Top 10 Photo Stylist Certifications

Certifications are important for a photo stylist in the job market because it demonstrates their level of knowledge and expertise in the field. Certification also shows potential employers that they have the necessary skills and qualifications to perform the job, such as understanding color theory, lighting techniques, and composition. Furthermore, certifications can help set a photo stylist apart from other applicants by showcasing their commitment to continuing education and professional development. Lastly, certifications can help a photo stylist increase their marketability by providing proof of their credentials and giving them an edge over other competing candidates.

The purpose of this article is to inform photo stylists about the value of certifications and how they can help further their career.

What are Photo Stylist Certifications?

Photo stylist certification is a professional designation for individuals who specialize in the art of styling and creating aesthetically pleasing images for photography and film. Photo stylists are responsible for selecting clothes, props, and accessories that help create the desired look and feel of a shoot or scene. They may also be asked to style hair, makeup, and nails. With photo stylist certification, professionals can demonstrate their knowledge of the industry and show their commitment to excellence in their field. This certification can help them stand out among other applicants when seeking employment as it shows they have advanced knowledge of styling techniques and can create captivating images. It can also help them network with other professionals in the field by connecting them with potential employers, clients, or collaborators. Having photo stylist certification can open up more opportunities for creative projects or higher-paying positions due to their demonstrated expertise.

Pro Tip: When considering a photo stylist certification, make sure to research the program thoroughly. Look for a program with an established track record that offers hands-on training and mentorship from experienced professionals. This will help ensure you gain the necessary knowledge and skills to become a successful photo stylist.

Related: What does a Photo Stylist do?

Top 10 Photo Stylist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Photo Stylists today.

1. Professional Photo Stylist Certification from the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP)

The Professional Photo Stylist Certification from the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) is designed to recognize and reward experienced photo stylists who have demonstrated a high level of skill, knowledge, and professionalism in the field. The certification program was created to provide a standard of excellence for those working in the industry.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least two years of professional styling experience and being an active member of ASMP. Applicants must also submit a portfolio that demonstrates their styling skills and complete an online exam that covers topics such as composition, color theory, lighting techniques, and more. Once these requirements are met, applicants will be awarded the Professional Photo Stylist Certification from ASMP.

The certification process typically takes between four to six weeks to complete. Applicants should expect to spend around 10 hours studying for the exam and preparing their portfolios.

The cost of obtaining the Professional Photo Stylist Certification from ASMP varies depending on whether or not you are an ASMP member. For non-members, the cost is $395 USD; for members, it is $295 USD.

2. Certified Professional Photo Stylist from the International Association of Professional Image Consultants (IAPIC)

Certified Professional Photo Stylist from the International Association of Professional Image Consultants (IAPIC) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in styling and creating images for photography. This certification requires specialized knowledge and skills to be able to create aesthetically pleasing images that capture the essence of a person or product.

To become a Certified Professional Photo Stylist, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the field of photo styling and have completed an IAPIC-approved training program. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by IAPIC to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. The exam covers topics such as color theory, composition, lighting, wardrobe selection, and post-production techniques.

The cost for taking the exam is $150 USD. Once applicants have passed the exam, they can apply for their certificate which costs an additional $100 USD. Upon receiving their certificate, they will be recognized as a Certified Professional Photo Stylist from IAPIC and will receive access to exclusive resources and networking opportunities.

3. Certified Professional Photo Stylist from the International Academy of Visual Arts (IAVA)

A Certified Professional Photo Stylist from the International Academy of Visual Arts (IAVA) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in photo styling and photography. The program is designed to assess the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the field of photo styling, including creative direction, art direction, and technical proficiency.

The IAVA Certified Professional Photo Stylist program consists of an online course, a portfolio review, and a final exam. The online course covers topics such as composition, lighting, color theory, post-processing techniques, and more. The portfolio review evaluates the applicant's work to ensure they meet the standards set by IAVA. Finally, applicants must pass a written exam to demonstrate their knowledge of photo styling principles and techniques.

The cost of the IAVA Certified Professional Photo Stylist program varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of IAVA. For non-members, the cost is $599 USD; for members it is $499 USD. It typically takes around two months to complete all requirements for certification.

4. Certified Professional Photo Stylist from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)

A Certified Professional Photo Stylist from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved the highest level of mastery in photo styling. This certification is designed to recognize those who have mastered the art and science of styling for photography, including fashion, beauty, product, and lifestyle.

To become a Certified Professional Photo Stylist from FIT, you must complete the FIT Photo Styling Program. The program consists of five courses: Introduction to Photo Styling; Advanced Photo Styling; Specialized Photo Styling; Visual Merchandising for Photography; and Portfolio Development. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in photo styling or related fields.

Once you have completed all five courses, you will need to submit an application package including a portfolio of your work and a $200 application fee. Your portfolio should include 10-15 images that demonstrate your knowledge and skills in photo styling. Once your application has been reviewed by the faculty at FIT, you will be notified if you are accepted into the program.

The cost of the FIT Photo Styling Program is approximately $2,000 plus any additional costs associated with purchasing materials or supplies needed for coursework. The program can be completed within one year with full-time study or two years with part-time study.

Upon completion of the program and successful submission of your portfolio, you will receive a Certificate in Professional Photo Styling from FIT which will serve as recognition of your expertise in this field.

5. Certified Professional Photo Stylist from the American Photographic Artists (APA)

Certified Professional Photo Stylist (CPPS) from the American Photographic Artists (APA) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the professional achievements of photo stylists. The CPPS program is intended to help distinguish photo stylists who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their field, and to provide them with a credential that can be used to market their services.

The CPPS program requires applicants to demonstrate proficiency in several areas, including: knowledge of styling techniques; understanding of lighting, composition, and color theory; ability to create visual stories; and familiarity with the latest trends in photography. Applicants must also submit a portfolio of work that showcases their skills.

The application process for the CPPS program typically takes between two and three months. After submitting an application, applicants will be required to take an online assessment test which covers topics such as styling basics, lighting, composition, color theory, digital imaging workflow, and current trends in photography. Once applicants have passed the assessment test they will be invited to submit additional materials such as a portfolio or resume for review by APA’s Certification Committee.

The cost for applying for the CPPS program is $200 USD. This fee covers the cost of processing your application materials as well as providing you with access to exclusive resources such as webinars and networking opportunities with other certified professionals.

Upon successful completion of the CPPS program, applicants will receive an official certificate from APA along with access to exclusive resources such as webinars and networking opportunities with other certified professionals. They will also receive a listing on APA's website which can be used to market their services and showcase their accomplishments.

6. Certified Professional Photo Stylist from the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP)

A Certified Professional Photo Stylist from the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) is a certification that recognizes an individual’s expertise in the use of Adobe Photoshop for creating professional-looking images. To become a Certified Professional Photo Stylist, one must pass a comprehensive exam administered by NAPP. The exam covers topics such as color theory, composition, lighting, and retouching techniques.

The process of obtaining this certification typically takes several months to complete. First, applicants must submit an application to NAPP and pay the associated fees (which range from $200-$400). Once approved, applicants are then given access to the online training materials and practice exams. After studying these materials, applicants must then take the final exam which consists of 50 multiple choice questions and two essay questions.

Once applicants have passed the final exam with a score of at least 80%, they are granted their certification and receive a digital badge that can be placed on their website or other online portfolio sites. This badge serves as proof that they have achieved the highest level of proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and can provide professional services related to photo styling.

The cost for obtaining this certification varies depending on which package you choose; however, most packages range from $200-$400 USD.

7. Certified Professional Photo Stylist from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA)

Certified Professional Photo Stylist (CPP) is a certification program offered by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA). It is designed to recognize and reward professional photographers who demonstrate exceptional skill in styling their photographs. The CPP program is open to all professional photographers, regardless of experience level or specialty.

To become a Certified Professional Photo Stylist, you must first complete an online application and pass a written exam. The exam covers topics such as composition, lighting, color theory, and photo editing. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CPP designation from PPA.

The cost of the CPP program varies depending on whether you are a PPA member or not. For non-members, the fee is $295 USD; for members it is $245 USD. The cost includes the application fee and the exam fee.

It typically takes about 4-6 weeks to complete the entire process of becoming a Certified Professional Photo Stylist (CPP). This includes submitting your application, taking and passing the exam, and receiving your CPP designation from PPA.

8. Certified Professional Photo Stylist from the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC)

The Certified Professional Photo Stylist (CPPS) from the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote excellence in the field of photo styling. The CPPS program was created to raise the standards of professionalism in the photo styling industry, while providing a platform for stylists to showcase their skills and knowledge.

To become a Certified Professional Photo Stylist, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having at least three years of professional experience in the field and passing an exam administered by the ASC. The exam covers topics such as composition, lighting, color theory, wardrobe styling, set design, and more. The exam must be taken at an ASC-approved testing center and can take up to four hours to complete.

Once applicants have successfully passed the exam, they are eligible for certification as a CPPS. This certification is valid for two years and must be renewed every two years with continuing education credits or re-examination.

The cost of becoming certified as a CPPS varies depending on whether you choose to take the exam online or in person at an ASC-approved testing center. If taking online, there is an application fee of $50 plus an examination fee of $150. If taking in person at an approved testing center, there is an application fee of $100 plus an examination fee of $200.

9. Certified Professional Photo Stylist from the International Federation of Photographic Art (IFPA)

The Certified Professional Photo Stylist from the International Federation of Photographic Art (IFPA) is a professional certification program for photographers and stylists who want to demonstrate their expertise in the field of photographic styling. This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge, experience, and proficiency in the art of photographic styling.

To become certified as a Professional Photo Stylist, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having at least two years of professional experience in photography or styling and passing an online exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as lighting techniques, posing techniques, composition and color theory, product placement and styling tips.

It typically takes between six and eight weeks to complete the application process and receive your certificate after passing the exam. The cost for certification is $250 USD.

10. Certified Professional Photo Stylist from the Royal Photographic Society (RPS).

Certified Professional Photo Stylist from the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) is a professional qualification that recognizes and validates the skills of experienced photo stylists. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge, experience, and expertise in the field of photo styling.

The RPS Certified Professional Photo Stylist program requires applicants to have at least five years of experience as a professional photo stylist, as well as a portfolio of work that demonstrates their ability to create successful images. The applicant must also be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of photographic techniques, equipment, lighting, and composition.

It takes approximately three months for an application to be processed and approved by the RPS. Applicants must submit their portfolio along with an application form, which can be found on the RPS website. Once accepted into the program, applicants will receive their certification within two weeks.

The cost for the Certified Professional Photo Stylist program is £250 (GBP). This fee covers all necessary materials and administrative costs associated with becoming certified.

Do You Really Need a Photo Stylist Certificate?

In today’s world, having a certificate in any field of work is becoming increasingly important. Photo styling is no exception. A photo stylist certificate can open up many opportunities for those looking to advance their career in the industry.

Having a photo stylist certificate demonstrates your skill and knowledge in the field. It shows potential employers that you have taken the time to learn about the profession and have invested in yourself to gain additional qualifications. It also shows that you are serious about pursuing a career as a photo stylist and have gone through the necessary steps to become certified.

In addition, a certificate can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or freelance work. Having certification provides employers with evidence that you are knowledgeable and experienced in the field, which can be beneficial when competing against other candidates who may not have the same credentials. Furthermore, it can give you an edge over others because it proves your dedication and commitment to developing your craft as a professional photo stylist.

Finally, having a photo stylist certificate will also give you access to exclusive resources such as workshops, seminars, online courses and more which could help further develop your skillset and broaden your knowledge base within the industry. This could be invaluable if you are looking to stay ahead of industry trends and remain competitive in this ever-evolving market.

In conclusion, having a photo stylist certificate is essential for anyone who wants to pursue a successful career in this exciting field. It will demonstrate your commitment to developing your craft as well as provide evidence of your expertise that could help set you apart from other applicants when searching for jobs or freelance work.

Related: Photo Stylist Resume Examples

FAQs About Photo Stylist Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Photo Stylist?

Answer: To become a photo stylist, you will need to have an eye for detail, creative flair and strong organizational skills. You should also have some knowledge of styling techniques, fashion trends, photography principles and post-production processes. Additionally, it is beneficial to have a degree in fashion design or styling if you wish to pursue a career in photo styling.

2. How long does it take to become certified as a Photo Stylist?

Answer: The amount of time required to become certified as a photo stylist varies depending on the type of certification program you choose. Generally speaking, most programs require at least 6 months of coursework and hands-on practice before you can be fully certified.

3. What topics are covered in Photo Stylist Certification courses?

Answer: Topics typically covered in photo stylist certification courses include color theory, composition basics, lighting techniques, wardrobe selection and styling techniques, product placement and arrangement for still life shots, digital post-processing techniques and more.

4. Are there any special requirements for obtaining Photo Stylist Certification?

Answer: Depending on the program you choose, there may be special requirements such as completing certain number of hours of hands-on experience or passing an exam before being certified as a photo stylist. It’s best to research the specific requirements for the program you are interested in prior to enrolling.

5. What are the benefits of becoming Certified as a Photo Stylist?

Answer: Becoming certified as a photo stylist can open up many new career opportunities and help you stand out from the competition when applying for jobs or freelance gigs. It can also increase your earning potential by demonstrating your commitment to professional excellence and expertise in the field of styling photography images.