Proudly Accredited in Family Portraiture!

I’m so excited to share another professional milestone—last weekend, I officially earned my Accreditation in Family Portraiture through the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC)!

Accreditation with the PPOC is a prestigious professional recognition that elevates a photographer above the general membership level. It’s achieved by submitting a selection of work in a specific photographic category to the Board of Examiners. These experts assess submissions based on four key criteria: Vision, Impact, Composition, and Technical Merit.

For the Family Portraiture class, the submission requirements were both detailed and demanding. I submitted ten images from ten different sessions—each one featuring a different family, in a different location, with a unique pose. To meet the standard, I had to demonstrate technical excellence and creative variety across the collection. Here’s a glimpse of what was required:

Images had to include family groupings of two or more individuals who are not a couple
A maximum of 3 images could include a family of two; the rest had to feature three or more
At least three images needed to show groups of six or more
A mix of head and shoulders, 3/4, and full-length poses was required
At least four images needed to be outdoor environmental portraits
At least four had to be indoor or studio portraits
The final two images could be from either setting
No wedding or engagement portraits were permitted—and yes, family pets could count as a member!

Achieving this accreditation is a meaningful step in my professional journey. It recognizes not only my technical skills but also my ability to capture the heart and soul of families through portraiture. From joyful chaos to quiet connection, every family I photograph brings something beautiful and different to the frame.

With this new accreditation, I can now proudly use the title Accredited Professional Photographer in Family Portraiture—a title that reflects the hard work, passion, and dedication I bring to every session.

To all the wonderful families I’ve had the privilege to photograph: thank you for inviting me into your lives and trusting me to preserve your story. You are the heart of what I do.

– Emily

In addition to my accreditation in Family Portraiture, I also received the following accreditations: Newborn (2015), Child & Infant (2017), and Maternity (2025).

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