BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

I cannot believe that someone read almost two pages of this thread in which every other message confirmed that the certification came through PPA - and then said the certification was believed to come from another organization. Do some of our members read just the first and last messages of a thread before answering.

And, if anyone is wondering why I'm not flaming the members who posted the PPA site after I did, it's simple but subtle. Both of them did enough research to give more complete information than I did. Good for them!!!

Robeng Loc: California

If you're a good pro photographer I think it's better if you belong to Canon Proffesional Service or Nikon Professional Service. They cover your equipment for speedy repair, loan you equivalent for free and invite you to the VIP room at events.

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

*(My opinion here so don't get heartburn!)

The PPA is suffering from the same thing most photographers are and that is "other people" taking photos for free or so they think it is. (Remember that we are in a, "It's good enough" society today.)

It looks like the PPA is trying to get the government on their side and make pro-photographers have a special license. Me personally, don't think it will happen, but they're trying!

If photography had some type of human safety or protection needed, there would be a law real quick, but there doesn't seem to be. It's not like the glass plate days when you had to make you own stuff with nasty chemicals.

Think about Doctors and Lawyers. Simple medical treatments are done by "people" all the time and several radio stations even have speakers that tell you "this" might be a good idea, (Homiopathic (sp???)).

They still don't force people to have a licensed lawyer but most do use one. The outcome could mean jail time or death. What does photography have that needs Government control? Did I say Government control! That's a bad term today and means an uphill battle that I doubt congress wants to take!

So I think if the PPA wants to save themselves, they, (and us), will need to convince the general public that a trained photographer is needed and not something from "Uncle Bob or Aunt Sue".

Jbederka Loc: Valley Cottage, NY

What a great and inspirational effort to help someone strive for what you want in life as well as in photography. Thank you for sharing your experience and humility.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

No, it means you take courses, advance your technical skill in photography.

Since it is pretty clear you haven't been informed as to what exactly is involved, here you go:

http://www.ppa.com/files/pdfs/cpptestspecs0116.pdf

And if you are going to try and make a living doing this, don't you think it makes sense to have mastery over the technical stuff at the very least?

If most of what is in that document seems mysterious to you, enjoy your bliss. . .

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

NPS is only a modest deal. You get a 20% discount on repairs, and a complimentary sensor cleaning if done within warranty, and you get to go to the front of the line. If there is a parts hold, you are going to wait for it, NPS or not. The part of the organization that lets you borrow gear does not talk to the part that fixes it. You are on your own to get your loaners. And the loaners are only good for 2 weeks. You pay shipping to you and back to them.

They do not offer any training, educational materials, or anything else for professional development. Just a few perks if you are already an established working professional with credentials, a tear, sheet, and a bunch of pro gear, along with the sponsorship of a standing NPS member. Not sure why you would try to equivocate NPS with PPA - they are totally different in mission and function.

If you want something that seems similar, then that would be ASMP

http://asmpny.org/ for the NY chapter.

Robeng Loc: California

Gene51,

I'm not sure and you're probably right about the repair group being separate from the loaner group. For my camera repair I sent my camera to southern California and I got my loaner lens from New York.

As for your reply regarding repairs, not all correct. I sent an out of warranty D600 to NPS last year because I was having a shutter problem. Within two days NPS sent me an email confirming they received the camera and they will check it for repairs. Nikon addressed the issue with the shutter, checked for spots on the sensor and cleaned it and sent it back to me in less than 10 tens days for free. Never charged me for the repairs. So your 20% statement is not valid.

Last summer I needed a long range telephoto lens for an otter photoshoot. I called NPS and asked if I could borrow a 600mm lens. After NPS checked my account they sent the lens to me within 4 days, and you're right I was responsible for shipping which you have to establish as an NPS member. But I got to use a 600mm for a week or more for the price of shipping. I think that's a good deal.

Also as an NPS I got to meet the Nikon rep in my area who also lets me borrow equipment he has on hand for free.

As for perks and professional development. Last year when Nikon was at some big photography event in New York City, all NPS members received an email inviting members to the Nikon VIP room for free equipment use and beverage and to meet other pros using Nikon equipment. I would consider this a perk and meeting other professional photographers developing contacts is enhancing your profession.

As far as comparing NPS with PPA, I never compared the two, this is something you suggested I did. I only recommend that quagmire consider joining either groups if he or she is a pro using either brands. Unlike PPA, NPS is FREE and CPS is $120.00 for annual membership. As for training, I don't recall that issued was ever brought up by quagmire. You should read the original post again.

Rob

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I have been a member for 6 yrs, and I use the Melville location for repairs. Their official policy is a 20% - see the attached bill- line item 3 - repair NPS Discount. What they do in each individual instance is another story. I too have gotten some freebies, and in many cases the actual bill has been lower than the original estimate. But let's be clear, the policy in Melville is a 20% NPS discount. I don't have any experience with the SoCal repair facility.

Sorry I misunderstood your intent when you made the suggestion that the OP join a manufacturer sponsored pro services group as an alternate to PPA. You wrote - (If you're a good pro photographer I think it's better if you belong to Canon Proffesional Service or Nikon Professional Service.)

As far as reading the OP, well, when he/she asked about CPP certification, this implies professional development - aka training and testing against professional industry standard criteria - which is what I was responding to. Networking is not professional development. ASMP and PPA are among the more popular professional organizations, NPS and CPS are like a members reward club, not a professional association. And you have to provide the necessary credentials to participate. The funny thing is, that both PPA and ASMP have different levels of membership, from student, to teacher, to working or retired pro, to photo lab or other service provider to the photo industry, etc.

(Download)

Robeng Loc: California

Gene51,

Would you like to see my invoice or would you take my word for it.

Rob

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I believe you. But I wasn't wrong as you stated.

Like I said, I can't speak to your experience with the California facility, and what they ultimately charge is entirely up to their discretion, but the official policy is what I stated, at least in NY, as shown on the bill that I posted. I have lots of other bills that show the same thing. I use them all the time. And as I also said, I too have gotten freebies. You just have to catch them on a good day.

DickC Loc: NE Washington state

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

You evidently have no idea how much work it is to get that CPP certificate.

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

well you pay a fee and of course you have to be tested, and the test may be quite hard depending on your expertise.
Its just as easy to make a certificate and hand it on your wall.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Well...that is true. It is not only a written test, but one must submit 20 images from 20 DIFFERENT paying clients and those images must demonstrate multiple lighting styles, several posing options, and every image has to be close to perfect. So one has to demonstrate both academic knowledge and the ability to actually apply that knowledge.

Bill P

lLet me rephrase my comment. If you are a wedding or portrait photographer, the PPA certificate may be worth the time, money and trouble. Otherwise, it is of little or no use. I don't think there are enough customers that aer aware of this certification, and it just takes up wall space that you could otherwise devote to samples of your work, which speak better to a potential client.