I am a San Antonio certified photographer! After enrolling in a certification course from the New York Institute of Photography over a year ago, I finally received the good news today that I passed! I can now add the letters “WPPI-C” after my name! 😉

Photography certification has been around since 1977 and started with the PPA (Professional Photographers of America) as a way to identify professional photographers who could demonstrate technical competence through a written exam and image submission (CPP). The National Institute of Excellence sets the guidelines and oversees this certification process. In 2015, WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Professionals International) began their own certification process and the New York Institute of Photography regulates this certification (WPPI-C) for them.

I am a San Antonio Certified Photographer

The WPPI-C distinction differs from the CPP certification in that a WPPI-C certification is uniquely targeted to wedding and portrait photographers instead of just testing a generalized knowledge of photography. The program is extensive and covers topics beyond camera and art. This certification verifies and validates a candidate’s proficiencies in the art and business of wedding and portrait photography. Submission of a portfolio of your recent work, business practices, and marketing materials is all part of the certification process. However, I will add that a photographer with either certification is clearly interested in making a difference in their work and their clients’ experiences. These artists care enough to do the work necessary to have a positive impact on the photography industry as a whole.

What does this mean to me?

• I think enough of my profession to pursue excellence.
• Demonstrates my dedication to learning and expanding my craft.
• Proves that I expect a high standard of myself and of my work.
• I want to instill trust, confidence and value of my work in my clients.
• I want to set myself apart from other photographers who do not have this level of commitment.

What should it mean to clients?

• Be assured that a photographer has a unique and refined skillset to record priceless, once-in-a-lifetime events.
• Makes it easier to spot photographers who are serious professionals.
• Lessens the chance of being emotionally disappointed in your final images.
• Helps diminish the chance of having to retake images or recreate something therefore saving you time AND money.

This certification won’t be my last investment in photography education. This is but one small step toward an ongoing, lifetime pursuit of photography perfection. I will continually empower myself and my craft and seek out mentors and workshops that can help me achieve superior imagery. Though I will probably never be the best photographer in the world (I’ve accepted this long ago), I will continually advance my skill, knowledge, and competency each and every day until I put down my camera for the very last time. (<–That image just made me cry.) However, I am super proud of the fact that I am now a certified San Antonio photographer.

---

---

Let’s “hangout!” I wanna hear about your love story!

Schedule a virtual or in-person discovery meetup!
For more options, visit my “Let’s Connect” page.

---

I am absolutely in love with capturing the kinds of weddings where there are more hugs than handshakes, the dance floor rumbles all night long, and chairs are pretty much rendered useless after dinner. Whiskey bottles are passed around, most of the wedding party has been best-best friends since kindergarten, Grams is likely to lose her shoes and your partner is much more emotional than you are. These kinds of weddings are my jam!

You can always call or text, but if you really want to get to know me, schedule a meetup!

I started Ata-Girl Photography Co., LLC in 2010. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. I enjoy documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I love being a part of people’s journeys and consider myself privileged to document their legacies.

If you enjoyed this blog post and would like to get your hands on 20 FREE interactive wedding planning tools that every couple needs, please take a moment to access them here.

I am a published author (purchase my book here), a podcast host (listen here) (watch here) and a WPPI-C certified professional, full-time wedding photographer. I specialize in a 10-day image delivery, same-day prints, same-day slideshows, Italian handcrafted wedding albums and I have a mobile meeting space.

When I’m not behind my camera, you can find me hiking, cycling, backpacking, camping, enjoying water sports, listening to music (Elvis and Prince), hunting for arrowheads, reading audiobooks, occasionally eating a few glazed donuts (my only weakness to sweets) and then re-starting my keto diet about every 10 days. The most important things in life are for me to see my two daughters happy and to create a family history my grandparents and grandson would be proud of.