10 tips on how to be more eco-friendly with your branding photoshoot

Welcome to the newest edition of Feel Brand You.

I`m so glad that our paths crossed and you are reading these lines.

Feel Brand You is an almost weekly dose of inspiration about branding and business building from my point of view, a branding photographer.

Yesterday we celebrated Earth Day, which reminds us of the importance of environmental protection and sustainability.

Following this topic I would like to share my 10 tips on how to make your branding photoshoot more eco-friendly.

1. Choose an outside location so no artificial lights are needed.

The power of natural light is not only visually much more appealing but also environmentally friendly. Unlike artificial lighting sources, natural light requires no energy consumption and produces no harmful emissions. When planning your photoshoots, schedule them during daylight hours or for best lighting in golden hours. Golden hour is when the sun is the most magical as it is close to the horizon on a sunny day so the light appears warmer and softer. It is usually within 1 hour after sunrise and within 1 hour before sunset. I love experimenting with different times of the day and weather conditions when photographing my clients as natural light gives the best results while reducing my carbon footprint.

2. Respect nature and leave no trace!

Unfortunately, this is not obvious to everyone.

When exploring natural areas for photography, follow the principles of "Leave No Trace." Take only photos and leave nothing behind. Avoid trampling vegetation, breaking down leaves, and tree branches or disturbing the environment. Avoid disturbing animals or their habitats, and keep a safe distance while taking pictures. Natalie in the picture saved a little frog during her branding photoshoot.

Take your litter home!

3. Share your photoshoot with your business friend

It is a great way to make your photoshoot more eco-friendly as you share some of the costs, (You immediately qualify for a double booking discount with me) and you reduce the travelling footprint by sharing the car.

You also double the fun! What an amazing way to celebrate your business journey together! You can also "playrole" being each other "clients".

4. Attend a group photo session

I often organise group photography session so I can serve more clients at the same time. It not only makes your photographs more affordable but it can be easier to be photographed with others especially if you are nervous about it. The other ladies probably feel the same as you.

5. Travel sustainable, cycle or carshare

I often travel to my photoshoot on my bike, take my clients with me or encourage them to car share if I photograph more than one person.

My bike could be a great prop too

6. Hire me for your retreat or business event

Why? I create beautiful images for you capturing the emotions and connections so you and your customers don't need to use your devices. It not only reduces your carbon footprint but also helps everyone to engage fully during your event. I had the pleasure to capture the essence of Dr Becki Taylor-Smith retreat last weekend. Becki is a great advocate for how we can look after our planet better and all elements of her retreat reflected her values very well. (More to follow soon)

7. Wear second-hand or borrow clothes

When you decide to have a photoshoot, you don't immediately need to run a buy new clothes. Even when buying second-hand you don’t need to go right on out and buy absolutely everything.? Check for what you already have first before you part with any cash.? Look for lurkers at the back of the wardrobe.

If you decide to buy try online marketplaces, or charity shops first or ask your friends if you could borrow something.

Last year as part of #SecondhandSeptember, I asked my friend, Jo Gaffney who is a big advocate for sustainable fashion to share her advice on how to prepare for your photoshoot more sustainably. Read the article here

8. Use eco-friendly props

The same principle applies to props too. When you decide to have a photoshoot, you don't immediately need to run and buy all the props possible. Check for what you already have first.? I have a big selection of props too that I'm happy to bring along to the photoshoot. Opting for sustainable props can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of your photoshoots.

If you decide to buy props instead of using single-use plastic or non-biodegradable props, consider alternatives such as recycled materials, reclaimed wood, or organic fabrics. These choices not only minimise waste but also add a unique, earthy charm to your photographs. You can incorporate natural elements like plants or landscapes into your backgrounds which can further enhance the sustainability of your branding images.

Instead of using paper confetti, why don't you dry flowers from your garden?

9. Use Eco-Friendly Printing and Production Methods

When printing branding materials or producing physical copies of your photographs, prioritize eco-friendly options. Look for printing companies that use soy-based inks, recycled paper, or other sustainable materials. Consider on-demand printing, which minimises waste by producing only the exact quantity needed.

10. Support Local and Sustainable Suppliers

Prioritize local and sustainable suppliers for props, materials, and location rentals. By supporting local businesses and choosing eco-friendly alternatives, you can minimize transportation emissions and support the growth of sustainable supply chains in your community.

For this group photoshoot, I used a local rental property, flowers from the meadow, catering by a local vegan company, and props provided by me.

If you have further eco-friendly photoshoot tips, please add them below.

Who is Vanda?

Vanda Szabo is one of Worcestershire’s leading multi-award-winning branding photographers for women in business and is passionate about seeing female leaders transform in front of the camera.?

Get in touch if you hate to have your photos taken and need a photographer who gets you and authentically shows your personality.

Click here to boo k a Chat with Vanda.

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