Eco-friendly Photographer? How can that be? Here is a list of several ways I try to not make an impact on the environment:
1. Being an advocate is the first step. Many brides don’t really know where to start. By knowing who the environmentally friendly venues are, and which vendors are “green” and referring those specialists can make a big difference. For a list of eco-friendly specialists click HERE.
2. Letterpress and a Website. Rather than send your guests a bulky invitation think about designing something simple and small like a single card 5×5 four-ply cotton rag biodegradable (or even plantable seed paper) letterpressed invite directing them to your website. You could even do a super custom die-cut card that is professionally designed also directing them to your website. Your website would then contain all the necessary info such as location, directions, meal options, an RSVP, your registry, as well as (get this) your engagement photos!
Here is one of my sample sites: www.cheriandryan.com
3. PRO Cards. Something I offer that is a little different from other photographers are PRO cards. PRO stands for Photo Registry Option. You will register for the normal hard goods, but you may consider also offering your guests the opportunity to register for photography services and products. Guests will love the idea of being able to put money towards an heirloom wedding album or a custom canvas artist’s print rather than a blender that will end up in a landfill 20 years from now. The cards that I create are business card size on recycled paper. Here is a sample of what they look like.
4. Locavend. Taken from the new word locavore to mean “someone who eats from local sources and growers” I try my hardest to be a local vendor. While many specialist coin themselves as destination wedding photographers, I like to stay close to home. Of course I like to travel and will do weddings elsewhere but only if I can work in a secondary reason for the flight such as a speaking engagement or family visits. There are so many unbelievably talented photographers in every part of the world. Why would you want to waste all that fuel just to get them to you?
5. Digital Proofs. Many photographers are still providing proof prints. Yes, these little 4×6 or 5×7 proof prints provide a better idea of color balance and quality than online, however they are hugely wasteful. My clients get an average of 1500 images from their wedding of which only 80-100 will go into their album. The other 1400 proof prints tend to end up stored in a box in their garage. Those prints are printed on RC (resin coated) paper that will never biodegrade, ever! The problem with not giving proof prints is that everyone’s monitor is calibrated differently so the photos will look drastically different from monitor to monitor. The solution: see item number 6.
6. Photo Viewing Party. Rather than sending my clients small proof prints, I offer a Photo Viewing Party at my studio where they can invite family and friends to come see all the photos from their event. It is so much fun! Wine, snacks, and a private screening of their event. Reliving it at my studio on a big screen is such a wonderful way to enjoy your day again; especially with the “oohs” and “aahs” from your friends and family!
Jen is a boutique wedding photographer based out of Beverly Hills, California.
She specializes in alternative, photojournalistic wedding photography and is known for capturing the unique definitive moments during your event.
Copyright © 2009 by Jen O’Sullivan http://www.jenosullivan.com