What does "Board Certified Photographer" really mean?
This is a letter from the Professional Photographers of America.....
Dear Steve,
Only 3% of all photographers are board certified....like a law or doctors degree!
Many members worked hard to earn their certification, but don’t highlight it in their marketing. Once you’ve taken the time and made the effort to get certified you should take advantage of the opportunities that certification can provide in your marketing. Studies show that Certification is the most widely recognized consumer credential. People are familiar with certification and understand that it places you in an elite position in your profession. To be honest not everyone is familiar with certification. There are plenty of folks out there, who you will have to explain certification to, but certification programs exist in hundreds of professions and professionals know what it means. Everyone, from doctors and financial planners, to heating/cooling repairmen, works in industries where certification is critical to your professional standing. So while not everyone knows about certification, professionals like accountants; doctors, and financial planners, the people with disposable income that you want as clients are intimately familiar with certification.
Most professionals either work in an industry that has a certification program or hire other professionals that have certification programs.
Explaining to your clients that the credential means you passed a rigorous examination and portfolio review helps to set you apart from your competition. You are one of less than 3% of professional photographers who have attained certification. I know you’re proud of your accomplishment I just hope that you are telling your prospective customers about it. They might be more impressed than you would guess.
Best regards,
David Mithofer
Manager, Member Services
Professional Photographers of America
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