The success at any level begins with a working knowledge of the fundamentals of photographic principles and a basic understanding of camera menus and exposure controls. This includes the ability to operate one’s camera in Manual Mode or to work in automatic modes with the understanding of how the photographer’s influence over these modes is needed to render proper exposures. Also, an understanding of the benefits of working in RAW verses Jpeg is encouraged. Once this level of skill has been achieved, photographers will then have a better opportunity for success as they pursue other areas of photographic interests.

This level looks at recognizing natural lighting indoors and outdoors and finding the best source of light in these situations. Photographers should have a knowledge basic lighting patterns and of the tools and techniques for controlling natural light. In addition, photographers should be able to recognize situations that require supplemental lighting and a working knowledge of how to use it. Finally, a basic knowledge of studio lighting and basic lighting patterns is recommended.

Since lighting is the basis in which all images are crafted, a study of the science of light and the qualities of light are in order. This includes an understanding some of the basic physics of light and a comprehension of of the various qualities of light (hard light, soft light, direct light, reflected light, etc.). In addition, photographers should gain a working knowledge of the color properties of light with a basic understanding of the Kelvin color temperature scale.

This step includes the visual aspects of image making including lens selections and the composition arts of creating an image with strong visual interests. Compositional elements include the classic concepts of image design including leading lines, repetition, framing and more. Add to this an understanding of how lens selection plays a role in depth of field, angle of view, compression and distortion as well as other important aspects of lens choice.

This step includes the visual aspects of image making including lens selections and the composition arts of creating an image with strong visual interests. Compositional elements include the classic concepts of image design including leading lines, repetition, framing and more. Add to this an understanding of how lens selection plays a role in depth of field, angle of view, compression and distortion as well as other important aspects of lens choice.

The First Steps are those studies and skill sets that one needs no matter what type of photography you wish to pursue. Simply put, these are the fundamentals of photography, camera handling, lighting, exposure, composition and digital finishing that all photographers should know and understand. These are not unique to any of the photographic disciplines, they are fundamental to ALL of the disciplines.

“First Step” topics make up something of a lesson plan for those who want to begin their journey on the Pathway to Success. Each of the First Steps is identified with a green “Success Badge” which identifies the topic followed by a description of what needs to be studied and the skills that need to be mastered to earn that badge. There are eleven badges on the First Steps pathway.

As you prepare for your journey, don’t be offended or embarrassed by the green badges or the “Beginner” label. We actually consider these badges to be equivalent to the education that you might receive during the first and second year of a college or technical school. When you think about it in these terms, you can clearly see the value of your TPPA membership.

This level looks at recognizing natural lighting indoors and outdoors and finding the best source of light in these situations. Photographers should have a knowledge basic lighting patterns and of the tools and techniques for controlling natural light. In addition, photographers should be able to recognize situations that require supplemental lighting and a working knowledge of how to use it. Finally, a basic knowledge of studio lighting and basic lighting patterns is recommended.

At this level, photographers should have the skills of editing images in RAW and JPG in Photoshop, Lightroom or other imaging software. Furthermore, photographers should be able to navigate with a degree of confidence, the Lightroom or Photoshop workspace and have the skill set to use menus, tools, dialogue boxes and layers to do basic retouching, selective adjustments of exposure and enhancements and color adjustments.

At this level, photographers should have an understanding of metering including reflective metering and incident metering and the differences between the two. Also, a working knowledge of 18% grey and it’s place in understanding exposure. Photographers should have an understanding of the Sunny 16 rule and equivalent exposures and how changing the ISO impacts an exposure.

Follow this path to become a Certified Professional Photographer.  Begin the journey with an understanding of the benefit of participation in the Certified Professional Photographer program and the requirements to earn the designation. Also included is the preparation of study for the written exam.

Begin with an understanding of the benefit of participation in image competition and the differences in the various competitions and the requirements to enter images. Also, an understanding of the judging processes and the scoring methods of various competitions is included. Also includes a study of the “12 Elements” and the beginnings of how to evaluate images and determine their appropriateness for competition.

Begin with a fundamental knowledge of getting a business up and running including: obtaining a DBA, acquiring a sales tax permit, business and equipment insurance and more. Also includes developing a solid business plan and defining a suitable target market. Other topics include creating a marketing plan and business brand and developing a social media strategy, partnering with a professional lab and creating product lines.

TPPA also advocates the concurrent membership and participation in the local guild structure. TPPA recognizes the vast educational opportunities and networking benefits of our local affiliated guilds throughout Texas. TPPA understands that the benefit of local guild membership enhances and compliments our own endeavors to create strong community of skilled and prosperous photographic artists. To connect to a guild near you, check out the links to the local guilds at the bottom of this page.

TPPA encourages those entering the profession to also become members of Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and complete the PPA Certification program and to begin working towards the PPA Craftsman and Masters Degrees.

As you begin your journey to collect the Intermediate Success Badges, we recommend joining PPA and taking advantage of the programs and benefits that they offer. Benefits include the above degree programs as well as free equipment insurance, low-cost liability insurance, the Indemnification Trust and much more. All of these are important programs and benefits for photographers who start dealing with the public and charging for their work.

Includes an understanding of various light sources (constant light, speed light, studio strobes, natural light) and the appropriate use of each type of light source to achieve a desired effect. Also includes the mechanics of using modifiers to alter the light source to create desired patterns and qualities.

This includes the skills to create strong compositions through subject placement, foreground and background interests, color balance, and more.

Includes the creation of a posing repertoire for individuals, couples, families and group. Also includes creating masculine and feminine poses as well as corrective posing techniques.

This badge includes skills needed to completely control the output and quality of a portable flash. Includes complete operation in manual mode, all aspects of off-camera flash, use of multiple strobes and why, and the benefits and shortfalls of various remote trigger types.

This includes the application of all lighting types and modifiers to create a visual statement in keeping with the subject matter, mood and visual strength of an image. This includes the ability to create lighting patterns (broad, short, Rembrandt) that flatter the subject as well as control of lighting ratios and lighting for detail and texture. Also includes a full understanding of low key and high key lighting and how to achieve it.

These skill sets include the ability to retouch images with a high degree of proficiency including use of layers and brush adjustments, as well as background enhancements, background extractions, head swaps, removal of unwanted elements, sky replacements or enhancements, tonal and color adjustments, added textures and image softening.

This includes a continuation of study for the exam and declaring your CPP candidacy and sitting for the exam. Also included is the understanding and preparation for Image Submission. This would also include the creation of the compulsory images as well as an evaluation of your own client images for submission.

Developing a Marketing Plan, Pricing for Profit, Developing a Growth Strategy, Community Involvement, Partnerships, Alliances and other ‘Business Builders’, expanded product lines.

This step includes the early stages of preparing and entering images in competition. At this level, participants seek a deeper understanding of creating and editing images and their final presentation for success in competition. Also includes understanding judge's feedback and how to apply image critiques to create even stronger images.

“In every area or type of photography you choose, there are numerous skills you need to learn and possess to be able to create the best possible images. Commercial photography refers to creating images to sell products and/or services, architecture and aerials.  You see commercial photography every time you open a catalog or see an advertisement on a billboard or the internet. To be a good commercial photographer requires a number of skills, many of which overlap with other areas of photography.

Lighting and composition are two of the things that first come to mind. Learn as much as you can about both. Basic art courses are a wonderful source of inspiration and learning. Light control is one of the most difficult principles to learn. Taking the light off the camera and controlling one to a number of lights can give you control over your subject you could not achieve otherwise. This is the key to light interpretation and mastery.

The camera is merely a tool you used to capture an image. Camera controls are a must to be able to excel in your field. Learn everything you can about each camera and lens and which combination to use. Concentrate on what you trying to achieve without having to stop and worry about your camera functions. Learn and understand the principles of the 18 per cent grey card and when to rely on a grey card and when to use an incident meter.

As with any area of photography, it requires constant learning. One of the best resources we have is the Texas School. Take a class every year if possible. Study and get your certification degree. Print competition is a must to help you learn as you progress in your knowledge.”

– Robert Suddarth, Commercial Photographer and TPPA Member

“Having a background in photojournalism is an added strength in the world of today’s photography practices. Skills such as having the ability to adjust to various situations, as well as being able to do so quickly and efficiently while looking at the situation from multiple angles definitely ads further strength and perspective. Being aware of various lighting options, such as available light, flash and reflective lights adds to one’s capability as well. In addition, quickly knowing the best lens to use in different situations also assists in capturing the situation in a quick, effective manner.”

– Hardy Meredith, Photojournalist/Media Photographer and TPPA Member

This level includes the completion of the CPP process and leveraging the CPP designation. It also includes acquiring the skill set of teaching others and providing mentorship to those desiring to earn their CPP.

This level includes the advance skills of utilizing the subject, foreground and background elements to create strong compositional designs, and the ability to pre-visualize the design and then create the final image.

This level includes the ability to adapt to almost any lighting circumstance and find or create a desired quality of light. Also includes creating subtleties in lighting compositions including delicate separations, fill, and highlights. Also includes adapting to mixed lighting situations and using lighting as a compositional element through highlight and shadow as well as color.

This level includes earning PPA’s Masters Degree and the beginnings of pursuing competition to earn the other PPA imaging degrees. It also includes taking the steps to begin mentoring other photographers who are actively pursuing image competition and taking the step to becoming a judge.

The next stop on the pathway to success includes giving back to others and to service of the photographic industry. Opportunities include: publishing illustrated articles in TPPA Magazine, speaking and sharing at local guilds and state sponsored seminars and conventions, evaluating and judging images at local guild and state competitions and service in leadership roles at the local guild, state and national levels.  TPPA will help you develop these opportunities and skills when you feel like you are ready.