![\"\"](\"\/export\/Morag_391686031_681342521-135x100.jpg\")
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\nMorag and Ted exhibit their work around the globe. The natural world inspires much of their imagery, with impressionistic depictions of land and sea sitting alongside more realistic work from projects such as Zero Footprint. They lead photographic trips and workshops, as well as running mentoring programs and portfolio reviews. Visit www.leemingpaterson.com<\/a> or @mog_pat<\/a> on Instagram.<\/p>\n It\u2019s been more than a decade since Morag Paterson and Ted Leeming decided to create a series of landscape photographs from the patio outside their low-carbon house in Castle Douglas, Scotland. The views from this eco home are impressive \u2013 Galloway Forest Park stretches out below, with Carsfad Loch and the Rhinns of Kells appearing in the distance. But that\u2019s not to say it has been easy; most landscape photographers rely on wideangle lenses and strong foreground interest to communicate their message, whereas Morag and Ted had to rely on telephoto lenses to pick out details. \u2018Although we have a great view, the lay of the land doesn\u2019t lend itself to traditional landscape compositions,\u2019 confirms Morag, \u2018so we had to wait for atmospheric conditions to give us a hand, with cloud, light and mist reframing elements of the view.\u2019<\/p>\n\t\t Repeatedly photographing a local view helps build a connection with your surroundings. Photo: Morag Paterson and Ted Leeming<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Limiting themselves to a fixed position helped Morag and Ted to build a unique relationship with the landscape. \u2018If you make your limitation a local one, there are enormous benefits in being able to visit a place repeatedly, getting to know it over time and through the seasons,\u2019 says Morag. She is quick to point out that while they were blessed with a picture-postcard vista, zero-footprint projects can be attempted wherever you live. \u2018It\u2019s all about building a connection with your surroundings,\u2019 she urges. \u2018Decide on a project that\u2019s right for your space or place. You might have to think more laterally, creatively or abstractedly \u2013 it depends on your situation.\u2019 The project has proved so rewarding that the pair has extended it to include shots taken from the balcony of their smallholding in Liguria, Italy. \u2018The diversity between the two locations is marked,\u2019 explains Morag. \u2018It\u2019s less wild than our Scottish view, as the hillsides are dotted with villages.\u2019<\/p>\n\t\t Above: Atmospheric conditions can transform a view \u2013 it\u2019s all about waiting for the right moment to capture it in its best light. Photo: Morag Paterson and Ted Leeming<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Morag and Ted\u2019s Scottish home is powered by a wind turbine, while the land that surrounds them is gradually reverting to native woodland \u2013 thanks to the planting of more than 3,000 trees. A polytunnel also provides vegetables all year round. It\u2019s an idyllic setup, which the couple hopes to replicate in Italy. To boost their eco-credentials further, by the end At present, Morag is involved in a remote residency scheme run by Arts Territory Exchange, which pairs artists in wilderness locations with others across the globe. \u2018One of the concepts we are exploring is \u201cthe journey not travelled\u201d and how we can experience a place without physically being there,\u2019 she reveals. \u2018It\u2019s been encouraging to see some The pair will continue to run workshops in Scotland and Italy for people who are happy to arrive by eco-friendly means. They also offer remote tuition, geared towards photographers who want to develop their creative vision and explore their local landscapes. \u2018Aside from the straightforward documentary approach of showing melting glaciers, drought-stricken land and deforestation, telling individual and personal stories is important,\u2019 says Morag. \u2018We run a website called Zero Footprints, which raises funds for climate charities through print sales, while providing a platform for photographers to tell specific stories about how climate change affects places and people directly.\u2019<\/p>\n Morag and Ted\u2019s book, Zero Footprint, features work from the first five years of the project (focusing on Scotland), and is available now.<\/p>\n Photo: Morag Paterson and Ted Leeming<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n 1 Consider if your journey is necessary.<\/strong> All of us travel to some extent, so finding an authentic, sustainable way to offset carbon emissions is important. But it should never be seen as a \u2018get-out-of-jail-free card\u2019.<\/p>\n 2 Reduce your consumption.<\/strong> If you have to buy equipment, consider the second-hand market. I would love to see the photographic industry marketing their goods based on longevity rather than drip-feeding us upgrades year on year.<\/p>\n 3 Be efficient with digital.<\/strong> Every email or picture you send, and every browsing enquiry you make, has a carbon footprint. To find out more see the infographic The Carbon Footprint of the Internet at www.climatecare.org.<\/a><\/p>\n When Andy Rapkins became a full-time professional photographer, he was shocked at how quickly his mileage began to mount up. Around the same time, he and his family had been looking at ways to minimise their impact on the planet, so it made sense to apply what he had learnt to his business.<\/p>\n \u2018I decided to look at every aspect of my company to make sure I was adopting eco-friendly approaches,\u2019 he recalls. \u2018As well as the steps I was taking myself \u2013 carbon offsetting, green energy etc \u2013 I was able to find suppliers and businesses who had similar ideas.\u2019<\/p>\n\t\t Couples don\u2019t just search locally for photographers these days. Photo: Andy Rapkins<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Being an eco-friendly wedding photographer is not without its challenges. The biggest, according to Andy, concerns travel. \u2018Couples don\u2019t just search locally any more; they look for a photographer whose style they love on a national or even international basis,\u2019 he reveals. This trend has been fuelled by wedding blogs and inspiration sites such as Pinterest, as well as the fact that couples often choose to get married outside of their own locality. \u2018Wedding photographers sometimes work quite a distance from their home base, which makes getting to venues on time, and in an organised way, challenging,\u2019 admits Andy. To add to the tricky logistics, many weddings are held in rural locations, which makes using public transport near impossible.<\/p>\n All of these factors mean that a car is essential, but there are still things they can do to minimise their impact on the environment. \u2018When driving is the only option, I share lifts where possible, and log my mileage for carbon offsetting,\u2019 says Andy. \u2018I work abroad at times and I try to apply the same rules there \u2013 I have to say, getting the train around Europe is an enjoyable part of reaching a destination! The next step for me is buying an electric vehicle. Technology is improving all the time and they are becoming more affordable \u2013 but I might have to make do with an electric skateboard first!\u2019<\/p>\n\t\t Photo: Andy Rapkins<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Andy has taken a number of other steps to ensure that this business is as eco-friendly as possible. Meetings with clients and suppliers are mostly held online, while wedding albums and materials are predominantly sourced from the UK. What\u2019s more, the paper he uses comes from FSC certified and managed forests. He has made great progress, but one area he still struggles with is equipment. \u2018Photography has always carried some environmental impact, whether it be the use of chemicals for processing or the polluting materials used in manufacturing electronic equipment,\u2019 he says. \u2018Some people claim that a lack of chemical usage with digital imaging makes it eco-friendlier, but it could be argued that the rapid depreciation of digital equipment is equally, if not more, damaging. Whichever side of the argument you fall on, we all need tools to do our job.\u2019<\/p>\n Being an eco-friendly photographer doesn\u2019t mean big sacrifices or changes to your lifestyle; it\u2019s more about awareness, subtle changes and adaptability. If you\u2019re open to new ways of working, the rewards are manifold. Andy, for one, has found new clients who were initially attracted by his eco-credentials. \u2018Couples are aware that a lot goes into their day in terms of logistics and materials and they are looking for venues and suppliers that fit their eco-friendly brief,\u2019 says Andy. \u2018My eco-credentials have brought new clients to me, as well as strengthening relationships with suppliers that follow the same ethos.\u2019<\/p>\n\t\t Often, couples have an eco-friendly brief for their special day. Photo: Andy Rapkins<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n 1 Think before you upgrade.<\/strong> Avoid replacing gear for the sake of it. I\u2019m quite tough on my equipment and typically go through a change every two years. Even though it\u2019s well used by then, I always try to sell it rather than waste it.<\/p>\n 2 Use suppliers with green credentials.<\/strong> UK-sourced albums have always been part of my product line, but I also make sure I use paper that\u2019s certified to be from forests 3 Keep everything tiptop.<\/strong> Your equipment will last longer if it\u2019s well maintained, so check cameras and lenses regularly for issues.<\/p>\n When you book Matt Badenoch for your wedding, you receive a rather unusual gift \u2013 this enterprising photographer plants an oak tree in the National Forest for every couple that hires him.<\/p>\n \u2018The idea has proven surprisingly popular,\u2019 he reveals. For Matt, one of the main challenges of being a photographer is managing time, so this quick gesture is a great way of adding value while boosting eco-credentials. \u2018There is a lot you can do that doesn\u2019t cost much and is actually very convenient,\u2019 he assures. \u2018Offsetting carbon from flights, for example, is easy \u2013 there are plenty of carbon calculators and carbon-neutral initiatives online.\u2019<\/p>\n\t\t For every couple that hires Matt, he plants a tree for them in the National Forest. Photo: Matt Badenoch<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Every time Matt flies, he uses a carbon calculator to measure the footprint of his journey, and then donates money to environmentally friendly initiatives. When he attends shoots in London or other UK cities, he uses public transport where possible. \u2018An added bonus is that I can use this time to relax or work,\u2019 he enthuses.<\/p>\n To reduce his mileage still further, he uses video calls for meetings and mentoring. Another wise move was going paperless. \u2018I\u2019ve actually found digital options to be more convenient, while offering greater peace of mind in the form of cloud backups,\u2019 he confirms.<\/p>\n\t\t Photo: Matt Badenoch<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n Like all of us, Matt uses energy, but he tries to reduce the impact of his gas and electricity consumption by opting for a renewable energy supplier. Matt also has a cost-saving suggestion when it comes to acquiring equipment. \u2018I rarely buy new, unless something really needs replacing. But when I do upgrade, I rent (or borrow) first to make sure I will be investing in gear I will get full use out of.<\/p>\n According to Matt, we don\u2019t need to make huge lifestyle changes to have a positive impact on the environment. \u2018Millions of people doing a little will have a greater impact than hundreds doing a lot,\u2019 he suggests. \u2018Convenience is a priority for many people in today\u2019s world, so I like to show them how easy it is to make small changes, which might lead to enormous gains. Climate change is a huge threat to current and future generations, and sadly governments are proving slow to act. I believe that as individuals we need to take what steps we can, in our personal lives and in our businesses, to reduce our impact on the planet.\u2019<\/p>\n\t\t Photo: Matt Badenoch<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n 1 Find a new way.<\/strong> Ecosia is a search engine that donates 80% of its profits to organisations that focus on reforestation. On average, for every 45 searches carried out it plants one tree.<\/p>\n 2 Rent first.<\/strong> If you\u2019re thinking about upgrading your camera kit, rent or borrow first \u2013 that way you\u2019ll be 100% sure that it\u2019s right for you. Where possible, buy used equipment.<\/p>\n 3 Join the ripple effect.<\/strong> If enough people support eco-friendly initiatives, they become a smart business move. It might not seem the best motive, but action is what counts.<\/p>\n Keep vampires at bay<\/strong><\/p>\n When you leave a plug in a socket, even if it\u2019s not switched on, it draws electricity. This is known as vampire (or standby) power. Unplug battery chargers, lights etc when not in use.<\/p>\n Share the burden<\/strong><\/p>\n Ask yourself if your journey is really necessary. If it is, consider using public transport or sharing a lift. If you need to take a flight or travel further afield, offset your carbon emissions using a reliable and trustworthy scheme.<\/p>\n Trade in and trade up<\/strong><\/p>\n Consider investing in used gear. Companies such as MPB make it easy to buy, sell or trade in your equipment. The money you save could be put towards a course that will improve your work far more than extra megapixels.<\/p>\n Dispose of equipment responsibly<\/strong><\/p>\n If your camera has bitten the dust \u2013 and you\u2019ve looked into schemes such as Camera Rescue (www.camerarescue.org) \u2013 make sure you dispose of it safely. Check online for recycling centres that deal with electrical waste.<\/p>\n Fix a date online<\/strong><\/p>\n Conduct as many meetings as you can electronically. Sure, there will be a few hiccups, but stick with it and you will win eco-friendly brownie points, as well as saving money on travel expenses.<\/p>\n Vote with your wallet<\/strong><\/p>\n Every time you spend money, you are effectively voting for the kind of world you want to live in. Where possible, buy from eco-friendly companies. It takes Think local<\/strong><\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re ordering props, wedding albums or outdoor clothing, source goods from the UK (if you live Make a change<\/strong><\/p>\n Switch to green electricity (power produced by renewable sources such as wind, solar and hydro). While you\u2019re at it, look in to green banking (businesses that make sure your money is invested in schemes that seek to protect the environment).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Recent events have triggered our survival instincts, encouraging us to focus on basics such as obtaining food, seeking shelter, and protecting our finances and health. But while we have been concentrating on our primitive needs, nature has been enjoying a break from human interference. Staying indoors indefinitely is not the solution to climate change. A […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":139020,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[375,311],"tags":[],"product-category":[],"class_list":["post-137735","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-expert_advice","category-articles"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"\/export\/Glenhoul_190811_1031_391689781_681342521.jpg\")
\t\t\t![\"Eco](\"\/export\/Glenhoul_101209_0050a_391688991_681342521.jpg\")
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\nof 2020 they will stop running workshops requiring air travel. \u2018Last year we took part in an artists\u2019 residency exploring the hydro-electric scheme started in our glen in the 1930s,\u2019 explains Morag. \u2018We spent a lot of time researching facts relating to climate change and biodiversity loss. At the end of that, we couldn\u2019t justify continuing to fly, either for work or pleasure; neither could we encourage others to by attending our workshops.\u2019<\/p>\n
\nof the fantastic projects that have come out over the years.\u2019<\/p>\nMorag and Ted\u2019s <\/strong>eco friendly photography tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n\t\t
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\t\t\tAndy Rapkins<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"\/export\/Andy_Rapkins_391694191_681342521-135x100.jpg\")
Favouring a natural, documentary-style approach, Andy Rapkins has captured hundreds of weddings across the UK and Europe. He\u2019s based in Dorset and has a great affinity with the sea, finding it a source of calm, inspiration and fun. In a world with depleting resources, Andy feels obliged to look for ways that he can reduce his carbon footprint. Visit www.andyrapkins.co.uk<\/a> or on Instagram @andyrapkins<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Andy](\"\/export\/Andy-Rapkins-Portfolio-004_391694152_681342521.jpg\")
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\t\t\tAndy\u2019s eco friendly photography tips<\/h2>\n
\nthat are managed by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).<\/p>\nMatt Badenoch<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"\/export\/matt-badenoch-headshot_391744492_681342521-135x100.jpg\")
Wedding photographer Matt Badenoch has an unobtrusive approach that allows him to blend in and capture those in-between moments that make a day special. He likes to keep things fun and relaxed and is as comfortable at a festival wedding as he is at a more intimate venue. See www.mattbadenoch.com<\/a>, follow him on Instagram @mattbadenochphoto<\/a> or Facebook Matt Badenoch Photography<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"\/export\/mattbadenoch-1_391744501_681342521.jpg\")
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\t\t\tMatt\u2019s <\/strong>eco friendly photography\u00a0tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How to be an eco-friendly photographer<\/h2>\n
\na little research, but it\u2019s worth it.<\/p>\n
\nin the UK!). In addition, paper stocks should come from FSC certified and managed forests.<\/p>\n