Most professional trades require some sort of certification--but not Photography. For the Photographer who wants the designation, the Professional Photographers of America offers a program to become a "Certified Professional Photographer."

Other than the title, or "bragging rights," or a certificate to hang on the wall . . . does Certification really make an impact on a Photographers career?

In today's conversation, my co-host Cris Duncan and I explore this very question with Julia Boyd, Director of Certification at the PPA. You'll hear us discuss:

• What does it mean to be "Certified Professional Photographer?" Why does it matter?
• "Photography is the subjective use of an objective craft." -Cris Duncan
• What are the steps to become certified?
• What are the objective metrics that distinguish between a certified & non-certified photographer? How is this used in marketing? How will PPA help you leverage this distinction?
• To the Photographer who says, "I don't need certification! I'm doing great work without it." What will you gain through the process?

If you'd like to learn more about the Certification process, CLICK HERE. Or if you have questions directly for Julia, email her at [email protected].

And the books that Julia mentions? Here you go: