• 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.”

If you attended the show, check out your Bridal Gift Bag to find a great offer from Forever Young Photography LLC. But don’t wait too long, the awesome offer expires April 7th so contact me today to set up a time to meet.

Thanks again to all who attended. Also, a BIG thanks to Damian for volunteering to help me out at the show!

Website: I am really exited to start to roll out my new website design.  You will already start to notice changes to my site but please be patient as all the final tweaks are unrolled and the new portfolio section is revealed.  I will give you the “All Clear” when it is all up and running.  :-)  I promise you won’t have to wait long. In the mean time, you can always check out my blog for recent work and to learn more about Forever Young Photography LLC.

Earth Hour: If you have not heard of Earth Hour, you better check out the video below. Forever Young Photography has Pledged our Support for Earth Hour.

Bridal Show: Sunday is the Bass Lake Bridal Show.  March 28, 2010 from 1pm-4pm.  Come and sign up for a chance to win FREE Wedding Photography Coverage from Forever Young Photography!  Hope to see you there!

I wish you and your family a happy, healthy holiday season!!

How cool is this? Snowman greeted you at the door by Snow My Yard:

It was freezing out, but tons of people waited in line to get in:

Toys were coming in left and right:

It was a full house:

Thanks to everyone that came out and for all the donations! Happy Holidays!!

To see all the images from this event, click here.

The goal is to collect 2,000 toys for Wake County children. Gifts are considered your ticket for this event and are donated gift to the Salvation Army. Bring your new unwrapped toy valued at $20 or more or donating $30 cash or check with all proceeds going directly to the Salvation Army of Wake County. Come out for a fun night and help support a great cause.

Learn more at jingleball.org. Want to see pictures from last year – check them out.

I am happy to donate this piece to the organization and hope that it brings in a good amount in the silent auction.   Interested in getting tickets for the event?  Check out the ACS website.  The event takes place this weekend – Saturday October 17, 2009 in Menlo Park, CA.  Tickets for the evening are $100.

More information about how the money raised will be put to good use are listed below.  Check out their website for more information.

“We aspire to make this a successful Inaugural Event with your help. Funds raised at the gala will support American Cancer Society’s cancer research and free community-based patient services such as:

• Provide accurate and timely information to cancer patients, families and caregivers 24/7 through our toll-free hotline: 1-800-227-2345.
• Fund state-of-the-art cancer research projects. This past year alone, American Cancer Society has funded 150 research projects in California totaling over $62 million.
• Give a wig and a makeover to a woman who has lost her hair due to cancer treatment.
• Provide a ride for a cancer patient to a treatment appointment and back home.”

To see more:
2008 Bass Lake Bridal Show
The Lucky Winners
Lauren’s Bridal Portraits
Lauren & Shannon’s Website

When photographing a wedding, a bride had the little notebook above. I thought it was a really cute saying and wanted to share it with you. Do something special today to enjoy the present. Happy Summer!