About a month ago, I officially declared my candidacy to become a Certified Professional Photographer through the Professional Photographers of America.
As a photographer and an artist, I have a strong desire to create the best possible images for myself and my clients. I have been a member of the Professional Photographers of America for several years. I have also a member of the Professional Photographers Society of New York State for the past year. My involvement in these professional organizations has helped to improve my craft and artistry.
In particular, my involvement with the Capital Champlain Section of the Professional Photographers Society of New York State has been incredibly enlightening. Over the past year, I have had to the opportunity to interface directly with other photographers, including local master photographers. The advice and feedback I have received from these colleagues has been invaluable in helping me improve the quality of my photographic output.
Some of the most valuable activities I have found are the image reviews and competitions. Every month, the Capital Champlain Section of the Professional Photographers Society of New York State hosts an image review for its members. Each month there is an image theme, and members submit photographic images related to that theme. At the monthly meeting, the submitted images are reviewed by our local master photographers. The feedback is frank and honest. Sometimes the feedback is flattering and sometimes it is not. The feedback I have received has helped me to better my craft and artistry.
The feedback I received from the image competition I recently participated in has been equally valuable. This past March, I entered four images in the Professional Photographers Society of New York State Image Competition. The four images I entered were each judged worthy to receive a red ribbon. I will confess that the competition was a little nerve-racking but I learned so much from the judges’ feedback. Participating in this competition inspired me to enter four images in the Professional Photographers of America, International Photographic Competition that will be judged in August. I can’t wait to see the results.
Becoming a Certified Professional Photographer is another way for me to improve my craft and artistry. Becoming a Certified Professional Photographer is not easy, you must demonstrate a combination of photographic knowledge, as well as, demonstrate your artistic ability to create images which are judged worthy and appropriate. The process of becoming a Certified Professional Photographer is three-fold. First, you must declare your candidacy. Second, you must pass the Certified Professional Photographer written examination. Third, you need to submit a portfolio of fifteen images or review. A candidate has up to two years to complete their candidacy. Right now I am studying for my CPP exam.
At the conclusion of each post, I include my mission statement. You can read it below. Part of my mission is that “I have a genuine, detailed, and artistic approach to photography.” My membership and participation in the Professional Photographers of America and Professional Photographers Society of New York State, along with my participation in image reviews and competitions, as well as, declaring my candidacy to become a Certified Professional Photographer all help to fulfill my mission and create the best possible images for myself and my clients.
About Ken’s Portrait Photography
The aim of Ken’s Portrait Photography is to capture the artistic imagery of the authentic you. I want to create an image of you that is a warm, expressive, genuine, natural and artistic expression of who you really are. I have a genuine, detailed, and artistic approach to photography. I would be grateful to have a conversation about your photography needs.
Contact me at ken@kensportraits.com or at (518) 618-2064 so we can capture some of your moments and memories for sharing.
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