BLOG.DOUGFORNER.COM: The Green Wedding Photographer

THROUGH THE LENS

Unique observations and ideas for a FABULOUS wedding

BLOG.DOUGFORNER.COM: The Green Wedding Photographer

The Green Wedding Photographer

Back in the spring, we blogged about the "green" wedding trend and talked about how engaged couples are incorporating their concern for the environment into their wedding. Today, a little "common sense" discussion about how a wedding photographer can do the same. I use the phrase "common sense" because much of what wedding vendors are doing in relation to the "green" trend is based on just that, common sense.

Personally, I have to say it's been fairly easy to address waste issues like packaging and paper products. Photographers have al

ways had many choices when it comes to how they deliver products to their clients, including boxes and bags made from all kinds of materials and delivery methods that focused more on cost, speed or convenience rather than the environment. Now there are simple "greener" choices that can be made--for example, using ground shipping over air, and paper bags made from recycled materials, rather than plastic bags. Plus, the digital revolution in general has made addressing paper and ink usage a "no brainer", since so many couples are opting to go "proof-less" by receiving their wedding images via the Internet or on disk.   Even rethinking the business-side of our operation (billing, contracts, correspondance, etc) to be as "paper-less" as possible has become an effective way for us to reduce our impact on the environment.

Also, there are the aesthetic issues--print papers, albums, mats, frames and other display products and methods. Traditional "prints" are on a type of paper that doesn't decompose--ultimately taking up more room in the landfill. Fortunately there are beautiful paper options that are fiber-based--such as cotton. Some types of papers are now being made with forest-preservation in mind, and they're labeled appropriately.  Album companies are offering more eco-friendly books, including those using recycled or sustainable components. When it comes to framing, we're beginning to see some manufacturers offering products that are better for the environment, especially those offering wood cut with sustainability in mind,  For truly committed "green" photographers, there's the option of making their own framing products, using environmentally-responsible materials.

Then there are the more complicated issues, such as inks, printing processes, disposal and equipment procurement and maintenance.   Photographers can be more conscientious about rushing out to buy every new piece of equipment that comes along, and also about how they choose to dispose of their old gear.   In between those extremes are the many ways photographers can help "reduce, recycle and re-use" equipment.  Also, for those of us who still use photographic labs, most of these companies are more than happy to offer assurances that they abide by all environmental requirements. Many will even outline how they may go above and beyond the basics. On the other hand, many photographers are choosing to print their own images using ink jet printers, which offer several environmental advantages. For press-production, photographers have their choice of manufacturers that offer digital presses rather than offset presses.

There are other environmental concerns, however, that we photographers can't so easily overcome. For example, many newlyweds want their images on CDs and DVDs, which are frowned on by environmentalists. Here again, we can use a common sense approach and choose to lessen the impact by at least incorporating "greener" packaging when our clients request images on disks.

Finally, one item of particular note for you, the engaged couple, as "customers" planning your wedding: some photographers are using environmentalism as a marketing tool, for better or worse, to borrow a familiar wedding day phrase! Many of them are using the "green" moniker simply as a way to set themselves apart from other photographers, in an increasingly competitive market. There's nothing unusual about that strategy! And in this case, it's probably not a bad thing. Other wedding photographers, though, are stressing their concern for the environment as a way to attract a "higher end" clientele--believing those who search out eco-friendly vendors are better educated and more discerning, therefore willing to spend more money (sometimes a lot more) on wedding products and services.

In the end, I think the best "green" approach for photographers, especially right now when technology is changing so fast it's hard to keep tabs on it, has to continue to be common sense. Today's wedding photographers are fairly well versed on the latest trends in their industry and shouldn't hesitate to answer any questions engaged couples have, regarding environmental impact.

For some great sample wedding images, check out my website: http://www.dougforner.com

Doug