Certification, is it worth it?

[00silvergt]

I've been looking around some photographers' websites and found that a few of them are "Certified Professional Photographers". This is sort of silly to me since photography is a trade, not a profession. In any case, I looked up the outfit that certifies these folks and some things look tempting. For as little as $13 a month, it may not be a bad idea. But that's one side of the story. What do you think? Should a start-up photography business even look at this for 1. The exposure 2. a way to validate and instill confidence on a potential client?

I'm leaning towards, no right now, since I am a firm believer that our work should speak for itself, and the portfolio would trump any certification.

To put it in perspective, in my REAL job, in IT, I've worked with the so-called experts with their long list of four letters after their names and usually the ones that has impressed me as knowledgeable and professionals, are usually the ones who have the real experience. But that's IT. What do you think?

[_aravena]

What the heck is a certification for a pro photographer? Unless they have a degree, that's the dumbest thing I've earned. Sounds like a way for someone to make money.

[MJPhotos24]

I believe, and correct me if I'm wrong, you're talking about the associations out there? Like the NPPA, PPA, WPJA, etc. etc. etc. There's plenty of them and they do have there purposes and benefits, each differing. To join one though is solely up to your discretion as the benefits may help you or they may not. I know a few who are members because it gets them listed in high traffic areas, they get insurance deals, heath coverage deals for the full time freelancers, awards and such for press photographers association, and a lot of different ones depending on the association. Also, in many school districts for contracts they check with these places first before hiring someone - i.e. use there search to land a contract.

Last shot - until you actually look into these associations it's kind of unfair to judge them the dumbest thing you've heard (I assume you meant heard?). You don't need to go to college and earn a degree to be a certified plumber, mechanic, hair stylist so don't get why it's dumb for photography. Personally, I've looked into a bunch and none really have too many benefits I need at this time, though a couple do have potential a little down the line.

[Alex_c70]

The most financially successful photographers I know, and greatly admire, have:

1) No certification/degree in photography.
2) Good to very good photography skills.
3) Very good to excellent marketing and general business skills.
4) Very good to excellent communication skills.

I have an MBA from a very good Business School and, while it looks great on a resumé, there are times I think I'd trade it for the experience of some colleagues with no degree.

In the business world, I think degrees and such can make a difference in terms of opening doors to opportunity, but it ultimately comes down to job performance. As photographers, we sell an emotional product and (IMHO) degrees and certifications mean little to clients, but job performance still does.

George

[cory1848]

The most financially successful photographers I know, and greatly admire, have:

1) No certification/degree in photography.
2) Good to very good photography skills.
3) Very good to excellent marketing and general business skills.
4) Very good to excellent communication skills.

I have an MBA from a very good Business School and, while it looks great on a resumé, there are times I think I'd trade it for the experience of some colleagues with no degree.

In the business world, I think degrees and such can make a difference in terms of opening doors to opportunity, but it ultimately comes down to job performance. As photographers, we sell an emotional product and (IMHO) degrees and certifications mean little to clients, but job performance still does.

George

I agree with everything except the part about meaning little to clients. I would think that depends on who your client is. Weddings, doubt they care, Corporate studio work, almost guarantee they care. In my company, you wont make it past HR without some type of degree.

So they can be useful if your not in business for yourself.

[MJPhotos24]

To some clients they will care, but not all or even a majority. None of my current clients in sports care one bit if I'm certified or part of an organization. However, weddings I have heard and seen some photogs use it to there benefit meeting a new client who really wants to know about the photographer. The type of people who look over a portfolio and still ask themselves "OK, he's got 10 good shots but did it take 10,000 images just to get these?" In other words they want to know someone they can trust and being a part of an organization may help that. However, in no way is it needed unless the benefits they offer are helping you. It won't hurt, that's for sure, but it may not be the greatest benefit either.

I know my teaching certification has helped with some gigs because they trust someone that is "kid oriented". Sure it had absolutely ZERO affect on the actual job but it showed, to them, someone to be trusted with the kids since a certified teacher. Least that's what I was told once back in the day.