Robert Brayton, CPP, Photog. Cr

Why did I became a Certified Professional Photographer? Because I can. Not just anyone can pass the rigorous 100 question exam, nor pass the hair-splitting portfolio review. The Professional Photographers of America is the largest group of professional photographers in the world. They take photography very seriously, and their peer-certification process is really separates the experienced photographers who know their stuff from the enthusiast just starting out. Below is a quote from the PPA website. Please spend some time exploring the links and watching the videos. Thank you for caring enough to choose the very best!

(from http://www.ppa.com/why-cpp)

See the Difference Certified Professional Photographers Make

Consistency. CPPs know how to achieve great results—every time. You get a strong collection of images that tell your story, not a few lucky snapshots, and you will work with someone who knows how to produce a quality image under any circumstances.

Technical Skills. CPPs are more than picture takers. They are students of art, lighting, posing, fashion and even interior design. They combine these elements to create images that fit your unique style and become works of art you will treasure for generations.

Unique Artistry. CPPs have the skills to create unique, customized works of art—not cookie-cutter pictures. They follow an artistic vision. It’s your story captured as a collection of art.

Professionalism. When you hire a CPP, you know you’re getting someone who is willing to go the extra mile to deliver the best possible images. They are business owners who thrive on customer service and satisfaction, and they continuously aim to produce products that exceed your—and their—best expectations. These images are keepsakes whose stories you’ll tell time and time again and treasure forever.

Just about anyone can take a good picture every now and then. But when life’s biggest moments are unfolding and there’s just one chance to capture that perfect memory, don’t risk it. Entrust your photography needs to a Certified Professional Photographer and see the difference for yourself.

Not to long ago, a certain photographer who will remain unnamed (not me) totally messed up a wedding.  Fortunately for all involved, that photographer is a member of the Professional Photographers of America.  The PPA carries insurance for all its members.  The insurance paid for the wedding to be completely reenacted and reshot–including flying guests from out of state, paying for the venue, the caterer, the limo, tux, you name it.  As a professional photographer and videographer, I value each and every image I capture.  Not only am I a member of the PPA and therefore have this same insurance, but I have extended business insurance…$2,000,000 worth!  Why?  Because I value every customer I serve.  Not only do I have $2,000,000 general business liability coverage, but I am also a member of  HPVA, WEVA, TPPA, SWPPA, and serve on the board of directors for the PPGH.  Why?  Because I value every project I am involved with.  Not only am I a member of these associations, but I attend several training sessions every year and am working on my Certified Professional Photographer acheivement (I recently aced the 100 question written exam).  Why?  Because I want to continuously improve my skills for my next project.  When searching for a photographer or videographer, ask yourself what level of commitment does this person have to their craft.  Ask yourself whether this a real business, or just someone with a camera trying to make a few bucks on the weekends?  At PhotoVideoSound, I do whatever it takes to ensure and insure your images are the best possible.  Thank you for your continued business!

…about small things.  It really isn’t a big deal, but it I am so impressed with a website I found called favico.com.  This website converts your GIF, JPG, or PNG into a favicon.  A favicon is the little icon that appears in your browser tabs.  All you do it upload your full sized icon, select whether you want it in 16×16, or 32×32, and press the create button.  It generates a favicon.ico file, and instructions for adding it in your website.  It isn’t much, but it is that one last bit of polish and completeness to your website that says you pay attention to all the details.  How cool is that!