These days, photography is practiced by anyone with a smartphone, but it’s mastered by few. For everyday photos, you may be fine with a neighbor, a friend or your in-law. But when it comes to these once-in-a-lifetime moments, you need to make sure the person behind the camera is a proven professional photographer.
When you’ve got ONE shot, there’s no substitute for a Professional Photographer.
Professional photography is so much more than just snapping a picture. It’s the technique and experience to consistently capture the highest quality photograph, regardless of the situation. It’s the artistry and vision to get that one shot—that one look—that is so uniquely your headshot. It’s the professionalism to have backup equipment and processes in place to deal with any situation that comes up. And it’s the professionalism to guide you through the process of creating works of art you will treasure for a lifetime.
Finding a professional photographer can be tough.
Often times you’ll hear someone say, “I’m a professional” but then you find out later, sadly after, that they lacked proper business insurance, couldn’t get the job done because their 1 camera died or didn’t know how to take photos once the sun changed direction.
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Many people have the choice of three types of photographers.
- The professional. A person who has taken the classes, done the training, and has all the right tools. The professional photographer has proper business insurance, backup cameras and equipment, multiple hard-drive and storage systems to safeguard images and processes in place to handle situations as they arise.
- The hobbyist. Often times a very talented and passionate individual. You can get great work out of them most of the time. However, being this is a hobby or side-gig you just may have to be patient about quality, delivery and if they don’t carry proper business insurance or have systems in place, you could be putting yourself, your company and clients at risk.
- The third is what we call “Uncle Fred” (sorry to all the Fred’s in the world) “Uncle Fred” is the more amateur version, often a close friend or relative with a fancy camera that shoots everything. I think you can start to figure the pluses and minuses here.
THE WAY THAT I PERSONALLY LOOK AT IT IS IF I WERE GOING TO GET MY HAIR CUT, I AM GOING TO LOOK FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN TO BEAUTY SCHOOL AND WHO HAS THE LICENSE TO PROVE IT, NOT JUST SOME RANDOM PERSON WHO SAYS, ‘OH I’VE BEEN CUTTING HAIR FOR YEARS. IT’S THE SAME FOR SEARCHING FOR A PHOTOGRAPHER. – TRACY MCGEE, CPP
A professional photographer might charge a bit more, but we are worth every penny. As professionals, we understand one of the most important concept of photography, which is running a business. At the end of the day, you are hiring a professional to do a job or service for you and you have certain expectations and needs. Just think, you can hire a professional plumber or you can ask your neighbor, Uncle Fred. Fred might be really good or really lucky, so you want to take that risk? If Uncle doesn’t do a good job then you’ll actually have to pay more to fix it later. Investing in a well trained professional photographer to capture the moments that are only here once is worth it.
There is a CPP Standard. What is it?
The CPP is more than just taking a great photograph. It’s about maintaining a consistent standard of excellence and proven professionalism. I want to raise the bar in this industry and make our certification known
Just about anyone can take a good picture every now and then. But when life’s biggest moments are unfolding and there’s just one chance to capture that perfect memory, don’t risk it. Entrust your photography needs to a Certified Professional Photographer and see the difference for yourself.
There’s no greater proof than when the letters “CPP” follow a photographer’s name. They designate a Certified Professional Photographer, someone who is putting in the extra work to stay above the rest. It assures you of this photographer’s professional knowledge and experience, while also declaring that photographer as one who has achieved and maintains a higher standard.
Since I started my photography business I have been a proud members of PPA and have since earned the prestigious Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) You can read about that here if you like. Thank you for taking the time to scan and learn more why hiring a Certified Professional Photographer matters. As always, if there is ever anything I can do to help you, please let me know!
Everardo Keeme, CPP
About The PPA
The Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest not-for-profit trade association for professional photographers in the world and is an excellent source of information for what to look for when evaluating photographers. Established in 1977 by Professional Photographers of America the Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) credential serves to identify professional photographers who have demonstrated technical competence through a written examination and photographic image submission. PPA and the Certification Committee follow standards for certification which are established by the national Institute of Credentialing Excellence (ICE). ICE sets the guidelines for creating the written certification exam, and makes sure the questions are relevant to professional photography today. ICE also provides PPA and the Certification Committee with support and information to maintain the certification process.
