My Photography Book

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

How To Become a Certified Professional Photographer

By Charlie Armstrong


Several individuals wonder if they must have a formal degree in order to become a certified professional photographer. Fortunately that you do not need a traditional degree however , you do need photography education and knowledge about the photography industry to be able to obtain the title of Certified Professional Photographer.

In an effort to obtain your Certified Professional Photographer certification, you have to take part in a three step process. Initially, you need to express your candidacy with the PPCC (Professional Photographic Commission Committee). Next, you have to pass the CPP examination. Lastly, you need to pass the image submission review.

Step one is expressing your candidacy. In contrast to other professional accreditations that require years of work in the field, this certification does not require industry time. It does require you to pay $100 to declare your candidacy and display client work you have accomplished in the past two years. After this you have three years to pass the CPP test and image submission evaluation. If you do not pass after 36 months then your candidacy is voided and you've got to start this process over.

Once you have expressed your candidacy then you need to begin studying for the CPP exam. You will find three kinds of exams: Commercial, Portrait and Sports. When you sign up for the time and site for the exam, you will specify which type of the exam you want to take. You'll take the examination multiple times if needed. It is a hundred multiple choice question test with a two hour time limit. You will need seventy correct answers to pass and it's also a Scantron exam.

The next step is passing the Image Submission Review. Some people pass this first prior to CPP exam. It is your choice as to which action you would like to take first. You upload twenty photos to the PPCC. All submissions need to submit 6 compulsory photos along with fourteen pictures from customer work in the past 24 months.

The initial six pictures must be the compulsory images. The compulsory images comprise of 3 compulsory and three elective pictures. The 3 compulsory images must separately exhibit Short Lighting 3:1 ratio, Broad Lighting 3:1 ratio and Selective focus with minimal depth of field in your specialty (note: senior photographers can't submit landscape photography).

Pictures 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 the first six mandatory photos are not satisfactory then the whole portfolio will be declined. You will receive a notice in the mail 1-2 weeks after presenting your pictures to inform you of the passing or failing of your photos. Right after accomplishing and passing this three step certification process, then you are officially a Certified Professional Photographer.




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