The truth is we can all be greener in what we do every day whether with our photography or any other activity. Even using a digital camera negatively impacts our environment and greener photography is possible. It should matter to all of us.
Here are some simple ways you can make a difference whether you are a professional photography company like us or an amateur shutterbug who loves taking photos:
1) Share electronically.Friends and clients benefit by getting photos faster and you also eliminate the need to use excessive cd’s/dvd’s, photo paper and ink.
2) Skip the gadgets – Be creative. Use the natural sunlight reflecting off sand and water to complement other lighting techniques. For special effects move around – get down close to the ground, up on a rock – and learn to tweak your camera’s settings. Most people use less than 10% of their camera’s capability!
3) Use quality equipment. High density photo cards, portable hard drives instead of cd or dvd media, and (important in the islands) rust-proof tripods all make a difference in the long run, Quality equipment lasts a long time and that’s a very green thing.
4) Save electricity. Turn off computers and other equipment when not in use and work open-air when viable. In warm places like St John, do any post-production work for photos in the evening when it’s cooler so you can skip the a/c.
5) Recycle old equipment and supplies. Use rechargeable batteries and recycle them locally if you can. Check out options: http://www.call2recycle.org/home.php?c=1&w=1&r=Y Do the same with ink cartridges: https://www.officemaxperks.com/RecyclingProgram.aspx
These suggestions just scratch the surface: Buy supplies in bulk, go paperless, recycle, re-purpose, use green suppliers – the list of what you can do to help goes on and on. Just by thinking about it once in a while, you’ll find yourself naturally being greener each time you lift the camera.
Tropical Focus is proud to be a Certified Greener Photography company – the only one in the entire Caribbean, but we’re hoping others will join this effort soon. We still have a long way to go to reach Premier certification status, but we keep working at it every day knowing it all matters. Sharing tips with you is one way we are doing something positive today.
“Leave only footprints in the sand”. That is something that we can all do to make a difference everyday on our little island. So whether you are photographing our gorgeous landscapes for your scrapbook, planning a beach wedding, or just headed to the beach with lunch and toys in hand for some fun in the sun, please keep that thought in mind. And what could be better for our grandchildren and their future than leaving only footprints in the sand?
Until next time,
Karin and Bob Schlesinger
Your Island Photographers
p.s. – April 22nd is Earth Day. A full week of activities and celebrations are planned starting this weekend all over St. John, neighboring islands and all across the US. Take part and make a difference in your community.
