I'm a Certified Professional Photographer!

Yesterday, I received a letter from the Professional Photographic Certification Commission. It's official!! I'm a Certified Professional Photographer!

MY FIRST CAREER
When I was a teacher, I truly believed that it was a necessity to stay abreast of the latest research and techniques in the field of education. My goal was to empower my students in a warm and enriching environment. It's an awesome responsibility knowing that you are touching the lives of children as they enter your classroom. Working towards a Master's Degree in Education was never something I had to question.....its what I did to provide the very best to my students.

MY SECOND CAREER
When I moved into my second career - photographer - those ideas and values never changed. Not only am I touching the lives of children, their parents, grandparents, etc., I'm capturing moments that can never be recreated again. I'm providing my clients with beautiful pieces of artwork that can be shared with future generations! Once again, an awesome responsibility!

Educating myself to provide the very best to my clients is a must. This is the main reason that I set out become a Certified Professional Photographer!

Since March, I've been studying to take a comprehensive exam that tests my technical and compositional expertise.

I've also compiled a portfolio of 20 images that were submitted for review in August. Thanks to Master Photographer Rick for your critiques during this process.

It's been an incredible journey......but I'm not stopping here! New goals are already in place!!

THANK YOU!
Thanks to my clients who have provided continuous support these last few months! You are an amazing group of people and I'm honored that you have chosen me to capture those special moments in your lives.

Thanks to my science teacher husband.....who made the Circles of Confusion....less confusing. He also assisted me with the Inverse Square Law and Color Theory! Dan rocks!

Thanks to John Metcalfe who drove four hours to administer the CPP exam. And then immediately drove 4 hours home!

Thanks to Roxanne who held my hand for four weeks while I waited for the results of my image submission.

Thanks to Sandy Puc and her goal of certifying 1000 photographers through the Certify With Sandy Program. Although I'd already started the process when the program launched, the webinars and forums provided a wealth of information! Thanks to the photographers who took time out of their busy lives and studios to help their peers.

Finally, thanks to my family, friends, and members of PPANI who have all believed in me!

Blessings to all,

Lisa