ImagingUSA is the annual conference organized by Professional Photographers of America (PPA).  This year’s host was the Nashville Gaylord Opryland.  Even though the Gaylord is a small city with everything you could need for a week; it still felt isolated from the rest of Nashville.  Two significant snowstorms dumped several inches of snow during the week but over 6000 photographers, vendors and guests attended.  Despite the winter weather and the distance from downtown made Gaylord my home for the week.

WHY DID I GO?

I joined PPA this year to expand my network and explore one of the professional associations for photographers.  I went to this conference because 1) it was free with membership in PPA and 2) to start the process for getting certified. Becoming a certified professional photographer sets me apart within a growing industry challenged by growing amateur photogs armed with better and better cell phone cameras.  Certification helps to show potential clients the value in hiring a true professional. Consumers might not know much professional photography, but they understand that certification means professional-quality goods and services. Anyone can buy a camera and take some pictures, but a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation shows clients that I am a true professional in this field. I am an artist, I am a professional, my work stands apart.

WAS IT WORTH IT?

This week after retuning from ImagingUSA I anxiously awaited my Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Exam scores. They said it would take them until the end of the week to send out scores but to everyone’s surprise on Monday afternoon PPA sent the results. Almost immediately, people in the class started posting their scores and talking about their anxiety about passing the exam.  I suggested a few areas for improvement of the study class and the exam. My email arrived at 3:05pm EST, January 22, 2018

I PASSED!  Now, I proceed on to step two. Step two is the image submission portion of the process. Once my images are reviewed and accepted I’ll be able to add the CPP credentials after my name. Future clients will be able to expect a certain level of distinction, professionalism and artistry when hiring me. #deeksterphotography #rderrickthomasphotos #unstoppable2018