Certification
Am I Good Enough?…
I’ve been coaching and mentoring other photographers for the past ten years, and what I’ve learned is that most of us struggle with the “am I good enough?” question at some point.
The truth is anyone can call themselves a photographer. Anyone can pick up a camera, take pictures and even start charging for their service. In fact, that’s how MOST photographers start! Heck, that’s how I started!
But, I also know that beginning self-taught can lead to a lot of self-doubt and a lot of mistakes.
And over the years, I’ve seen too many talented people give up on their photography dreams because they lacked the confidence to say, “Yes! I am good enough!”
And I think that’s due, in part, to the lack of accreditation programs in our industry.
(scroll down to learn more)
As a certified teacher, I know how much certification matters.
Certification is proof of mastery! It shows that you are an authority in your field. That you’ve been taught and tested and that you’ve earned a stamp of approval.
Being a certified teacher gives me confidence every time I create a course or stand on a stage.
I KNOW that I know how to teach. I have the certification to prove it!
I want to give you that same sense of knowing!
And so I’ve created the Sandra Coan Certification program!
What is a Sandra Coan Certified Photographer?
Sandra Coan Certified Photographers are highly skilled maternity, newborn and family photographers who have been trained and tested in the Sandra Coan Method, and demonstrate mastery in the areas of Light, Exposure, Naturally Inspired Posing, Composition, Processing and Consistency .
They adhere to the principle of baby led posing in their newborn work.
They have a robust portfolio, full of exemplary work.
Their images have been evaluated and scored.
And their work has earned them Sandra’s seal of approval and trust.
The Benefits
Once you have earned accreditation, you will receive a certification badge to share on your website and on social media.
You will also become a part of Sandra’s international referral network.
Your name and business will be added to her online referral directory.
You will belong to an exclusive worldwide community of like-minded photographers who will have your back if you need help, be a second shooter when needed or a trusted friend to refer to should the situation arise.
Once certified, members have the option of becoming an associate instructor, which means you will be eligible to teach the Sandra Coan Method™ for both lighting and posing. This is a fantastic opportunity for photographers who are interested in learning more about the education space.
Members will receive lifetime access to our Certified Photographer Facebook group.
The Standards
There are many qualities that make up a good photographic image. The basics are light, exposure, and composition, but posing, processing and consistency also have a huge impact on the overall quality of a photo and impact of a portfolio.
Photographers who qualify for Sandra Coan Certification show mastery in each of these elements: Light, Exposure, Naturally Inspired Posing, Composition, Processing and Consistency.
Once a photographer has completed the training modules in the program, and completed (and passed) all of the corresponding assessments, they will be asked to share a portfolio of 150 to 200 images.
The portfolio will then be graded on a scale of 1 to 5 for each category.
Questions
Who is this program designed for?
This program was created specifically for maternity, newborn, family, and portrait photographers.
Why just maternity, newborn and family photographers?
Because a big part of this program is to grow a referral network. You see, every year I’m asked for recommendations from people around the world who are looking for a photographer with a similar approach to mine. But before I can refer another photographer, I need to have confidence in them and their work.
Earning certification lets me know that you are trained and have gained mastery, your work is of quality and you are someone I can trust.
Once certified you will be listed in the international directory on both my photography and educational websites.
What are the perks of being on the directory?
There are many! Trust. Prestige. But also SEO!
Once you’ve earned your certification, your business will be added to my referral directory, listed on both of my websites. In this way, your business is linked to mine. So when my name is searched, yours will pop up.
I’m a proven and trusted voice in our industry. And earning my seal of approval means that I trust you! Thats a big deal.
You will also become part of an international network of maternity, newborn and family photographers! So you will have trusted group of colleagues to refer to and lean on. And vice-a-versa.
Does my work have to look like Sandra’s to be certified?
Not at all! I invite all styles! But your work does need to pass the standards as outlined above.
Do I need to be a studio photographer to qualify?
No you don’t! But you do need to have a solid understanding of light, posing, composition and processing. And your work needs to be consistent. You will learn all of those things inside the certification program!
How long is the certification program?
Once accepted, you have lifetime access to the course materials and the private community. It takes most photographers 6 to 12 months to work through the trainings and pass the assessments. Once the course curriculum has been completed and you feel ready, you will be required to submit a portfolio for review. You portfolio will be scored in the areas of light, exposure, naturally inspired posing, composition, processing and consistency. Each category is graded on a scale of 1-5 points.
Does enrolling in the program guarantee certification?
No it does not! Participants must complete the course work and earn a minimum of 18 points on their portfolio review to earn certification.
That said, I WANT you to earn certification and I will be there to help you each step of the way!
I have created built in assessments throughout the program so that you get real time feed back as you are working through the materials. AND, members are given FREE enrollment to my in-person trainings and portfolio building clinics (see the list here).
This program is not for everyone
It’s rigorous. And it’s a commitment. But for those who are ready, it’s a very exciting opportunity!
