Just because you take pictures for a living doesn’t mean you can’t do your part to help the environment. In fact, as a photographer, you have a unique opportunity to make a difference. Here are eight ways you can make your photography more environmentally friendly.
- Use a digital camera instead of a film camera
Digital cameras are better for the environment than film cameras because they use fewer resources and you can see the pictures right away. With a digital camera, you can see exactly what the picture looks like, which makes it easier to take good pictures. You don’t have to worry about wasting film or developing pictures, and most digital cameras use rechargeable batteries.
- Print photos only when necessary
Printing photos can use a lot of paper and ink, which can be bad for the environment. Accordingly, printing photos only when necessary can help reduce the amount of paper and ink that is used, which is better for the environment.
- Choose recycled or recyclable photo paper
If you do decide to print your photos, there are a few things you can do to make them more environmentally friendly. With this in mind, you might be wondering “Can photos be recycled?” and “Are new photos easier to recycle than old photos?”.
Put simply, although newer photos can be recycled, for older photographs, this might not be possible due to the paper and ink that was used. Accordingly, if you do decide to recycle any photos, be sure to check with your local recycling facility it is possible to do so first.
Moreover, one way to help the planet is to choose recycled or recyclable photo paper before printing. Several different brands offer this type of paper, and it’s often available at most office supply stores.
- Use rechargeable batteries in your camera and lighting equipment
Rechargeable batteries are better for the environment because they can be reused multiple times. This means that fewer batteries need to be manufactured, which reduces the amount of pollution caused by battery production. Rechargeable batteries also contain fewer harmful chemicals, which can damage the environment if they are released into the atmosphere.
- Reduce, reuse, recycle – use old materials to create new props and backdrops
Using recycled materials in photoshoots is a fantastic way for photographers to reduce their carbon footprint and help preserve our planet. For example, you can use old newspapers, magazines, or fabric scraps instead of buying new props.
- Travel to photo shoots by bicycle or public transportation
When traveling to photoshoots, there are many ways photographers can be more environmentally friendly. One way is to travel by bicycle, bus or train. However, when traveling by car is the only option, photographers can carpool with others working on the same shoot or invest in an electric or hybrid car. Additionally, when working on shoots, photographers should bring reusable water bottles and snack tubs, instead of relying on disposable items.
- Plant a flower or tree for every photo you print
It might seem like a huge commitment at first, but if you can plant a flower or tree for every photo you print, you’ll be making a significant impact. Over time, this will help reduce deforestation and improve air quality, not to mention the bonus of creating new habitats for wildlife. You could even get friends and family, and other photographers involved to make it even more fun.
- Educate yourself about sustainable photography
Sustainable photography is a way of taking photos that has a minimal impact on the environment. This style of photography can also be used to raise awareness of major social issues such as pollution, declining green spaces, and animal rights. You can learn more about sustainable photography by doing some research online and through photography groups on social media.
Photographers, have a major responsibility to be more environmentally friendly. Not only do their actions impact the environment, but they also send a message to others about how people value the planet and its resources. Can you think of any other ways that photographers can be more environmentally conscious? Get in touch and share your thoughts.
