What makes me a green photographer?
Most importantly, it's my passion. But actions speak louder than words so I've listed the actions I take as a green photographer below:
- Offsetting all carbon emissions through Climate Friendly
- Office powered by solar panels that pump electricity back into the grid
- Double checking that I really need to print that email or document before printing. Printing on recycled paper stock.
- Using both sides of the paper to print before recycling each piece of paper in the bin.
- Installing energy efficient light bulbs in the office.
- Turning off computers and other appliances at the wall at the end of the day.
- Sending images for clients via ftp or email instead of burning cd and using courier for delivery, or using a USB stick instead of CD/DVD.
- Ride public transport to meetings and shoots whenever possible.
- I buy certified fair trade and organic tea, coffee and sugar for the office (with organic milk when possible).
- Use plant-based cleaning products and natural home-made cleaning products in the office.
- Purchase my web-hosting from a provider that uses Government accredited Green Power to power their servers.
- Purchasing archival hard-drives that have a casing made with a percentage of recycled materials, and packaging all made from recycled materials.
- Continually researching and using providers of services and products that are also leaders in their field in regards to sustainability.
- All of my Gift Vouchers are handmade made to order, to minimise unneccessary waste of resources, and are made using sustainable materials. Read more about these unique materials and Gift Vouchers in my blog.
What really makes me an environmental photographer is that I am passionate about the environment and making a difference, it's a way of being every day. I'm on a journey of learning and sharing that learning. What my clients connect with is that I am earnest in my wanting to leave the world a better place.
I am active in making choices in my work, and my home life to ensure my actions have as minimal an impact on the earth as possible. I uphold my commitment to sustainability in the studio, and on location, as well as in the office.
Having complete a degree in Biodiversity and Conservation, I have an understanding of what challenges we face in relation to climate change.
Do I offset my shoots?
Yes. I have offset all the emissions listed in the top tier level of recognition by Climate Friendly for a Climate Friendly Business. The requirements for this top tier are to offset emissions created by: vehicle transport, electricity, air travel, paper used, couriers, taxis, and offsite waste disposal.
Offsetting the carbon emissions released by the activities of my business seems natural to me but I am the only photographer I know who has made this voluntary commitment. Where applicable, I calculate the emissions created by the producing the photographs and offer my clients the option to offset the relevant emissions.
I actively make choices in favour of environmentally responsible products and suppliers where possible. I am forever on the lookout for new products that can help me and my clients reduce our carbon footprint. I'm always learning about ways to create superb photographic images that have an environmental conscience.
How do we go about booking a professional photographer?
The process of booking a commercial photographer can be daunting for clients. I am proud to be a member of the AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photographers) commercial division, and adhere to the Code of Ethics in communicating with clients, and in all aspects of my business.
Whether they choose to book me or not, I support my potential clients in the booking process by supplying them with a copy of 'A client's guide to commissioning commercial photography' upon request. It demystifies things such as how to find a photographer, production timelines, the role of quotes and contracts, and that thing called copyright.