Great news! Forever Young Photography has been certified as a Premiere Member of Greener Photography, an organization of eco-minded photographers. Here is a brief summary of the application process:

• Certification is only available to professional photographers.
• Complete an intensive application process and submit your environmental policy for your business.
• Further questions and verification of environmental policy.
• To achieve Basic level certification, applicants must demonstrating a sincere effort to integrate a minimum requirement of greener business practices.
• If you qualify for Basic Level certification, you will have the option to apply for the Premiere Level of certification.
• Premiere level members must demonstrate more integrated greener business practices, as well as a greater commitment to the environment by offering greener products.

Core Values stated for the Non-Profit Organization Greener Photography: “Photography is an art form that allows each of us to interpret the world around us. The nature of our tools and traditional materials makes photography a high-tech field; it is an energy-intensive activity. We believe that we can make our high-tech field more green by implementing environmentally-friendly practices, and encouraging suppliers to do the same.

• Preservation conserves all of the resources that go into creating photographic images. It is the single best thing we can do to reduce the impact of our photographs.
• Reduction: Reduce, Re-use, Recycle. While we are trying to produce the most archival products in our industry, we will do so while using the least energy-intensive products available.
• Local Production: Shipping and transport are some of the biggest sources of pollution. Anything that can be produced, manufactured and assembled locally will have a significantly lower environmental impact than components manufactured overseas.
• Cruelty-Free: Animals and people are as much part of the eco-system as water, air, and trees. We do not see a difference between environmentally harmful products and those produced in harmful working conditions.
• We want to drive the industry standards for environmental awareness and pollution reduction.”