rpavich Loc: West Virginia

Now don't go breaking the rules of the 'hog by knowing what you are talking about before you comment!!!

:)

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

I know what it is. A friend of mine is a member. I could have her contact you if you send me a private message with your actual email.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Your definition of Pro photographer, if far to broad. To be a professional photographer, one MUST make a living as a photographer, or a substantial, more than 1/2 of it. Anything less makes one a semi-pro- which is a nebulous term. I have sold a few photos and have been published, but I am nowhere near a pro photographer. Even the title semi-pro would be to generous

leftj Loc: Texas

Hmmm - I like the wild west carnival side show that goes on in this forum. It's real, not some stuffy forum where if someone questions or disagrees with another's opinion they are deemed to be discourteous and kicked off.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

MCHUGH Loc: Jacksonville, Texas

When I was in business making my living with my camera I was a member of PPA. I learned many photographic skills and many ways on how to improve the skills I had by going to the various programs and seminars they had that were taught by successful professional photographers. I would recommend membership to anyone that that doesn't feel like they already know everything about photography whether it is creating an image or operating a successful photography business. Seemed to me like the best photographers were the ones that never stopped learning.

BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

The short answer is here:
http://www.ppa.com/cpp/content.cfm?ItemNumber=4160

I'll take the middle of the road, compared to what some others are saying here, and suggest that having this certification won't hurt you...but your best certification is one that YOU earn and produce by gaining your knowledge and credentials through good, hard-working, experience. You will become your best pupil AND your best teacher, and the work you produce will imply your certification. And if somehow this answer seems too simple or not intelligent enough, then listen to the words of Joel Sartore, arguably in the upper echelon of photographers at National Geographic. I understand that NG is not your goal but the route that the photographers who turn in assignments for publication take hardly ever mention having a "certification" to fall back on or prove their skill:

"Here are the steps I took (to become a National Geographic photographer): I got into photography late in high school after borrowing an old Olympus camera from a friend’s father. I attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and — after changing majors a couple of times and taking classes in everything from astronomy to beekeeping — majored in photojournalism. I worked at the campus paper and took pictures constantly. My first photo job was for a newspaper in Wichita, Kansas for six years, first as a photographer, then as their director of photography. About halfway through that time, I met James Stanfield, one of the legends of photography at National Geographic. He graciously looked at my work and gave me a recommendation to send my portfolio to the Society’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. For the next two years, I sent in clips of my best work from the newspaper, usually in three-month intervals. That eventually led to a one-day assignment, followed a few months later by a nine-day assignment, and so on. I worked like crazy on those assignments – and each one since – and did everything I could do make sure the photos were stellar. Being very “Type A” and borderline obsessive helped me a great deal in getting the Geographic to notice me. It’s almost a requirement if you want to shoot for them. As important as dogged persistence is, you have to learn to rein it in when appropriate. There’s a fine line between being persistent and being a pain. If you come across as the latter, you’ll annoy those whose attention you seek, and your chances of getting anywhere in life are diminished. I have to work to calm myself down after I get back from an assignment, or I would drive my family crazy. Regarding education: many of the photographers at National Geographic learned photography on their own, and come from backgrounds far-removed from journalism. People like Tim Laman, Mark Moffett, and Christian Ziegler have strong backgrounds in science, which makes them excellent natural history shooters. Others bring special skills to the table in addition to photography, like Stephen Alvarez’s expertise on caves, or Paul Nicklen’s skills as a diver. (hint, hint! pay attention to what follows)To get into National Geographic (or as I would argue on demonstrating your own certification), you have to offer them something they don’t already have access to – which is a tall order. It’s not enough just to be a great photographer. You have to be a great photographer and be able to dive under sea ice, spend days in tree stands in the tropics, speak fluent Russian and know Moscow like the back of your hand, or be an absolute genius at lighting impossible situations."

So, Joel's advice to photographers, whether you want to work for NG or earn your own certification? "Work hard...take lots of pictures in a variety of different situations. Get out of your comfort zone. Every new situation you shoot (which is the route you take for becoming certified) has the potential to make you better. Listen to (others) and respect his or her ideas about how you can improve your work. Learn to accept criticism and use it to better your work. Photography is a tough business, and editors don’t always have time to handle photographers with kid gloves when giving suggestions. Be curious about life. There’s something worth photographing just about everywhere you go – you just have to look for it. Be pleasant, polite and professional. We all have bad days – it’s not a license to be a jerk. One ill-mannered photographer tarnishes the entire profession, and can ruin opportunities for others later on. Do it for the right reasons. If you’re in photography for money and recognition, you’re going to be sorely disappointed, especially when starting out. Some people shoot great pictures for years and are only “discovered” after they die. If you’re in it to make the world a better place by photographing and documenting important subjects, making people happy with your images, and making others see the world in a different way, chances are you’ll enjoy yourself a lot more along the way. Persistence is key. Many of the best shots come at the end of the day when you’re worn out and ready to pack it in. If you leave early, you’ll miss out on some of the best opportunities. If you really want to do well in photography, you have to go after it with all you’ve got. No matter what college you attend or what you major in (or what certification on paper you have), the degree ( or certification) doesn’t matter as much as the person receiving it. I still believe that those few who are truly passionate will find a way to make a living doing what they love. And to be sure the world needs great storytellers, now more than ever."

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

I generally try to use 96 white. I have the choice of 24 lb (my standard paper) or 67 lb (cover stock). The cover stock is more durable and the back side of it can be used for a flash diffuser.

Floyd2 Loc: Littletown WI

Great comment, just great

drklrd Loc: Cincinnati Ohio

Every one today thinks they are a professional photographer it seems. The PP of A is just trying to help those that are by giving them a title behind their name. Many years ago I belonged because of the wedding photo assurance I had available to me by joining. These days a title alone don't get a new pro very far. The new pro also needs a college degree according to all of the colleges no matter what the field. Considering the effort that needs to be put forth to get the certification, many professions these days needs certification especially computer work, I am a bit glad to see the PP of A continuing to keep the profession to the real pros. No I am not certified at this time but at this time I am a retired photographer who stills works part time at his trade. I have years of college and work behind me and numerous studios I can talk to and they listen even after 20 years of shooting for their competition. I have spoken with David Ziser and with Monte Zucker many times after the seminars. It seems in Cincinnati that everyone who owns a camera and does mediocre work calls themselves a pro. Sorry I do not agree, especially when I can find faults in their studio shots that hang in their windows.
I am glad to see then that certification is needed these days though not all studios care about it.

cony25

Carnival???



Lol,,, you've got that right....rude members need to be called on..and condescending too... it does not matter have much experience you have you can always learn something now..

However, I must confess that there are exactly the opposite of rude members here,, willing to help you in any matter.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Sign up and spend money. Then watch the money come rolling in from your clients.
http://www.ppa.com/cpp/content.cfm?ItemNumber=4168#certprocess

Bob Werre

[quote=Gene51]I am a member of that organization. They have very aggressive marketing, professional development and educational programs and resources. They have certification programs and degree programs that many members avail themselves of. They also have very active forums, with participants ranging from complete newbies to real working or retired professionals, all of whom are willing to share their experience and knowledge.

I used to be a member of the PPA and it's a very worthwhile organization. Nobody has mentioned that there are state/regional meets that allow you to learn and work with the guys in your area.

Besides the PPA there is the APA and ASMP that deal more with advertising, corporate and publication photography. I'm a member of the later and life member now. These are the guys who started right after WWII as a bunch of NY magazine photographers and obtained Guild Status. These are generally considered the greats in our world. They established fair rates and usage rules that still apply. To become a ASMP member you have to submit a portfolio of published work and recommendations from fellow photography members. In the last few years they have loosened the requirements to embrace new areas but the basis it still to achieve a level of professionalism above the norm. Most major cities have a chapter.

doreens61

I believe but could be wrong you get your certification from New York Institute of Photography. It's their certification program. Good Luck. I want mine also but haven't been shooting long enough.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Joel Sartore has three videos done through The Great Courses, and they are probably available through your library. He has two on photography itself and one on travel photography. I bought the first two before I knew the library had so many.

Whoops! I guess he has a lot more than three.
http://www.thegreatcourses.com/search/result/?q=sartore