I hope and pray this blog finds you well and safe during these times. A week ago, I received a long awaited email that marks another milestone in my professional career as a photographer. This particular email informed me that I passed my final hurdle on the path to my CPP (Certified Professional Photographer) designation. God has blessed me with many established photographers with years (and some even decades) of experience, who have coached me through the few years I have been taking pictures. The reason for this particular blog is to let you know what a CPP is and why it has so much to do with you.
What is it?
The CPP designation is simply a certification professional photographers receive after a lot of studying, a written exam, and an image submission evaluated by trained judges. The certification program sets the industry's current standard of excellence and keeps professionals up to speed in an ever changing industry.
When you hire a professional to do your taxes, you want a CPA, or when you go to a dentist, it's important to see DDS behind the name of the individual who will be putting his hands in your mouth. When it comes to choosing a photographer for senior portraits, weddings, and children's portraits, you want someone you can trust and rely on. When you get a head shot for your business, you want to look your best and have a quality, professional photograph (which is the first thing potential clients might see). It's good to see CPP behind the name of the person behind the camera. You know the Certified Professional Photographer has put in the time and the work to bring that standard to you.
Why I Did It
This is the part where I share my heart. Those of you who really know me, know I didn't do it just to get three extra letters behind my name. I have the laziest signature out of anybody I know, and I sure don't need three more letters to deal with. This distinction was pursued to help the business, but it goes beyond that. The primary reason I earned my CPP was to strive to be the best photographer I can be. People who are kind enough to invest in us for their senior year or head shots deserve nothing less than my best effort. Photography is an "art" profession, therefore it is personal. Art is always personal because the artist puts part of him/herself into the portrait and captures the client as they are.
Every person who walks into our studio deserves our best professionally, technically, as well as artistically. When it's personal, I feel that much more pressure to exceed your expectations, therefore I owe you my best. This CPP program helped me to become a better version of me to serve you. Back to the personal level, this is also why I do everything I can to be there for your record setting triple jump, 100th wrestling victory, 1000th career point, game winning homer, or another memorable milestone. These moments are important to you and disappear as quickly as smoke. Printed images of these events preserve these moments for a life time.
Thanks for reading this, stay safe, and may God bless each of you in this time!
8 Comments
Apr 1, 2020, 11:49:12 AM
Wesley Tharp - Thanks so much Michelle!
Mar 31, 2020, 5:14:53 PM
Michelle Robertson - Congratulations!!! Becoming a CPP is a huge accomplishement!!!
Mar 30, 2020, 4:21:22 PM
Wesley Tharp - Thanks, Scott!
Mar 30, 2020, 4:20:53 PM
Wesley Tharp - Jeanine, thank-you so much for your kind words.
Mar 30, 2020, 1:04:03 PM
scott - Congrats. Always good to seeing photographer furthering their eduction.
Mar 30, 2020, 1:02:44 PM
jeanine - I know becoming a certified professional photographer is not an easy task. Your completion and beautiful portraits really show you care and go the extra distance for your clients!
Mar 24, 2020, 11:33:28 PM
Wesley Tharp - Thank so much!!
Mar 24, 2020, 2:52:06 PM
Karen Moeller - Congratulations Wes!!