PA's Student Photographic Society (SPS) for Students andEducators
For only $29, you gain access to information and resources that can help you on the road to becoming a professional photographer. See http://www.studentphoto.com
Benefits for Students
Equipment Insurance— Every student member receives $500 in free equipment insurance (with a $100 deductible). The insurance is automatic, so there is no paperwork to file. If you have an incident just give us a call and we’ll help process your claim.
Professional Photographer Magazine—A free digital subscription (a $19.95 value) to the award winning Professional Photographer magazine provides you with information about photographic techniques, the latest technology and articles for successful professional photographers. And better yet, the digital edition can be accessed from any computer…or even your iPhone!
Online Resources—Gain access to a variety of great articles geared towards helping you succeed as a photographer. Interested in how to start a business? Want to learn about your favorite photographer? Curious if you need a model release? Look no further than these online resources.
Student Volunteer Program at Imaging USA—Want to have fun and network with thousands of professional photographers? SPS members have the opportunity to be a Student Volunteer at Imaging USA, the top conference and trade show for professional photographers in the United States. Student Volunteers get free access to all programs and parties, a hands-on portfolio review by some of the best pros in the business, and free lodging at one of the host hotels. (A $500 value.)
Discounts—It’s the little things that add up. Get discounts on the items you need (both as a student and photographer). SPS members also gain access to the SPS Coupon Book that provides $2,000 in discounts with leading business in the photography industry.
Sample Forms—As a photographer, there are certain legal forms you need access to. As a SPS member, we provide you with sample contracts, model releases and copyright registration forms—all for free!
Copyright Assistance—Our Copyright & Government Affairs department can assist you in preventing theft of your work or help you recover compensation if your work is stolen.
Career Assistance—The assistant search engine allows members to post a resume and up to six images. It’s a great way to get your portfolio out in front of industry people in an effective and inexpensive way.
Plus, the classified ads at www.StudentPhoto.com are great resource for students looking for an internship, part-time work, or even a job!
PPA Membership Discount—As a SPS member, you receive a discount when you join PPA as an Aspiring Member when you graduate. Call 800-786-6277 to become a member of the world’s largest nonprofit association for professional photographers. With 24,000 members worldwide, PPA provides you with support, resources and opportunities to become a successful professional photographer.
Benefits for Educators
Professional Photographer Magazine—A free digital subscription (a $19.95 value) to the award winning Professional Photographer magazine provides you with information about photographic techniques, the latest technology and articles for successful professional photographers. And better yet, the digital edition can be accessed from any computer…or even your iPhone!
Online Resources—Gain access to all of the online resources available to SPS members (including sample forms, articles and forums). Whether you are looking for educational articles or real-life examples of successful photographers, www.StudentPhoto.com is your one-stop shop.
Discounts—It’s the little things that add up. Get discounts on the items you need (both as a student and photographer). You also gain access to the SPS Coupon Book that provides $2,000 in discounts with leading business in the photography industry.
Copyright Assistance—Have a copyright question? Our Copyright & Government Affairs department can provide you with up-to-date information and even assist you in preventing theft of your work (or your students).
Equipment Insurance—Every Instructor member receives$500 in free equipment insurance (with a $100 deductible). The insurance is automatic, so there is no paperwork to file. If you have an incident just give us a call and process a claim.
CPP Certified Professional Photographer
What is Certification?
The certification of specialized skill-sets affirms a knowledge and experience base for practitioners in a particular field, their employers, and the public at large. Certification represents a declaration of a particular individual’s professional competence. In some professions certification is a requirement for employment or practice. Doctors, mechanics, accountants, professional secretaries, surveyors and many others are all required to go through a certification process of some kind.
For more information on certification, please visit The Institute for Credentialing Excellence.
Why Be A Certified Photographer?
Studies show that certification is the most widely recognized consumer credential. Consumers may not know a lot about professional photography, but they know that certification should ensure professional-quality goods and services. Clients in every industry seek out credentialed professionals, as the public recognizes certification as a sign that one is an authority in the field. A Certified Photographer designation offers potential clients an assurance, not just of quality, but of technical skill and artistic expertise.
As the leading certifying agency for imaging professionals, the Professional Photographic Certification program is recognized throughout the industry.Those who have earned the Professional Photographic Certification have passed a comprehensive written exam measuring their technical expertise, and have successfully submitted their work to a panel of judges for review and approval.
Cost/Fees
How much does it cost (What are the fees) to become a Certified Professional Photographer?
There is a $200 fee to declare your CPP candidacy. This fee is valid for two years, and covers the cost for your exam and your image submission review. Once you pass both requirements (exam and image submission), there are additional fees to use the CPP designation:
Steps to becoming a CPP
STEP 1 You must be a PPA MemberSTEP 2 Declare your candidacy and pay the $100 fee.
STEP 3 Pass the CPP Certification Exam
STEP 4 Submit and pass the image submission review. You may complete these two steps in either order.
Resources/Books
What version of the Photography by London and Upton book should I purchase?
If you wish to purchase this resource, either the 9th or 10th editions are valid.
9th Edition Photography by London in Amazon
10th edition Photography by London on Amazon
Please be aware that you do not need to purchase this resource to take this exam, and that the exam questions are not taken from the book. This resource is a general study guide for the fundamentals of today's imaging industry.
Used copies are available online
How often do I need to re-certify?
Once you've achieved the CPP designation, you will need to re-certify every three years. For more information about re-certification, visit the Get Re-Certified section of this website.
Are there any webinars or resources to help me?
Absolutely! Visit the CPP Resources section of this website to view webinars and get contact information for a Certification Liaison in your area. (Certification Liaisons are CPPs who offer to assist CPP and CPP candidates.)
Our PPA Certified Professional Photographer forum thread is a resource for CPP candidates, including the Anonymous Image Submission resource. (This is a great help for the image submission review process!)
Certify with Sandy is another great resource, offering a forum and educational resources for CPP candidates.
CPP Image Submission Dates
The Professional Photographic Certification Commission is pleased to announce the Image Submission Judging Dates for 2016-17. The following are deadlines for uploading images for the judging period:
CPP Liaisons South Florida
Ed Robinson
1070 NW 106th St
Miami, FL 33150
(305)836-6797
edrcpp@bellsouth.net
Joseph Gallagher
6756 Stirling Rd
Hollywood FL, 33024
(954)961-4450
joe@gerlinde.com
For more information see: