Becoming a Click Pro Elite
Two years ago I posted about some of the happiest news I’ve received professionally. News that would quite honestly set me on a trajectory that I was in no way prepared for (in a good way!). You may see it on my website, or my Instagram profile - the words Click Pro Elite. And today, I want to share with you what the organization is all about, and why it means so much to me.
I suppose the story needs to start at the beginning of my photography journey. I won’t bore you with all of the details, but I think a little context helps :) Photography has always had a piece of my heart from developing film in high school to taking pictures of our travels and my own family. But when a dear friend asked me to take her family portraits back in 2015, it truly sparked my trajectory to being here today. A thirst for knowledge about all things digital photography and eventually, all things business was born. And through that curiosity, I found the Click Community (formerly known as Clickin’ Moms). Through this community and social media, I found photographers around the world that I aspired to be and discovered that they all had something in common, they held the title of Click Pro. And eventually, the desire to be Click Pro would take root in my heart and I would begin to really grow and develop as an artist as I worked to reach that goal.
The first Omaha family portrait session I did for my friend.
They stuck with me as I continued to grow through the years!
Click Pro Elite - A Network of Ambitious Photographers
The more art that I saw from Click Pro Elites on social media and online, the more I aspired to become one. It is a diverse group of photographers from all over the world. Collectively, it has artists that photograph everything from still life and self portraits to weddings and commercial work for name brands around the world. All in all, its network represents 35 genres of photography with over 1600 members representing over 50 countries. And its goal: amplify the voice of the female photographer.
Acceptance into the group is a rigorous process, and a portfolio of 150 images must be submitted and reviewed by a panel of judges according to a set of very high standards including the following:
Exposure
Use of Light
Color and White Balance
Composition
Processing and Cohesion
Technical Basics
Creativity and Intention
To say that applying for acceptance took a lot of sweat and tears, and a lot of courage would be an understatement. But because I want to be the best photographer I can be for both my own personal work as well as the portraits that I provide to Omaha seniors and families, I committed to the process and through a lot of work, I developed my portfolio of 150 images for review. If you’ve ever worked with me, you know that when I put my mind to something, it’s all or nothing. It was a lot of growth through self critique, shooting, editing, re-shooting, and weaving together a cohesive set of images that would be my very best work to present to the panel. In February of 2020, I hit the submit button, and then waited to hear the news. A few weeks later, I received the email that I was waiting for.
Some of the self portrait images used in my set of 150 images for the Click Pro Elite application.
The Year 2020: A Pandemic and an E-mail
It was March of 2020. You might remember at that time another minor thing called COVID-19 was just starting to ramp up. Little did we know then just how different life would become and some of the global struggles that we would face, but I called it a Banner Year anyways, because becoming Click Pro Elite would be not only a goal that I would achieve, but it would be the start of continued growth and opportunity, even in a year that would otherwise be full of obstacles and isolation. I opened my email to read, “Congratulations, we LOVE your work!” I had made it. I had reached my goal. I was elated. But little did I know that was just the start.
The start of something more
Meeting with a fellow Click Pro Elite and dear friend, Ally Frantz
For me, Click Pro Elite was an end goal, but I soon found that it was just the beginning and that the community would continue to spur me on to be not only a better photographer, but a better person. Here are just a few of the ways that being a Click Pro Elite has enriched my life:
Friendships & community - I have made connections with photographers all over the globe, in different time zones and hemispheres. I have friendships with photographers in different states, and can’t wait to meet more of my friends in person at Click Away!
Opportunities - very shortly after being accepted, I was able to participate in a traveling dress group with photographers from around the world, I had an image published in Click Magazine, and wrote my very first blog article for Click Magazine online. We also contribute to the Daily Project, an online photo blog that is seen by thousands including industry partners and brands.
Continued growth - the talent of the group alone is inspiring enough to keep working at my craft, but we also have monthly collaborative projects that also encourages me to continue growing as an artist, as well as the Daily of the Week contest through the Daily Project. (You can check out some of my images that have placed here.)
A Voice - collectively, our group’s goal is to amplify the voice of female photographers everywhere. It’s amazing to be a part of this, and I’m honored that I get to participate in these efforts. The older my own daughters get, the more I am keenly aware of how incredibly important these efforts are.
An Ambassador - just over a year ago, I applied to be a part of the newly formed Click Pro Ambassador group, in which I get to give back to this organization and share about all of the amazing things it's doing. In addition, I’ve deepened relationships and friendships with other ambassadors around the world.
Access to industry leaders and practices - several of our members are ambassadors for major brands in the photography community, some present and teach all over the world. Brands like Nikon, Profoto, Sigma, Sony and Lensbaby to name a few. And not only are we privy to new and exciting developments within the industry, we also are setting some of the trends through our vast network of photographers. Many brands look to our Daily Project for content and partnerships with our members.
A few images taken since becoming a Click Pro Elite. The top two images are award winning images!
I could go on and on. This group of talented photographers is vital to my success as a photographer. They are kind, uplifting and insanely talented and inspire me to always be reaching to a higher level of excellence. I love this group fiercely and believe in it whole heartedly. I can confidently say that this group helps me to better serve the Omaha senior and family clients who trust me to capture their portraits, and it’s helped me to have a stronger voice in the photography community. If you are a photographer and are interested in joining this elite group, please do not hesitate to reach out! I would be happy to answer any questions you have and help you along your journey! Ready to apply? You can also use a special referral link to receive a discount on your application. Whatever course you take, know that I will be your biggest cheerleader!