Click Pro

Click Pro: An association of professional photographers pursuing advanced artistic and business development while amplifying the voice of women worldwide. Membership to Click Pro is application-based. An invitation to join is extended on the basis of a 150 image portfolio review.

Click Pro has been on my radar for a couple of years now. For a long time it felt like an unattainable goal. Yet as I have grown as a photographer it started to feel like something I could achieve - someday. In April I made the decision: I would build my portfolio and apply sometime this year. I added it to my 2020 poster of goals for the year and set to work.

The application process is rigorous. 150 images is a lot. The portfolio needs to flow one image to the next and feel cohesive as a whole. It is graded on a rubric that includes seven categories, each with a possible score of 6 points. The minimum score for admittance is 32.  These are the categories:

Exposure

Use of Light

Color & White Balance

Composition

Processing & Cohesion

Technical Basics

Creativity & Intention

I joined a prep group with women who were also in the process of curating portfolios to apply. Over the summer we have given feedback to help each other get closer to the goal. Closely examining the work of others - measured against the Click Pro standards - really helped me fine-tune my own portfolio. Four women in my group applied before me: two were accepted and two were rejected. I was both intimated and encouraged by the feedback they received. 

I have worked so hard this summer. It has definitely been frustrating at times, as I have striven to conform to the strict standards of this organization. But I have learned a great deal and I am a better photographer for having gone through the process. I don't think I have ever been more delighted to receive an email than receiving my Click Pro acceptance letter.

Here is a link to my accepted portfolio:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/188189745@N08/albums/72157714054071586/with/49822519508/

Here are the scores I received:

• Exposure Triangle: 5

• Use of Light: 5

• Color & White Balance: 5

• Composition: 5

• Processing & Cohesion: 3

• Technical Basics: 4

• Creativity & Intention: 5

I am scraping in with the minimum acceptable score but I'll take it! I am thrilled. I honestly expected to be lower in the color & white balance category as that is something I have really struggled with - but also what I have worked hardest to improve this summer. I was bummed to be docked so much on my processing score as I generally feel like editing is one of my strengths but they cited specific photos and I could definitely see the weak spots they were talking about. They were very complimentary about my composition and creativity, and cited my use of color as my greatest strength. That made me happy! I've been asked what benefits I receive as a member of Click Pro. Because I am not in business there are some I'll miss out on - listing in their directory and business opportunities. I do gain access to members-only learning resources, and I'm excited about the continuing education there, as well as feature and mentoring opportunities. But honestly for me the biggest benefit at the moment is being recognized. I have friends and family who admire my photography but it's incredibly validating to have an unbiased, professional voice say "yes, you are a great photographer." And I have a badge to prove it. =)