Certified Professional Photographer 

CRASH COURSE

*Testing will be available on-site immediately following the class*

Mark your Calendar for this Special Event to be held immediately following our Fall Convention!

Date: Monday, October 19, 2020, 8:00am to 5:00pm

Location: Henry Horton State Park, Chapel Hill, TN

Class Registration is -- NOW OPEN --

MEMBERS: Click here     GUESTS: Click here

If you have considered earning your CPP designation there is no better time! You can't lose when you invest in yourself. How will you set yourself apart as a professional who can get the job done? What will give you more credibility with your clients and boost your confidence as a professional photographer?

KNOWLEDGE and KNOW-HOW.

This class is not for the faint of heart. We are going to bend your brain and blow your mind. We are going to fast track tons of information in a relatively short amount of time but when you leave at the end of the day we guarantee you WILL be a more competent photographer whether you choose to pursue a CPP designation or are just interested in improving the level of your photographic skill.

We will be digging deep into all phases of photography from the inner workings of your camera to the finer points of post-processing.

I'm new here, what is CPP and why is it important?

The Certified Professional Photographer designation (CPP) is offered through the Professional Photographers of America. Earning this certification demonstrates that a photographer has gone beyond basic techniques and concepts and is on the path to becoming an industry leader and a problem-solver. This all-day crash course will prepare you for the written test which is the first step toward CPP certification. 

Colby McLemore, your instructor, has recently passed the written portion of the exam and is moving on to image submission. He has designed this course based on what he wished he had known before taking the test. Even better, you will be given an action plan for leveraging the process of earning your CPP from a marketing standpoint that will help translate it into dollars for your business. 

Would you like to learn more about CPP certification? Visit the PPA CPP FAQ by clicking here. (Note: Recently, $30 vouchers were issued to current PPA members and these may be applied toward the cost of CPP registration but you must contact PPA directly either via phone or email in order to have the voucher applied).

Not ready to certify yet? Consider auditing the class for personal development. It is an outstanding resource for anyone committed to excellence in photographic skills. 

Not sure what certification is but consider yourself a lifelong learner? Join us for a full day of training, camaraderie, and the opportunity to get to know some pretty amazing industry people.

 

 

 

Sounds great, how much is all this going to cost?

Your TNPPA board is thrilled to offer this program to current members at NO COST!

This prep class is being provided as an added benefit to current TNPPA members in good standing. The Day Rate for non-members is $79.00. 

What else do I need to know?

If you have already declared candidacy for CPP, you will have the opportunity to test immediately following the class, also at no additional cost. Note: You must be registered through PPA to be eligible to take the test.

TNPPA strives to provide quality education to our members. This class cannot guarantee you will pass the written exam but is being offered as a learning resource that will equip you with the tools, strategies, and information necessary to succeed.  

Can I just show up for class and expect to pass the test?

The CPP program was created to recognize photographers who have gone beyond the basics and are proven and skilled professionals. It is not designed to be a one-day program. We strongly recommend you review the suggested reading materials listed on PPA's website prior to attending class. Many advanced technical topics will be covered quickly and a base knowledge before attending the class will help us to keep things moving. You may view the recommended reading list on the registration page by visiting this link: CPP Registration Information.  

All Attendees: You must register to attend the class. No cost to current TNPPA members, $79 for non-members. A registration form will be posted prior to the event.

If you would like to be added to our mailing list to receive class updates and study information, please sign up using this link

  

 

Colby McLemore is a Master, Craftsman, and Certified Professional Photographer who has taught photography classes, presentations, and workshops at the University of Tennessee, out of his studio, at enthusiast clubs throughout the state, as well as for every local affiliate throughout the state—even those that closed (and no it wasn’t his fault!) He is in the final stages of earning his CPP and is hyper-aware of what it takes to get it and wants to help YOU succeed.


Colby is the owner of and visual storyteller at Colby’s Photography. He is a full-time professional whose work centers on advertising photography as well as portrait photography. He is known for his caring, fun, and easy-going demeanor, as well as for being professional and both customer- and detailed-oriented. Others often describe his work as creative, clean, and fresh. Colby considers his role as an industry leader a great honor and responsibility. He has recently visited the State Capitol to advocate for the rights of creative professionals with state representatives.


Colby has received many accolades by his community, including the Knoxville News Sentinel’s Readers Choice award as Best Photographer, as well as Cityview’s Best of the Best photographer four years in a row. He is most proud of the awards earned among his professional peers, including Tennessee’s Photographer of the Year, East Tennessee Photographer of the Year, as well as numerous Tennessee’s Top Ten Professional Photographers. He has also earned Kodak Gallery Award and Fuji’s Excellence Award, as well as many others. 


To learn more about Colby and to see examples of his work, visit his website at www.colbysphotography.com.

What recent students are saying:

Colby has a great sense of humor. He is very animated and kept things exciting at all times.” — Whitney D.


Great enthusiasm plus in-depth knowledge plus great teaching skills equals a very useful experience.” — Ray H.


Colby’s enthusiasm for photography certainly infects everything he teaches. Participants are treated as equals, their vision and abilities respected. Positive reinforcement is Colby’s specialty.” — Mike C.