In the United States, anyone with a business license and a tax id (and sometimes even without those things) can call themselves a photographer.  At a little league game, who cares?  At a wedding where the total cost can easily exceed fifty thousand dollars, you want a little more peace of mind. 

For over thirty years, the Professional Photographic Certification program has helped consumers find photographers who have met rigorous testing and work standards.  The program is overseen by the same firm that certifies public accountants.  As of January, 2007, there are only five photographers in the state of Maine who have passed the certification process.

Those who have earned the Professional Photographic Certification have passed a comprehensive written exam measuring their technical expertise, and have successfully submitted their work to a panel of judges for review and approval.

Every five years, a Certified photographer must renew his or her credentials by participating in continuing education programs and periodically submitting work for critical evaluation. This helps assure you that certified photographers maintain their level of expertise and continue to develop new skills and techniques.