My First PPA Merit

I am so excited! I just found out that I received my first PPA (Professional Photographers of America) merit, which is one of the highest honors you can receive as a professional photographer. I have been a member of the PPA for a little over a year. Once a year, they hold a national photographic contest. Getting a merit was such a pleasant surprise for me since this was the first time I entered their contest. It is a high honor because your work is being judged by the best in the industry and the hardest critics–your fellow photographers.

This type of competition is different from many others. The judging is held to a very high standard: the judges have to attend classes, be tested, and show that they can  produce PPA merit quality work year in and year out. The judges are all master photographers, which is what I am striving to become.

To be a master photographer is an amazing and difficult accomplishment. I want to be a master photographer.

I believe my clients deserve that. They deserve to know that I not only want them to love their images, but I want professionals–who create art year in and year out–to love them as well. My clients deserve someone who is striving to be held to the highest standard in the craft, and who is constantly learning to stay ahead and offer them the best.

I’m thankful, honored, and humbled by the fact that I received a merit from the PPA. However, this exciting sense of accomplishment would not have been possible if not for the fantastic clients that I have had the pleasure of meeting and serving. Thank you!

This is little Bailey, and this was my submission for the PPA. She’s adorable, isn’t she?