What is a CPP?

The PPA CPP program stands for Certified Professional Photographer, an industry-standard credential offered by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). It helps photographers validate their technical expertise, stand out from the competition, and assure potential clients of their formal competence.

Benefits of being a CPP

Earning your CPP certification brings many benefits. Two primary ones are:

  • Professional Growth: Earning your Certified Professional Photographer designation empowers photographers to be more knowledgeable & technically equipped.
  • Client Engagement: Clients in every industry seek out credentialed professionals because certification is a sign that someone is an authority in the field. The Certified Professional Photographer designation offers potential clients an assurance not just of quality but of technical skill and artistic expertise.

 

 

 

 

How do I become a CPP?

In order to earn the CPP certification, candidates must become a PPA member, declare their candidacy for the CPP program and pay an application fee, complete online exams for six (6) online curriculum modules, and undergo a technical imagery evaluation process.

  • Step1 - Join PPA: www.ppa.com/join-now
  • Step 2 - Declare your candidacy: To do this, simply fill out the candidacy form and pay the application $200 fee. Please note that your candidacy will not be officially declared until your payment is processed. Once confirmed, your candidacy will be valid for two years.
  • Step 3 - Study the online curriculum modules: PPA has launched a CPP Curriculum to help you prepare for the required online exams. The curriculum is broken down into six different modules that contain educational videos, visual presentations, the Photography Certification Guide, and quizzes. 
  • Step 4 - Take the online exams: Each of the six (6) curriculum modules has a required online test. You will need to pass each of the six (6) exams to be able to move onto the Technical Image Evaluation process.
  • Step 5 - Complete the Technical Image Evaluation process: Once you have successfully passed all six (6) online exams, you will be required to submit three (3) specific images based on established criteria. These images are then reviewed by PPA to verify all image criteria has been exactly followed. Candidates can find instructions to completing these imahges by visiting the Path to Certification page to download the Technical Image Evaluation Handbook. Candidates can submit their images as many times as needed within your two year candidacy period. Should you not pass the Technical Image Evaluation within your candidacy period, you can apply for a candidacy extension, with the reduced cost of $100 and an additional year to do so.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CPP

MODULE 1

Cameras, Lenses and Attachments. In this module, you will learn the basic function of digital cameras as well as different sizes and types of lenses and attachment to enhance your images.

MODULE 2

Lighting and Flash Photography. In this module, you will learn and review lighting and flash photography concepts.

MODULE 3

Design and Composition. This module will focus on subject placement, special effects, location, clothing, color harmony and balance, as well as coordination of the background to your subject.

MODULE 4

Exposures and Metering. This module will cover how to meter to get the correct exposures while utilizing ISO, f/stop, and Shutter Speed.

MODULE 5

Digital Post-Production. This module will cover computer operations, monitors and calibration, color space, file formats and resolution, editing, and storage.

MODULE 6

Introduction to Business. In this module, you will get an informative, but easy to understand look at how to start and how to maintain your business.

PPWV CPP Liaison

To learn more about CPP opportunities in PPWV, please contact:

 

Bo Wriston, CPP

PPWV CPP Liaison

wristonphoto@gmail.com

(304) 629-3735

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