The Simplest Way To Become A Certified Photographer
May 17th, 2011 | Author: admin
Many people wonder if they need a formal degree in order to become a certified professional photographer. The good news is that you do not need a formal degree but you do need photography training and knowledge about the photography industry in order to obtain the title of Certified Professional Photographer. Currently, there are only 1,725 certified professional photographers, which is only 8% of professional photographers in the United States.
In order to acquire your Certified Professional Photographer certification, you have to take part in a 3 step process. Initially, you need to express your candidacy with the PPCC (Professional Photographic Commission Committee). 2nd, you have to pass the CPP exam. Lastly, you must pass the image submission review.
The first step is declaring your candidacy. Unlike other professional certification, that require years of work in the field, this certification does not require field time. It does require you to pay $100 to declare your candidacy and show client work you have accomplished in the past 24 months. You then have three years to pass the CPP exam and image submission review. If you do not pass after three years then your candidacy is voided and you have to start the process over.
After you have declared your candidacy then you need to start studying for the CPP exam. There are three types of exams: Commercial, Portrait and Sports. When you sign up for the time and location for the exam, you will specify which version of the exam you want to take. You can take the exam multiple times if needed. It is 100 multiple choice question exam with a two hour time limit . You will need 70 correct answers to pass and it is a Scantron exam.
The next step is passing the Image Submission Review. Some people pass this first before the CPP exam. It is your choice as to which step you would like to take first. You submit 20 images to the PPCC. All submissions are required to submit 6 compulsory images along with 14 images from client work in the past 24 months.
The first 6 photos must be the mandatory pictures. The compulsory images comprise of three mandatory and 3 elective pictures. The 3 mandatory images must separately demonstrate Short Lighting 3:1 ratio, Broad Lighting 3:1 ratio and Selective focus with minimal depth of field within your niche (note: senior photographers cannot send landscape photography).
Images 4, 5 and 6 most pick from the following list to demonstrate: High Key Image, Low Key Image, Rule of Thirds, Use of Shape, Form, and Texture, Balance (symmetrical or asymmetrical), color harmony, “s” curve line, assertive, angular, or masculine line, or architectural techniques.
If your 1st 6 mandatory photos aren’t satisfactory then the entire portfolio will be denied. You will receive a letter in the mail 1-2 weeks after presenting your images to inform you of the passing or failing of your images. After completing and passing this three step certification process, then you are officially a Certified Professional Photographer.
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