Certification: A Complete Explanation

What is Certification? Certification helps to show knowledge and skill in your craft Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Shows dedication to photography Standard of excellence Professional Photographic Certification Commission (PPCC) Leading certifying agency for imaging professionals

How do I become Certified? Step 1: Declare Candidacy at CertifiedPhotographer.com - Application and Fee Step 2: Pass the following within 3 years: - Certification Exam - Imaging Submission Review Have questions? Contact your Certification Liaison!

Certification Exam What is on the exam? - Technical aspects of photography multiple choice questions - Test specifications: - Camera, Lenses & Attachments, 15% - Composition & Design, 17% - Digital Post-Production, 13% - Exposures & Meters, 20% - Film, Digital Capture & Output, 15% - Lighting, 20% How do you study for the exam? - CertifiedPhotographer.com- Certification Preparation Class - Study Groups- Certify With Sandy Puc’ - ‘Photography’ by London

How do I take the exam? Where can I take the exam? Local, state and regional photography events Imaging USA When are the exams? Dates and locations at CertifiedPhotographer.com How do I register for an exam? Register at CertifiedPhotographer.com Posted at least 60 days in advance Must register at least 5 days before exam date

Must be CPP candidate 2 hours to complete exam What to bring with you: ID Pencils with erasers Simple, non-programmable calculators (optional) What you cannot bring with you: Cell phones Notes Exam Day

Exam Results How do I find out my exam results? All exam results are sent via mail No results given via phone or If you do not pass the exam 30 day waiting period between exams Retake exam as often as needed within 3 year period No additional cost Only numerical score provided

Image Submission Review Image Submission Review Judges All judges are CPPs Images reviewed by at least 5 judges How are your images judged? Representation of your finest work Skills, knowledge and ability

What images do I submit? 15 images from client work 6 Compulsory Images (3) Mandatory Images (3) Elective Images Images may come directly from client files or may be set up to demonstrate the technique that is required. 9 Images Representative of your typical client base Images must come from your client work in the last 24 months, based on your specialty.

Mandatory Images Image 1: Short lighting 3:1 ratio This image will demonstrate proper lens selection and perspective with short lighting and a medium 3:1 lighting ratio. Examples, based on your specialty: Portrait/Wedding/Commercial/Sports/Event Closed or open loop; head shot Wedding portrait demonstrating broad lighting Still life; product; food; model Individual portrait. Use of fill light or reflector to achieve 3:1 ratio

Mandatory Images Image 2: Broad lighting 3:1 ratio This image will demonstrate proper lens selection and perspective with a broad lighting setup and a medium 3:1 lighting ratio. Examples, based on your specialty: Portrait/Wedding/Commercial/Sports/Event Closed or open loop; head shot Wedding portrait demonstrating broad lighting Still life; product; food; model Individual portrait. Use of fill light or reflector to achieve 3:1 ratio

Mandatory Images Image 3: Selective focus with minimal depth of field This image will demonstrate how the viewer’s attention is impacted by selective focus. Examples, based on your specialty: Portrait/Wedding/Commercial/Sports/Event Creative use of selective focus. Close up Product photo; macro image Creative use of selective focus

Elective Images Choose 3 of the following: High Key Image: This image will demonstrate the proper technique in lighting a subject for a high key. Low Key Image: This image will demonstrate the proper technique in lighting a subject for a low key. Rule of Thirds: This image will demonstrate subject placement and organization. Use of Shape, Form, and Texture: This image will demonstrate these basic elements of art. Balance (symmetrical or asymmetrical): This image will demonstrate the principles of balance achieved through subject size, placement, weight, or color.

Elective Images 4 – 6 (continued) Color Harmony: This image will demonstrate the harmonious relationship of colors. “S” Curve Line: This image will demonstrate a “S” curve or feminine posing. Assertive, Angular, or Masculine Line: This image will demonstrate an assertive, angular, or masculine pose. Architectural: This image will demonstrate the commercial application of architectural photography. (Cannot be chosen for the portrait category.)

How does the image submission review work? When are the image submission reviews? Occur bimonthly Dates listed on CertifiedPhotographer.com How do I submit my images? Upload images at CertifiedPhotographer.com

How do I find out my image submission results? All image submission results are sent via mail No results given via phone or If you do not pass the image submission You can submit images to as many reviews as needed within 3 year candidacy period Opportunity for CPP Judging Feedback session Image Submission Results

You passed both, now what? Recognition CPP logo CPP designation Certification Certificate Maintain Certification $50 annual credential fee Non-PPA members pay a 5 year credentialing fee of $400 before they can use the designation. Opportunity Become a Certification Liaison

Re-Certification You must recertify every 5 years How do you recertify? Option 1: Retake and pass the Certification Exam Option 2: Submit 25 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Option 3: Submit 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) AND Pass another Image Submission Review

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) CEUs are earned through educational opportunities 5 UNITSAttending Imaging USA or a full week at a PPA Affiliate School 2 UNITSAttending Regional or State Conventions Attending Photography Industry Seminars or Convention lasting 2 or more days 1 UNITAttending Photography Industry Seminars or Workshops lasting 6 or more hours 1/2 UNITAttending any photography related program that lasts 4-6 hours 1/4 UNITAttending any photography related program that lasts 2-4 hours

Questions Website: certifedphotographer.com Call: Or… Contact a Certification Liaison for assistance.