What Is A CPP?

“You want to make sure that if you’re paying for a professional that you get a professional photographer - not a ‘fauxtographer' ! Every industry has its own professional benchmark. CPP is the benchmark certification for professional photography.” —Pete Ferris

These days, photography is practiced by anyone with a smartphone, but it's mastered by few. When it comes to those once-in-a-lifetime moments—when you've got one shot at getting it right—you better make sure the person behind the camera is a pro… A proven professional photographer that is!

What is Certification?

The certification of specialized skill-sets affirms a knowledge and experience base for practitioners in a particular field, their employers, and the public at large. Certification represents a declaration of a particular individual's professional competence. In some professions certification is a requirement for employment or practice. Doctors, mechanics, accountants, professional secretaries, surveyors and nearly everyone in an specialty career are required to go through a certification process of some kind.

Why Certification is Important?

“Who would you rather hire - someone that “took an accounting class” in high school or a CPA to do your business taxes? You’d probably want a specialist recognized by their peers in a particular profession. Certification demonstrates that Pete Ferris Photography took the time to learn how to perform to a higher standard.” —Pete Ferris

For a photographer, certification helps to show potential clients the value in hiring a true professional. You might not know much about professional photography, but you understand that certification means professional-quality goods and services. Anyone can buy a camera and take some pictures, but a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation shows we are true professionals in the field.

Clients in every industry seek out credentialed professionals, as the public recognizes certification as a sign that the person their hiring is an authority in the field. PPA (Professional Photographers of America) is that organization for photographers. A CPP designation offers an assurance, not just of quality, but of technical skill, artistic expertise and superior customer service.

You Can Trust Pete Ferris Photography.

Trust is paramount in any relationship. You want a photographer you can count on, and certification gives you that extra level of confidence.

Because of the overwhelming prevalence of technology (cell phones, tablets, etc.) self-proclaimed photographers are coming out of the woodwork in everywhere in America, but being a Certified Professional Photographer places me in a much different category than the average photographer.

The digital era has made it much easier for inexperienced part-time and fly-by-night photographers to throw their hat into the ring, undercutting professionals with rock bottom prices. Look around on Facebook, and I’m sure you’ll see plenty of $25 “Mini Sessions” by someone that got a camera for a Christmas or graduation present and decided to hang out their shingle - but is no where to be seen 6 months from now. Or they went back to school or “don’t do photography anymore”, etc. Certification helps our clients understand and appreciate the difference - our level of knowledge, experience, talent and dedication to the art of photography.

Peer-Validation

One can't just declare themselves certified. Certification is granted by Professional Photographers of America, the world's largest non-profit association organized for professional photographers. Certified Photographers must recertify every three years. This requires continuing education, training, and knowledge of the latest industry techniques and skills applied in our work.

I am award winning photographer and have active membership in the PPA (Professional Photographers of America) as well as the PPOK (Professional Photographers of Oklahoma), the state affiliate of the Professional Photographers of America and more.

It seems clear that tech advances have resulted in a vast number of aspiring photographers entering the market and presenting their imaging skills as being professional. However, a CPP certification is a demonstration to the public that there is a difference in being an average photographer or a true professional.

To read more, you’re encouraged to visit: Why Hire A CPP

Thank you for reading this. I’m very eager to meet you and help make lasting memories with you!

Let’s work together!