Greetings to all the wonderful families in Hampshire, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Surrey and beyond! As a maternity, baby, cake smash, and family photographer, I understand the importance of preserving precious moments for a lifetime. However, my passion extends beyond capturing beautiful images – it also involves a commitment to sustainability. In this blog post, let me share with you how I try to run my photography business in a way that aligns with environmental consciousness and contributes to the well-being of our planet.
Before becoming a professional photographer, I worked in the environmental sector. I studied Environmental Management at undergraduate and postgraduate level, before starting my career. I worked for the Department of the Environment, then the Campaign to Protect Rural England and finally RenewableUK, formerly the British Wind Energy Association. My hobby has always been photography and after having our two children, I decided to have a change of career and so started H Jones Photography in 2017.
Any activity will have some sort of environmental impact. It is very rare for a business not to have some kind of negative impact, through its use of resources, including energy and production processes or supporting local suppliers, thus reducing the need for excess transportation. I am constantly learning new ways to make my photography business more sustainable and below I have listed some of the things I am doing already. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them! Get in touch via my Contact Page.
Every photoshoot is an opportunity to create lasting memories, but in my garden photography studio near Andover, I need to use electricity, for heating, lighting and running my equipment. As I have a garden studio, I have complete control over where the energy comes from for our electricity. I choose an electricity supplier which provides energy from 100% renewable power. This provides all of the energy requirements for my business, including heating. In doing so, I strive to minimise my carbon footprint without compromising on the quality of your photographs.
Preserving memories often involves turning them into tangible keepsakes. I collaborate with environmentally responsible printing labs that use recycled and FSC-certified materials. Your beautiful family portraits and baby photos can be cherished in a way that doesn't harm the environment. The professional photo lab I choose to use, Digitalab, is committed to minimising the impact of their operations on the environment and pledge to demonstrate a leadership in the critically important area of sustainability. From their production processes, internal procedures, purchasing policies, sourcing of materials and distribution of products, they promise to continuously scrutinise these operations for improvement and consideration of environmental considerations.
Now for the very exciting part! For every wonderful piece of Wall Art or Framed Print you purchase from me, a tree will be planted to help replace the wood and energy used in construction of that product!
Embracing the digital age, I provide online galleries for you to view and share your images conveniently. This not only reduces the need for excessive paper usage but also eliminates the carbon footprint associated with physical product delivery. Your photos can be accessed and enjoyed at the click of a button via my super cute Mobile Gallery App.
In an effort to reduce unnecessary travel and carbon emissions, I offer virtual consultations for planning and discussing your photoshoot. This not only saves time but also contributes to a more sustainable approach to client communication.
I believe that beautiful photos can be created without contributing to excessive waste. I don't buy loads of props and many of those used in my cake smash and newborn baby photoshoots are sourced from thrift stores or repurposed items. This also adds a vintage touch to your photos and I even have a little wooden chair that I sat in as a child!
By embracing minimalist aesthetics and nature-inspired themes, I aim to create timeless photographs that focus on the subject of the photo - your family - without the need for excessive props or elaborate setups. My philosophy is very much, "less is more".
I actively collaborate with local businesses that share a commitment to sustainability. From sourcing props to partnering with eco-friendly printing labs, my goal is to contribute to the local economy while promoting environmental responsibility. For example, I choose to buy hand-made knitted baby hats and outfits from local crafters, rather than buying mass-produced items from global corporations, such as those beginning with an A...
I run seasonal outdoor photoshoots in the beautiful Hampshire countryside. I run Bluebell Photoshoots in the Spring and Lavender Field Photoshoots in the Summer.
I am currently investigating the best way to donate a portion of the proceeds from my photography business to supporting local environmental initiatives and charities. I believe in giving back to the community and helping to create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
In the heart of Test Valley, where nature's beauty surrounds us, I am dedicated to capturing your family's special moments while minimising our impact on the environment. By choosing my photography services, you are not only investing in timeless memories but also supporting a business committed to sustainable practices. Let's create beautiful memories together while taking steps towards a greener and more sustainable future.
If you're ready to embark on a photography journey that aligns with your values, contact me today for a consultation. Together, let's capture moments and preserve the planet in the process.
