It wasn’t an easy decision to make. After all, I’m already a professionally paid photographer — so why go back to higher education?

The answer came in the form of a single image. I entered a photo into my local professional guild, DPPA, and to my surprise, it won 2nd place. I had never won a photography competition in my eight years behind the lens, so the ribbon meant more than I could put into words.

Taking It National

Encouraged, I took a leap and submitted the same image to the national Professional Photographers of America (PPA) competition. And then came the drum roll moment: it earned a Merit.

That recognition shifted something in me. It wasn’t just luck — it was validation from some of the most respected judges in photography. And with it came a new goal: to pursue my Master of Photography and prove to myself that I am worthy to sit among the elite.

In the photography certification steps, you have to submit photos to be reviewed by a panel of judges who are all masters in photography as well as other fields and they impose a "merit" or "no merit" status to your photo based on 12 elements of photography. You have to meet each one which the second element alone has 7 sub categories that have to be met.

Lessons from Failure

It is a grueling process and some of the best photographers feel defeated when an image doesn't merit.

I remember the first time I entered I had only been a photographer for a year and back then they graded you on a scale. You needed an 80 to be considered as getting a merit. I entered a photo that I was super proud of and the judges tore it apart and gave me a 79.

Ouch!!! A 79? Seriously? One point shy of feeling good about myself? It definitely made me second guess competitions and I waited all the way until now, 7 years later to finally reenter that world.

Finding the Courage to Try Again

Now getting my masters will require training, but anyone can certainly read some texts and answer some questions. But the true test is having 12 of your images reviewed and receive a Merit. 

Am I tough enough? Is my skin thick enough to listen to the feedback if an image doesn't merit? Can I produce 12 quality images that top judges will deem technically sound meeting all 12 elements of photography?

The Road to Mastery

After I entered my 2nd image and got a merit, I decided that it is definitely worth a try. *shrugging*

2 down, 10 to go. The path to becoming a Master Photographer is long and demanding, but every step brings me closer to that goal.

💬 Follow along with my journey as I share the wins, the struggles, and everything in between.
Interested in working with me? Book your session today and let’s create images that will tell your story.