OurPPA – A Valuable Community

OurPPA is the online community for members of the Professional Photographers of America. If you’re not a PPA member, you can still access a few areas of the forum, so I’d encourage you to check it out either way.

I have been a member of OurPPA since its inception in 2005 (give or take a few weeks). OurPPA has helped me a number of ways over the past 4 years.

The Pursuit of Excellence

OurPPA has challenged me to become better, instead of settling for “good enough.” It is because of OurPPA that I studied for and received my designation as a Certified Professional Photographer. Without the prompting of members of OurPPA, I would not have started entering PPA’s print competitions either. I am a better photographer than I was four years ago. I have more experience, and more credentials (CPP, 2008 + 2009 Photographer of the Year) because of OurPPA.

Friends for Life

OurPPA has enabled me to develop life-long bonds with some amazing photographers. I have been mentored, given advice, and taken vacations with fellow OurPPA members. Even if I were to stop participating on the forum today (which won’t happen) — these friendships would endure.

The Art of Teaching

OurPPA has helped me get up the courage to start speaking and teaching other photographers. I realized that others appreciated my knowledge, and I enjoyed sharing. I would not have thought of becoming an educator without OurPPA.

That “Aha!” Moment

OurPPA has allowed me to solve problems and find solutions I would have spent hours pondering. I’ve discovered solutions to battery-life issues, gotten recommendations for industry vendors, and evaluated DSLRs.