2018 was a momentous year for me. In March I learned that I had successfully earned my Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation from Professional Photographers of America (PPA). The process is arduous and consists of both a knowledge element as well as a photographic one. Becoming a CPP was important to me because it's an independent indicator of a photographer's knowledge, experience and continuance to develop new skills and techniques. Being a CPP is like quality assurance because certification is a credential that consumers and businesses understand. It's a seal of approval and of validation that my clients and peers can recognize and shows that I take my profession and continuing education seriously.
Certified Professional Photographer
New Studio!
If working on my CPP wasn't enough, I also moved my studio in the first quarter of this year. After endless searching, I finally found a great space that was conveniently located in historic downtown Carrollton, Texas (across the street from the DART station), wasn't too small or big and fit my budget. For a while I thought I might never find what I was looking for but my patience eventually paid off. We got the keys in the February and my husband and I commenced a 6-week facelift to make it everything I wanted it to be. Many of my clients have met Wayne as he is often my assistant on location and now you know he is also a handyman extraordinaire (and I'm a lucky girl).
Below is my client reception area where I display print products and host session reveals complete with gifts and frosty beverages. A big thanks goes out to Quan, an incredibly talented designer and the partner of a photographer friend who guided me with decor and design advice.
Prop Storage and Packaging
A place for everything and everything in it's place. In case it's not apparent by this picture, The Container Store is my happy place. It's so nice to have an organized storage area for props, backgrounds and my packaging supplies. Portraits are a gift to yourself as well as family and friends so I love going all out when delivering artwork and watching clients unwrap their presents.
Where the magic happens...
After passing from the reception area through the store room, you land in the studio. The walls are finished white so I can photograph against them if I want, or set up backdrops and when the weather's fine, I can open the garage door for natural light photography.
Whew! It was a busy year but I can't wait to dig into 2019 now that I have those milestones behind me.
Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography is a Certified Professional Photographer with the organization Professional Photographers of America; a designation held by fewer than 2,500 photographers nationwide and a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry and professionalism. Penny Whistle specializes in both natural light and studio photography providing pet, couple and engagement, family and high school senior portraits as well as corporate headshots and commercial photography in her studio located in old town Carrollton as well as out on location in Coppell and surrounding communities in Dallas – Fort Worth, Texas.
1 Comments
Dec 28, 2018, 4:53:18 PM
Lynda Mowat - Wow! A busy and productive year! Congratulations on your accreditation. Your studio looks amazing! You do such lovely work, it’s always an inspiration to see it. Thanks for sharing. Happy 2019!