PPA Photographic Craftsman Award

Well the embargo can be lifted, and the word is out.  This past week in New Orleans the Professional Photographers of America awarded to me the Photographic Craftsman Award. Although I was not present, I took a bow on Tuesday evening.  Applause!  The award is given to Photographers who achieve a level of excellence, education and communication in teaching others the Art and Science of Photography. In addition to being a CPP, Certified Professional Photographer.  What does this mean, besides an increase in my annual dues to PPA.  Amoung other things, I can now list my name as James Hazelwood, CPP, Photo. Cr.  I know, I know, you are impressed.  More initials. 

For me it translates to good photography.  Plain and Simple.  

Does it mean every CPP Ph Cr, MA Ph, PhD, ph balnced photographer is worth his or her weight in salt?  Of course, not, we all know credentials need to be combined with experience, personality and old fashioned hard work and desire. 

I got into photography when I was 16 years old, photographing my brothers soccer games, then photographing all the cool people for my High School Yearbook, later in College for the school newspaper and radio sation.  In graduate school I worked for the Public Relations office in New York City.  One thing lead to another, a fund raiser for my son's PTA lead me to someones wedding, then The Knot saw one of my photos online and asked me to use it, pre 1999. Then digital, more weddings, some work for non-profits and churches, more wedding and portraits.  

And the road goes on, we move forward, like sharks, or we die.  What's next?  I'm dreaming of a motorcycle trip across the African continent photographing the work of relief agencies.  It's years off, maybe for a next sabbatical, who knows...

But for now, gotta go order some new business cards with fancy initials -