For the Rapids City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Heike C. O’Day, of Heike C. O’Day Photography, Wisconsin Rapids,  has earned Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) designation from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA).

O’Day earned this designation after completing an intensive program that measures her artistic and technical competence. PPA currently recognizes fewer than 2,500 CPPs.

“Today, mostly everyone has at the very least a cellphone with a camera,” O’Day said. “Besides that, way more people than even just 10 years ago have a decent camera and really enjoy taking pictures. But when it comes to professional photos, what most people want for a final product is a great quality print, a great portrait, great images of their event.

“Those portraits, like the ones we admire of our parents or grandparents, don’t come easy. They need someone behind the camera who can guide the ones in front of the camera…”

Professional Photographers of America (PPA.com/CPP) is the leading body for certifying imaging professionals. CPPs must complete a written examination, finish an image evaluation, and adhere to a strict code of conduct. Certification must be renewed on a periodic basis, ensuring continued confidence in the professionalism of Certified Professional Photographers.