simple steps

Welcome to our compilation of simple but effective ways to make your photography greener! We would love to have your additions - just email us!

You might also like to read this article from American Photo - "Thirteen Ways to be a Greener Photographer" PopPhoto.com article.

Welcome to our compilation of simple but effective ways to make your photography greener! We would love to have your additions - just email us!

You might also like to read this article from American Photo - "Thirteen Ways to be a Greener Photographer."

Energy Conservation:

    * Check the gaskets on your fridge for wear and leakage.

    * Keep your fridge full.  Put bottles filled with water to fill any empty space. The water helps keep the cool in when the door is opened.

    * Keep your cooling temps > 78 degrees and heating to < 68.

    * Invest in renewable energy through carbon-offsets.

    * Inquire with your energy provider about renewable source options.

    * Buy used! Computers, cameras, books, by used whenever possible.

    * Use solar energy sources/equipment.

    * Replace inefficient refrigerators (anything older then 10 years).

    * Use ceiling fans instead of A/C Replace incandescent bulbs with CFLs.

    * Ask your energy provider to conduct an energy assessment.

Water Conservation:

    * Put a bottle filled with water in your toilet's tank to reduce the amount of water used in every flush.

    * Capture the rainwater from your studios gutters and use it to water your garden.

    * Install low flow aerators for sink faucets.

    * Landscape with drought-resistant plants.

    * Install a low-flow irrigation system for your garden.

    * Ask your local water utility to conduct a water audit.

Waste/Pollution Reduction:

    * Don't offer your clients bottled water. Invest in a water bubbler.

    * Start a compost.  Many compostables are accidentally preserved by throwing them in the trash.

    * Re-use your shipping boxes.

    * Re-use your packaging material.

    * Package your boxes with any paper you have to shred in the office.

    * Print on both sides of your paper.

    * Sign contracts electronically and keep them as PDFs.

    * Buy recycled printing paper.

    * Refuse plastic bags when shopping.

    * Bring your own bag.

    * Reduce your mail at catalogchoice.org.

    * Bank online and receive e-statements.

    * Bring electronic waste to a specialized collections center .

    * Bring paint and chemicals to a special collections facility.

    * Bring fluorescent bulbs to a specialized collections facility.

    * Donate your old magazines.

    * Recycle old batteries.

    * Use rechargeable batteries.

    * Recycle toner cartridges.

    * Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to power a television for 3 hours.

    * Recycle your compact fluorescent lightbulbs.

Closer to Nature

Closer to Nature by Jessica Riehl

As photographers we are in a unique position to educate our clientele about our natural resources.   If you are an on location photographer you have the ability to influence your client's decision on where to take their photographs.

Have you ever considered  taking your client to a city, state or national park?  Not only will your photographs be beautiful, but your client may have a much needed respite into the natural world. Our lives are so busy we often forget to include interaction with our green spaces, especially those of us who are city dwellers.    When I take my clients to a state park for their beach photographs; I can't count the number of times they have said ‘...I didn't even know this was here and it is so beautiful.'

Throughout the session you can subtly educate them about the area. Armed and excited about the knowledge of what the park offers, they will be more inclined to return.  Also, any usage fee supports the operating costs of the park.

The more we encourage our clients to seek out areas of natural beauty and  help them learn about green spaces, the more they will be inclined to actively use these wonderful natural resources.  Frequent visits help them develop a genuine concern about its destiny.  High usage rates will also communicate  to the administrators, community and state leaders the importance of the parks and the value of preserving these areas.  If we don't use it we will lose it!

Please consider the following passage:

“We can all benefit from feeling closer to nature, feel the breeze on our skin, watch it move through the trees and the clouds above.  Children who learn about their environment, about the lifecycle of plants and animals and the effect of human beings on the planet we share, develop a greater understanding of life and the delicate balance we must maintain.  Teaching them about nature and their place in it gives them an important sense of connection to the wider world, as well as to what's going on under their feet.” ~Anita Kaushal from her book The Family At Home