Thinking of Becoming A Certified Photographer?

Several people wonder if they must have a formal degree in order to become a certified professional photographer. Fortunately that you do not have to have a formal degree however , you do need photography training and know-how about the photography industry in order to obtain the title of Certified Professional Photographer.

For you to attain your Certified Professional Photographer accreditation, you need to perform a 3 step process. Firstly, you have to announce your candidacy by means of the PPCC (Professional Photographic Commission Committee). Next, you must complete the actual CPP exam. Last but not least, you will need to complete the image submission review.

The first task is actually stating your candidacy. Compared with other sorts of official certifications, this certification does not require several years of industry time. It will need you to pay $100 in order to announce your candidacy and also present client work you might have in the last two years. After this you have three years to complete the CPP examination and also the image application assessment. Unless you complete these steps in three years, then your candidacy is actually voided and you’ve have to start the procedure over.

Once you have expressed your candidacy, you’ll need to start studying for the CPP exam. You will find three types of exams: Commercial, Portrait and Sports. Once you sign up for the time and location for the test, you’ll indicate which type of the exam you want to take. You’ll take the test multiple times if needed. It’s 100 multiple choice question test with a two hour time limit . You will need seventy correct answers to pass and it’s also a Scantron test.

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 images must be the compulsory images. The compulsory images comprise of 3 mandatory and 3 elective images. The three 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 specialty (note: senior photographers cannot submit landscape photography).

Images 4, 5 and 6 most choose 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 compulsory pictures aren’t satisfactory then the whole 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 photos. After completing and passing this three step certification process, then you are formally a Certified Professional Photographer.

To conclude, if you are interested in becoming a Certified Photographer, then please check out the Certified Photographer Academy.