member spotlight

GP: Tell us about the photography you do:
HM: My photographic style is mostly photo-journalistic, with a bit of fun thrown in. I strive to capture my couple's personalities and family dynamics and show them in the best light possible. Though I keep up on trends, I am looking to create fresh, yet timeless images. I'm always trying to stay ahead of the trends and do what others are not. Breaking the rules is fun, especially when people say it can't be done!

GP: In what ways is your company greener?
HM: McKay's Photography has been run behind the scenes with sustainability in mind since the beginning. I feel like every bit helps, especially in this wasteful industry. One of the biggest green things I do is that I only make sample albums/products of couples that I know I will keep in touch with and I gift it to them when I have outgrown its use. Another thing that I do is use USB drives instead of DVDs for client images! Other things include working from home, riding my bike as much as possible, video conferencing with out of town couples, websites instead of brochures with my policies/procedures/info and much much more.

GP: Why did you decide to join Greener Photography? What value do you see in membership/being certified?

HM: Luckily, being green is becoming more and more trendy. I wanted to set myself apart from those that think that if they just drive a hybrid, it makes them greener. There is so much that goes into it and your vehicle is just a small part. Hopefully as this trend gets bigger, my being a member earlier will give my studio the eco-credit it deserves as well as network me with like minded vendors and customers.

GP: How has offering greener products/services and running a greener business benefitted you?
HM: It benefits my bottom line, for one, since I think long and hard before buying new gear, samples, etc. Photographically, it has connected me to some amazing weddings and clients. They tend to be more DYI than cookie cutter, more interesting visually and think outside the box with their locations.

GP: Share a favorite greener website, service, or product:
HM: I LOVE Cypress Albums. They are gorgeous, contemporary without being trendy and easy to order. The price isn't that much higher than my other album companies, yet I get to sleep better knowing that they run their business as sustainable as possible as well. Other than them, I love Rice Studio Supply. They were one of the first that I noticed that broke away from the boring black or white print boxes and all of their products are clean, modern and feel like quality. They add new green items all the time and it is easy to see in their catalog what items are and are not made from post-consumer waste. The canvas album and frame bags go over really well with my customers!
A non-photography related site/product is this awesome gift basket I received from a customer last year... http://www.groundsforchange.com

GP: What are your hopes for a greener photographic industry?
HM: The Photographic industry has put a great toll on the Earth since it's beginning, with dangerous chemicals and constant technological changes. My hope is that Photographers treat their purchases as investments as well as look at the long term use of the items they buy. Even if my customers don't care about being Green, I can provide them with a green element to their experience anyway.

Thanks so much to Rocester NY wedding photographer Heather McKay of McKay's Photography for taking the time to answer our questions!

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We are pleased to share stories of our Greener Photography members.