benefits of membership

Carli Morgan Shows you how to be a “Greener Photographer”

-by David at PhotoBiz.com

Why we picked Carli Morgan?
We were fortunate to recently meet Carli at this year’s WPPI Convention in Las Vegas and she beemed with excitement. Even though she wasn’t a PhotoBizer at the time, and wasn’t really looking for a new website, I remember her introducing a friend of hers to us. Luckily enough, she decided to jump on-board with us as well. As I learned more about her, we found a true passion of hers was being “Green” and teaching others how to be “Green” as well.

A Little About Carli:
I have owned a camera for as long as I can remember. First a 110, then a disk camera (remember those), followed by a hot pink 35mm. I started out photographing baby dolls, Barbie vignettes, and family vacations. I studied art, specifically oil painting with great frustration before I realized that photography was the medium through which I could best express myself. I had some formal training in college before I decided to just dive in and learn on my own. I now very happily run a wedding and portrait business out of my home and try to balance being a wife, mother, and artist.

I have always tried to live in a way that is kind to the earth, produces less waste and conserves resources. I used to feel that my art was in conflict with that. Photographic prints are made through chemical processes, digital technology is spitting out new products all of the time which replace the old and create waste, etc.

What is “Greener Photography”?
Greener Photography is an organization that provides information on how to be green-ER. They provide list of vendors who offer traditional products with less environmental impact, non-traditional product designed especially to be more eco-friendly, and advice on ways to institute greener practices everyday.

What are Greener practices?
I was certified as a Greener Photographer, Leadership Circle earlier this year. I was surprised by how well I was already doing.

• I had carefully selected vendors such as White House Custom Color, and Finao Albums who have specific policies about environmental practices in place.
• I use DVD proofing in place of paper proofs, which cuts down on paper and chemical usage, and saves landfill space.
• I work out of my home which cuts down on commuter related usages such as fuel.
• I use natural light as my main lighting source, which saves energy.

I could go on and on, but the point is that you may already be headed in a green direction and not even know it. I have heard the argument that photography will never be green, and that these small differences in my practice will have little to no impact. If I were the only Greener Photographer that would be true, but I am not. All of us working together can make a huge difference and set examples for other industries.

Is there a fee to be certified?
Yes there is, and it goes to further the cause and spread the word to other photographers.

Do you need to be certified? I would love it if you were, but don’t let the label determine your practices. Conserve, reuse, live and work in a way that is less wasteful and less harmful. Certification gives you access to discounts and permission to use the logo so that other photographers and clients know where you stand and what is important to you.

Where do you start?
Go to the Greener Photography Website. Check out the list of greener vendors and what makes them so. Spend Earth Day checking out your practices and see where you stand. Find one thing you are doing greener, and one more thing you can do greener. Every single thing you do in a positive direction is a contribution that will make the world a better, cleaner, greener place.

Benefits are greater for each higher level of certification.

Basic Level:

• A thorough member certification process that distinguishes you from your peers and greatly increases your credibility as a Greener Photographer.
• Access to the members-only Discussion Forum
• Use of the prestigious Greener Photography certified logo on your website, promotional material, etc.
• Discounts on products and services of interest to greener photographers
• Targeted market exposure - business listing and website link in the online Member Directory. Increase your sales and your SEO!
• Free subscription to our e-newsletter

Premier Level:

All of the benefits of the Basic level, plus:

• Your business listed before all Basic level listings in your primary state in the Member Directory

• Opportunities for publication on the Greener Photography website and its associated organizations

Leadership Circle Level:

All of the benefits of the Premier level, plus:

• Your business will be featured at the top of your primary county in the member directory

• Opportunity to inspire others as a Greener Photography mentor, presenter, and spokesperson

• Eligibility for Greener Photographer of the Year award

• Opportunity to be featured in the Spotlight of the Month on the Greener Photography homepage