What is an Accredited Photographer, and Why Should You Care?

I am proud to be an Accredited Photographer and member of Professional Photographers of Alberta. You’re probably asking yourself right now what that is and why that matters.

The Professional Photographers of Canada is a national group of creative artists dedicated to the highest standards in professional imaging. PPOC provides photographers across the country with the opportunity to grow their skills, techniques and confidence to achieve professional photographer status. Through education opportunities, networking, yearly regional and national conferences, and of course competitions, members earn designations, receive awards and of course, grow their abilities.

PPOC’s accreditation process recognizes photographers who have reached a nationally accepted standard of proficiency and knowledge in photographic arts.

What Hiring an Accredited Photographer means for you:

Selecting a photographer who has gone through an accreditation process gives you confidence that the person you are trusting to tell their story is competent, proven and technically capable. They also adhere to a code of conduct that holds them to a standard of excellence, both in their craft, and in their ability to serve a client professionally.

Being designated as an Accredited Photographer signifies that photographer is committed to a high level of professionalism and ethical practices.

Recently, there was a news article about a photographer who had been fined $30,000, basically for breach of trust. One incident that stood out in this case was of a very unlucky wedding couple who received a phone call the morning of their wedding. The photographer was distraught, her daughter had been in a car accident and she was in the hospital. This poor couple didn’t have photographer for their wedding as the photog didn’t have a second shooter or a backup. Later, it turns out, she posted photos of herself at her daughter’s play. No accident. Just a no show.

Yes, these things really do happen. This is why it’s so important to do your homework and ensure that the photographer you hire will serve you with quality imagery and a high level of morality.

Becoming an Accredited Photographer

The PPOC Accreditation Process is achieved by submitting 10 images in a chosen class to a Review Board. This process challenges applicants to demonstrate their capability of delivering exceptional quality photography in a chosen class.

The submission is judged based on Vision, Impact, Creativity, Style, Composition, Presentation, Colour Balance, Centre of Interest, Lighting, Subject Matter, Quality, Technique and Story Telling.

There are over 80 classes that can earn accreditation.

I am a multi-genre photographer, serving clients in the following niches:

• 🎓 Graduation Photography
• 👩‍💼 Personal Branding Photography
• 📷 Portrait Photography
• 🐴 Horse/Equine Photography
• 🐶 Pet Photography
• 🏅 Sports Photography
• 💍 Wedding Photography

As part of the process to become an Accredited Photographer, I have Accreditation in Animal Portrait and Wedding Story.

Animal Portrait – Some of my Favourites

Wedding Story – Some of my Favourites

I’m currently working on Accreditations in Graduation, Equine, Animal Sporting Event, Animal Study, Sports Portrait, Portraiture and Pictorial Scenic.

As you can imagine, this is a very big undertaking that will take me some time to ensure that I’m creating the quality necessary not only to receive the accreditation, but to ensure that I’m creating artwork worthy of my clients.

Going through the Accreditation Process is not easy. In fact, what it does is forces the photographer to let go of their emotional feelings toward what they create, and review it with cold eyes. This will allow you to take your image from acceptable to magnificent.

Accreditation and the competition process teaches you to attention to elements such as highlights and shadows, leading lines, distracting elements, crooked skylines and so much more, both in the image creation and the editing process.

Pushing The Boundaries Further

After becoming an Accredited Photographer, next steps are to enter Regional and National Salon Competitions.

I recently received my National Salon results, four out of four submitted images qualified, with one image scoring a better than average score of Merit! As you can see, each image is a different genre with different lighting, composition and editing techniques; however, they all still match my true to life colourful style.

Why Choose an Accredited and National Salon Winning Photographer

A STAMP OF APPROVAL:

By choosing a nationally accredited photographer you’re selecting someone who has been recognized and certified by a reputable professional organization. It’s like having a guarantee that they meet certain standards of excellence and professionalism.

EXPERTISE AND SKILL:

Accredited photographers have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in the field. They have undergone rigorous training and assessments, ensuring they possess the technical skills needed to capture beautiful and high-quality images.

TRUST AND RELIABILITY:

When you choose a nationally accredited photographer, you can trust that they will deliver on their promises. They have a track record of satisfied clients and adhere to a strict code of ethics, putting your needs first.

ONGOING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

Accredited photographers commit to continually improving their skills and staying updated with the latest trends and techniques. They invest in their craft, attending workshops, conferences, and staying connected with a community of fellow professionals. By submitting images to competition such as National Salon, they are dedicated to ongoing improvement, learning and technique.

PEACE OF MIND:

Your memories are priceless, and entrusting them to a nationally accredited photographer provides peace of mind. You can relax and enjoy the moment, knowing that your photographer is experienced, reputable, and dedicated to capturing every precious detail.

Look for the Logo

An easy way to know immediately if someone is an Accredited Photographer is by the logo, displayed on their website and business cards.

Looking for an Accredited Photographer Near Edmonton Alberta?

Looking for a photographer that will tell your unique story? Hire a skilled Edmonton area photographer that you feel confident will take your moments and make them into precious memories. Leave a comment below and let me know what service you’re looking for!