognized professionals. The CPP designation provides assurance to potential clients of a photographer's knowledge, experience and commitment to the development and continuation of his or her photographic skills and techniques. To earn this title, a potential candidate must first declare their candidacy, pass the CPP exam, and submit images for review. Twenty-four photographers achieved the coveted Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation September 5.

While the road is challenging, PPA photographers who achieve their CPP rake in the rewards of their hard work.

"Without a doubt, my proudest moment as a professional photographer was opening the email notifying me that I had earned my CPP," said Texas photographer, Aimee Woolverton, CPP. "I am proud of how my photography has grown and developed in the process, and that I have the skills to be a true professional."

From there, it helps to boost a photographer's confidence and their business too.

"This business is very difficult to get established in," said Virginia photographer Ty Swartz, CPP. "Becoming a CPP has given me the confidence to not chase money but rather creativity and photographic growth. When that happens the money seems to find you."

To help with the image submission process, PPA has begun collecting images for a resource library and portfolio bank. These images and portfolios will be CPP image submissions from past candidates. The resource library will contain images that clearly depict the technical compulsories of the image submission (Broad Light, High Key, Color Harmony, etc.) as well as both accepted and rejected portfolios. Candidates can use the image library to see what to and not to do when completing their image submissions. The new resources is in addition to a CPP candidate fact sheet, CPP marketing campaign and tool kit, exclusive certified professional photographer communities on Facebook and PPA's social network, theLoop and more.

PPA will host two certification preparation classes at Imaging USA, its upcoming annual convention, in Nashville, Tennessee. The pre-convention classes will be held Jan. 29-31, 2015, before the full event kicks off February 1-3. The CPP program is for PPA photographers only.

For more information on PPA's Certified Professional Photographer program, visit PPA.com/cpp.

About PPA:
Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest international non-profit association created by professional photographers, for professional photographers. Almost as long-lived as photography itself, PPA has roots that date back to 1869. It assists over 27,000 members through protection, education and resources for their continued success. See why photographers love PPA at ppa.com.