About Us

We are a small group of about 50 members who conduct our organizational meetings at the fall and winter Iowa events over breakfast. Our business consists of sponsoring workshops  along with our week-long biennial sabbaticals.  But what we are really about is networking. 

 "Networking" is a  popular buzzword, but what does it really mean?  If you're new to the Iowa organization, it's meeting new people who are in the same spot in their careers as you might be in yours, or they might also be seasoned vets.  Finding just 2 or 3 friends with whom to start this professional journey is PRICELESS.  You can talk to any member and ask how he or she got started, and everyone of them will tell you a story of how the journey began with a current friend.  Friendships are created early on in this organization.  Our group prides itself on being welcoming, open and willing to share our knowledge and experience freely.   You may sit around and just chat after having seen a speaker at convention; and you may learn as much or more from that 30 minute conversation than you did from the 2 hour speaker.   

You have made a friend that you may call for help in the future.  If he doesn't know the answer, he'll care enough to call another friend to find out for you.  That is real Iowa networking - a willing outreach to an entire organization which shares your goals.

The Iowa CPP's sponsor workshops every other year which anyone may attend.  We try to invite interesting, cutting-edge instructors who encourage our professional growth.  Each summer we sponsor a tour of studios for members. We also help Iowa members study for their CPP exams (and celebrate when they pass!) We have an extensive loaning library of educational materials for the use of our members.  We organize biennial sabbaticals which help us stay connected, refreshed and educated.  Those who make the time to attend these trips are never quite the same.  There's just something about sharing a house, cooking meals together, exploring a new environment and staying up til the wee hours "talking shop" that bonds us like no other experience.  It creates a loyalty and friendship that goes beyond  professional networking.

We welcome your interest in our organization and encourage your pursuit of excellence by becoming a Certified Professional Photographer.