PHOTOGRAPHY ASSOCIATIONS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER MAY BELONG TO:

*WPD (Wedding Photography Directory) Category: Consumer Based Wedding Photography Centric Organization

A full screening and qualification process is necessary before a candidate is accepted into the directory. The WPD's Photographer Listing Ranking Policy determines how photographer listings are positioned. Photographers with higher quality portfolios, professional biographies, and who display a more personalized service are ranked closer to the top. Next to the photography service offered is their travel availability, event coverage listings and starting package price. The WPD is a great starting point to narrow down initial candidates.

* WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) Category: Professional Photography Organization

The WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) is an organization with a specific niche in the wedding and portrait photography industry. WPPI is a useful resource for pros, offering its members insurance packages, data recovery, equipment leasing, etc. WPPI also offers brides an online photographer search.

* PPA (Professional Photographers Association of America) Category: Non-profit Professional Photography Organization

Established over a century ago, the PPA is a premier certification source for professional photographers of all specialties. The PPA boasts over 18,000 members in 64 countries, as reputedly the worlds largest non-profit photography organization. They only stand behind photographers who have proven knowledge, talent and experience in their respective industry.

All pros in PPA must pass the stringent PPA Certification Program, which is a series of tests with a written exam, photo submission requirements viewed by a panel of critics. Continued ability to demonstrate their excellence is necessary to maintain their PPA certification. Only about 3% of all U.S. photographers have a PPA membership.

* WPJA (Wedding Photojournalist Association) Category: Professional Wedding Photojournalism Centric Organization

With its interest solely in the wedding business, the WPJA provides a strong emphasis on the artistic photojournalism style of wedding photography. A wedding photographer must meet certain criteria before being accepted, including having a nice website and portfolio, proven technical and creative skills and high picture quality to be in the WPJA. Only individuals are able to join, the WPJA does not accept studios with multiple photographers.

*Local or Regional Affiliations Category: Wedding Vendor Bonfire Businesses

Does your photographer belong to any local or regional affiliations? An example might be PPANE (Professional Photographers Association of New England). Local and regional affiliations can be more valuable than national when it pertains to the individual photographer. It is a great way for the photographer to gain reputability.

*Photographer Talent Many photographers cannot afford certification, or are too busy to keep renewing their certification. Do not overlook related experience and exceptional talent.