Taking My Game to the Next Level

I joined PPA last year (Professional Photographers Association) and I think it was perhaps the one most significant thing that I have done as a photographer.  I made the commitment and went to "Imaging USA" in Nashville, for their big annual event of workshops and trade show, and I think it has changed the way I think and work as a photographer.  PPA has endless resources for photographers.  One of them is giving us the opportunity to become a Certified Professional Photographer.  This is not an easy road by any means.  There is a huge commitment and a lot of "learnin'" to do.  You also have to submit a portfolio of images that must be approved by the certification committee.  Currently there are under 3000 photographers worldwide that can claim this title after their name.

When I first started shooting, I was getting praise on my work, and realized that my graphic design background gave me an edge.  I really thought that I knew it all!  I was hot stuff!  A funny thing happened on the way to becoming a photographer...I realized that I really have a lot to learn!  As I gather my list of favorite photographers and "gods and idols" I become tremendously aware of just how much talent there is out there.  The really neat thing about all this talent, is their willingness to share their knowledge and information.

I have decided that I really want to become the best photographer that I possibly can be.  I want my clients to know, that when they hire me to shoot their weddings or photograph their newborn or family, that they have hired someone who has studied their trade, and will bring forth that knowledge along with talent to give them the best possible product.  It's also about relationships as well...but that is for another blog entry :).

 Soooo, I have decided that I am going to declare my intention to become a CPP.  I will take you all along for the ride and I progress throughout this process.  I hope you join me in my journey.  I'll post as I go, and keep you up on this new adventure.  Wish me luck.

I am also making a pledge to blog more, and post more. Watch for posts from my shoots, photo tips, and just plain "yakking" (I'm good at that!)   Please check out my Facebook page as well as "like" me.