It had taken many years to even reach the point where I considered this, and I had learned some sobering truths about photography: Anyone can own a camera, but not just anyone with a camera can make consistently stunning images; few can deliver on the implicit promise to a portrait client to make him or her look her best. ... I had a lot to learn, and unless I challenged myself by committing to the lofty goal of earning certification, I might not have the willpower and stamina needed to progress to a level of pro-quality work.
...A second reason I’m seeking certification is that this will tell potential clients significant things about my work; they will know that they can trust that I’m not just another guy who bought an expensive camera and declared himself a professional -- an all-too-common phenomenon in this digital age!
...I have taken courses at the Professional Photographers of America convention; studied and taken careful notes from a college photography text; passed a comprehensive certification examination; engaged in studio photography mentoring with an acknowledged expert via Skype; completed courses on contemporary lighting and posing at the Kansas Professional Photographers’ School; participated for several months in online image critiques by photographers who have their CPP; had my images critiqued by several 40-year experts; and studied at least 8 books on composition, lighting, posing, and image editing.
...So, when I do earn my CPP, I will be able to say with confidence to potential clients that I know what I’m doing, and their investment in hiring me will be money well spent!
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