Eco-friendly wedding photography by Exhibit Emotions

Some weeks ago I met up with Dasha of Exhibit Emotions Wedding Photography and we chatted over all sorts of things. Somehow our conversation lead to talking about being an eco-friendly business, something which I can get a little geeky about due to some of the projects I worked on in a previous life! We both got a little enthusiastic and it was lovely to hear how Dasha puts her environmental sustainability aspirations into practice. So I asked Dasha a few questions, some about her life as a wedding photographer as well as some about her approach to being an environmentally conscious business. A blog post from a photographer wouldn’t be any good without some of their images too, so please read on…

Where did your passion for photography begin?

 After graduating from uni I started looking for a job. I studied International Relations, so I was looking for something that would match my education. The recession hit and companies no longer were looking for individuals; they were looking for sales people who could bring money in. I realised that wasn’t my cup of tea and that I didn’t want to be a part of the corporate machine.

I started to look at different creative jobs and soon I was hired as a full-time assistant in a photographic studio. I enjoyed taking photos before as photography was my hobby, but this job gave me a real passion for photographing people. I learned composition, lighting and the main thing – how to engage with people during photo shoots and bring out their personality.

Then my husband and I went travelling around Australia, which was an unforgettable experience, and I quit my job. I wanted more. I wanted to develop my style and I wanted to see smiles on people’s faces when they look at my work. That’s when my hubby got me my first professional camera and I started learning. Everything I know I learned myself by reading and practicing. I learned how to see the light, how to use my camera to capture that light, how to ‘see’ people and capture who they are.

I photographed my first wedding in July 2009 and it’s been a roller-coaster ride since then!

What or who inspires your photography?

I think people I work with – my couples – inspire me more than anyone or anything. I love to see how different every couple is and how perfect some people are for each other. It makes me want to document that. Also nature is very inspiring – it’s pure, strong, real and beautiful, just like love between two people.

If you could photograph a wedding in another country other than the UK, where would it be?

Well, so far I photographed weddings in UK, Russia and Ireland, and have an engagement photoshoot in Paris this year which I’m really excited about. I would love to photograph a wedding/weddings in warm countries, somewhere on a beach or in the countryside maybe, for example on vineyards in France or Italy. I could imagine a wedding like that would be all about love, family, friends, having a great time, good food, good wine and a beautiful place – my ideal wedding! Most of the time though the light is more important to me than the actual location. I absolutely love that soft airy sunlight in the early hours of the morning, or late in the evenings. Makes perfect photographs!

Having an eco-friendly photography business is important to you, why is this?

I think everyone should think about the impact we have on our environment these days. We should take care of the place we live in and preserve all the best what’s left. Ever since I remember myself I always loved documentaries about nature. While growing up I started to realise how devastating us humans are to our planet. So, when I started my photography business 2 years ago, it was only natural for it to be as eco-friendly as possible. It’s not only about business; it’s about our lifestyle choices. I’m also trying to inspire all my couples to be eco friendly when planning their weddings. Incorporating even one eco element to your wedding makes a difference in the long run. And it’s not even that hard!

How do you make your photography business eco-friendly?

Here is how I contribute to make everything a bit greener:

• My business cards are printed on 100% recycled and recyclable paper *so if you want to get rid of my card – please recycle! *
• If you are my bride you will receive your engagement and wedding photos on a dvd in a case made from sustainable organic paper, recycled card or hemp
• Wedding albums for my couples are handcrafted in UK (cutting down the jet fuel) and are the most ‘green’ wedding albums out there. The album presentation box is made of recycled card. Real leather cover is a by-product of meat industry. Archival fine art paper is recycled or bought from sustainable sources. Your album is carefully wrapped up in a sleeve made of natural unbleached cotton
• I communicate with my clients mostly online, and I try not to print anything out unless I really need to. If I do, I make sure it’s printed on paper that is carbon neutral and comes from sustainable forests. Even the wedding contract is filled in by my clients online through my website
• I work from home, and if I need to meet my couples I travel by public transport which helps to reduce carbon emissions
• I do most of my work on a laptop. I charge it, then unplug and only plug it back in when my battery is dying, helps to save electricity
• I buy organic food and try to support local suppliers when I can
• I recycle everything including food leftovers

What changes are you making to your album sourcing in order for it to be more eco-friendly?

When I started to look for eco friendly wedding albums, I wanted to find something beautiful and I didn’t want to compromise on quality for my couples. After a long search I think I’ve found a perfect fine art wedding album. It’s handcrafted in UK, so it helps to cut carbon footprint by not jetting it to you from across the world. The album has environmentally friendly packaging that protects your album, while keeping waste to the minimum. The beautiful presentation box is made of recycled card, fine art paper is recycled or bought from sustainable sources, and real leather cover is a by-product of meat industry. Your album will be wrapped in a sleeve made from natural, unbleached cotton that’s been washed in spring water.

What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do?

I guess the most rewarding aspect of my job is after the wedding, when my couple sees their wedding photographs for the first time. I just love to see how happy they are and happy tears in their eyes! In these moments I get all emotional and teary myself – it’s one of the best feelings in the whole world, honestly! I also get to meet so many different people from all over the world, coming from different backgrounds, with their own stories – I love it!

I’m sure you can see from Dasha’s responses that she is a very down to earth lady, full of passion and creativity! I hope you have enjoyed finding out a little bit about Dasha, her wedding photography and her approach to being an eco-friendly business! Let us know, with your comments below, what your thoughts are on wedding suppliers operating in an environmentally conscious way!

Thank you so much Dasha for taking the time to answer these questions and letting us know a bit about you, your wedding photography business, and for providing some of your beautiful images!

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