I recently completed the final step in an 18-month process, earning the Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation from Professional Photographers of America (PPA). I can now sign my name C Todd Fuqua, CPP! Woot woot!

The intensive CPP program is designed to measure artistic and technical competence. Professional Photographers of America currently recognizes fewer than 2,500 CPPs – or about 3% of photographers in the US.

I started this journey for a number of reasons – the most important was to equip myself with additional education on the technical fundamentals of photography. I’m an engineer by training, and I want to UNDERSTAND and EXPERIENCE my craft. CPP alone doesn’t make a great photographer – but it’s a strong foundation upon which I’ll continue to grow.

Click here to learn why you should consider hiring a professional photographer!