What Is Green Photography?
Photographers who say they are green or that they offer green photo packages mean they use only digital photo processes. They shoot with digital cameras, and they offer all photos to be proofed digitally. They only print what is requested. This means they are eliminating the use of regular film and the harmful chemicals that are used to develop it. They also cut out paper waste by giving you digital proofs.
Say no to disposable cameras. They produce quite a bit of waste. Even though manufacturers claim that almost all the parts are recyclable, the majority of the cameras still end up in landfills. You also have to develop every single camera, and you have no way of knowing whether the photos are actually good until you have them developed.
Some people will argue that most photographers use digital technology now but they don't label themselves as being green. Digital photographers are quick to label themselves as being green to get a piece of the big ecopie, but practicing green photography means a lot more than just a digital camera and digitally stored photos.
Ask all your guests to take photos with their digital cameras and camera phones and e-mail them to you or post them on photo-sharing sites on the web. You only have to print the ones you really want. You'll save money and resources.
Eco-minded photographers are embracing the new products and technology that make their career and the earth a little greener. New technology makes being green easier than ever, especially for shutterbugs. Even though some photo paper cannot be recycled, it can be made from recycled materials. Red River Paper's Green Pix photo paper is made from 100 percent postconsumer material, and Viastone makes paper from minerals instead of paper pulp.
An up-and-coming technology that may prove to be a very green option for photographers is Zink. Zink paper has color crystals embedded inside, and the use of special printers activates the ink. This will cut down on ink production and wasteful packaging.
Rechargeable batteries, energy-efficient lighting, and solar-powered battery packs are some of the examples of how new technologies are producing better, greener options every day. Green photographers are embracing these new ways in addition to implementing other eco-responsible practices into their businesses and their lives.
