PPA Certified Professional Photographer - Shreveport/Bossier

This month I have started the process to become a Professional Photographers of America (PPA) Certified Professional Photographer (CPP).  This is a tough and time consuming process.  It starts with a very thorough exam that will cover everything from Photoshop, lighting, posing, color theory, and much much more.  To pass the written exam you must get at least a 70.  This certification means a lot to me as currently there are only two other certified photographers in the Shreveport/Bossier area.  This is a way to show to myself that I have truly mastered my craft.

Once the written exam is passed then comes the really challenging portion, the portfolio review.  This is comprised of 15 images that meet very specific technique requirements to make sure you know how to put to use all of the written knowledge.  It has made me realize I need to do much more calculated lighting set ups. 

 I thought I would spend some time practicing and attempted to use myself as the model.  After realizing this wasn't going to go too well I decided to get a stand in.  I know for more practice I will have to get some models willing to play into the studio.

Notice I am barely in the frame, I really need to work on being faster than the timer. LOL  On the upside my styrofoam/wooden model is on point.