Rebecca Wilkowski Photography is proud to be participating in this year’s Green Festival……the first green photographer and green wedding provider to ever exhibit at the San Francisco event!

Our studio is certified green by Greener Photography and is one of only 11 photographers in the country approved to be part of Green America’s Green Business Network. We are also an approved member of the Green Chamber of Commerce, Green Bride Guide, and Green Wedding Providers. Rebecca has received international recognition for her work, and particularly enjoys photographing weddings and working for environmental non-profits and local green businesses such as the Environmental Defense Fund, Veritable Vegetable, San Francisco Community Power, and others.

Rebecca Wilkowski Photography will be co-exhibiting with the following green vendors: Gorgeous and Green Events (sustainable wedding decor & floral), Karine Brighten Events (eco-friendly event planning), Sugar Beet Sweets (San Francisco’s first vegan bakery), and MyGoodGreetings.com (eco-friendly/recycled invitations). Each vendor has been hand selected for their high quality products/services and their green business practices and certification. Be sure to check us out at Booth #1014.

Green Fes­ti­val®, the nation’s largest sus­tain­abil­ity event, returns to the San Fran­cisco Con­course Novem­ber 6–7. This year’s Green Fes­ti­val theme is ‘Engage­ment,’ with excit­ing new ways to shop green, be inspired, get engaged and give back. Com­mu­nity mem­bers enjoy infor­ma­tive, insight­ful speak­ers, incom­pa­ra­ble green shop­ping, cut­ting edge eco-innovations, great live music, fun and edu­ca­tional fam­ily activ­i­ties, hands-on work­shops, organic wine and beer and deli­cious, local veg­e­tar­ian cui­sine.

Ten stages and pavil­ions give atten­dees the oppor­tu­nity to engage with 125 local experts and nationally-renowned authors, actors, lead­ers, edu­ca­tors, farm­ers and vision­ar­ies. Excit­ing keynote speak­ers include Bill McK­ibben, Amy Good­man, Thom Hart­mann, John Perkins, Dolores Huerta, Gil Friend, Karen Stew­art, Howard Brown, Kirk Boyd, Starhawk, Penny Liv­ingston, Ibrahim Abdul-Matin, Ari Der­fel, Daniel Pinch­beck and many more.

Green Festival’s mis­sion is to inspire and inform as many peo­ple as pos­si­ble to help make our world more just and sus­tain­able.

“Green Fes­ti­val has some­thing for every­one,” says Green Fes­ti­val Board Mem­ber and Green Amer­ica Direc­tor, Denise Ham­ler. “Whether you go to shop, learn, try new organic foods or expe­ri­ence art and music, this event has it all, with the goal to moti­vate every per­son to think, par­tic­i­pate and make more planet-friendly, sus­tain­able choices in their every day lives.”

A project of Green Amer­ica and Global Exchange, two lead­ing non­profit orga­ni­za­tions ded­i­cated to envi­ron­men­tal and social jus­tice for more than twenty-six years, Green Fes­ti­val serves as a foun­da­tion to explore and build sus­tain­able solu­tions to ben­e­fit com­mu­ni­ties and the envi­ron­ment, dis­cover new environmentally-friendly prod­ucts and prac­tices and con­nect with like­minded indi­vid­u­als from all over the nation.

Green Fes­ti­val demon­strates an unmatched com­mit­ment to reduc­ing envi­ron­men­tal impact by reusing, recy­cling or com­post­ing 95 per­cent or more of fes­ti­val waste through the efforts of full-service green event man­age­ment com­pany Seven-Star Events.

To pur­chase tick­ets to Green Fes­ti­val or for more infor­ma­tion, visit http://greenfestivals.org.

Tips and Information from Certified Green Photographer Rebecca Wilkowski

by Tricia Goss, Featured Green Contributor; Featured Food & Wine Contributor, Associated Content

Photographers have an affinity for nature. If you are a professional photographer or simply love to snap photos of scenes that catch your eye, you do so because you want to share the beauty and appeal that you perceive in the setting. Perhaps this is why green photography makes so much sense.

What is green photography? Photographer Rebecca Wilkowski provides a definition.

“It’s pretty simple, actually,” says Rebecca. “A ‘green’ photographer is one who has assessed the impact his/her company has on the environment and who chooses to use environmentally sustainable and socially responsible practices in an effort towards lessening this impact.”

Rebecca should know. She is a certified green photographer.

Rebecca did not start out as a green photographer, though. After moving from the Midwest to California in the late 90′s, she became interested in green living through her new friends.

“I was really intrigued by how important fitness and health was to so many people here,” she says. “I quickly made friends with people who really placed an importance on healthy living, and living in harmony with their surroundings. In some respects, I had to un-learn a lot of what I was taught growing up.”

Eventually, her new habits became a way of life. This, in turn, began to affect her work.

“When I moved to San Francisco in 2004,” shares Rebecca, “I attended the San Francisco Green Festival. It was then that I realized that I could apply the principals of green living in my daily life, to those of my business. It took me about two years of research, and a lot of trial and error, in order to change my business to being more environmentally friendly.”

So what is it about Rebecca’s methods that qualify her as a green photographer? She modified her business practices and became certified by Greener Photography, which is a non-profit organization that seeks to lessen the environmental impact of the photography industry. She is also a member of Green America’s Green Business Network, Greener Photography, Green Chamber of Commerce and Green Bride Guide.

Why should you consider green photography?

“With over 155,000 professional photographers in the United States,” says Rebecca, “the photography industry is simultaneously experiencing its largest ecological footprint in its 200-year history. By going green, not only are you opening yourself up to a new segment of customers who are looking to hire eco-friendly vendors, but by implementing some simple energy and cost saving steps, you’ll be helping the environment and your bottom line.”

There are green photography steps you can begin to take immediately.

“Going green may be easier than you think,” reveals Rebecca. “Even small steps can have an impact.”

Here are Rebecca’s thorough yet practical tips for any photographer wishing to go green:

• Recycle – Think paper, cans, glass, plastics, batteries, ink cartridges, paper, mail, and office supplies. It’s all fair game!

• Reduce Waste – Use only what you need. Offer online galleries in lieu of paper proofs. Deliver contracts, invoices and receipts as PDFs.

• Reuse Materials – Use rechargeable batteries and solar powered battery chargers. Consider purchasing recycled, used or re-furbished computer hardware, office machines, camera equipment and office furnishings.

• Save Energy – Use the standby mode (or turn off) electrical equipment when not in use, install dimmer switches and CFLs, keep the thermostat below 70 degrees, install low flow toilets and faucets.

• Cut Your CO2 – Got a destination wedding or event? Purchase carbon offsets to lessen the footprint of your travel. Use public transportation, carpool, or ride a bike to run errands and meet clients. You’ll be surprised how the good fresh air and sunshine will make you feel. And, you might even get there quicker!

• Shop Local – When you shop locally, not only are you reducing the pollutants and other expenses involved in the long-distance manufacturing and shipping of products, but you are also doing your part to support the local economy.

• Don’t Be Trashy – Before you toss old or used items into the trash, consider posting them on websites like Freecycle.com or Craigslist.org, or donating them to charity. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!

• Choose Eco-Friendly Vendors – Does your lab offer eco-friendly products or paper? Are your frames made from sustainable materials? How many of your vendors are employing green practices?

• Ask Questions – Do you really need to purchase a new item, or can it be rented or bought used? If you must buy new, is the item available in an eco-friendly version, or from a local retailer?

• Create Partnerships – Connect with other local/green-certified, businesses. These relationships often lead to lucrative referrals.

• Get Certified – Many local, national and industry-specific organizations are available to certify green businesses. Certification not only recognizes you for your achievement, but it also sets you apart from your competition.

• Keep on Learning – Going green doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a result of thoughtful choices and changing one’s habits. For tips on how you can be more eco-friendly, check out National Geographic’s Green Guide or attend the annual Green Festival in a city near you.

• Donate to an Environmental Non-Profit – Whether you choose to donate your time, or a portion of your earnings, organizations such as the Environmental Defense Fund, Sierra Club, World Wildlife Federation, Friends of the Urban Forest and Greenpeace are just a few of many great organizations you can support.

Visit Rebecca Wilkowski’s blog for links to the organizations with which she is affiliated, as well as links to her photography portfolio. For more on green photography, check out GreenerPhotography.org.

(Click here to read this article on Associated Content. I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see more Green/Eco-friendly blog posts, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me.)

Bride Chic is the fabulous blog of couture wedding fashion designer, Amy-Jo Tatum. Amy-Jo has been a columnist for San Francisco Art and Fashion News and written articles for The Wedding Gazette. She founded The Design Project of San Francisco, a networking organization of fashion professionals collaborating their skills and talents on projects. She’s currently working on a book called—you guessed it—’Bride Chic’, all about that white gown and very special designer/client relationship. Want to see more of her fabulous gowns? Check out her site at www.amyjotatum.com

To read the article on my company in full, please visit Bride Chic. I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see more Wedding Photography, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me.

About the Couple:
Sarah and Anthony met while they were students attending the Art Institute of California in Santa Monica. Anthony works in film and Sarah is an artist. According to their photographer, Rebecca Wilkowski, Sarah and Anthony are “stylish, young, and fun, and with a great aesthetic as they are both artists…” In college, the couple had the same circle of friends, but somehow managed not to meet each other for three months. Then, late one night at the end of a party, Sarah showed up and Anthony was smitten. A week into dating, Anthony asked for her hand in marriage but she promptly said “no.” After 3 1/2 years of asking, Sarah finally said yes! They tied the knot on January 31, which is Sarah’s grandparents’ wedding anniversary. They thought it would be a nice tribute to them, as they have been happily married for more than fifty years.

The Decision to Go Green:
The couple’s shared love of nature led them to throw a gorgeous green wedding. Anthony loves to write, draw, and go camping. Sarah likes hiking, camping, riding horses, and all things outdoorsy. They invited a group of close friends to keep their wedding day small and simple, very in tune with the outdoors. Using their creativity and working with the gorgeous scenery of their venue, Anthony and Sarah incorporated their unique personal styles into their celebration.

Venue:
Before the wedding, the couple stayed at the Claremont Resort Hotel and Spa.  The ceremony took place at Tilden Park in the East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden, a naturally stunning and serene living museum of California’s native plant species. This garden encompasses many of the state’s rare and endangered plants and is a place for visitors to wander among trees, shrubbery, and flowers from different plant communities throughout the state. Sarah and Anthony had both always wanted to get married outside, and the gorgeous Botanical Garden seemed like the perfect place.

Rings:
Anthony and Sarah chose a green and meaningful option for their wedding rings—they exchanged vintage rings that had belonged to Anthony’s grandmother.  This idea is eco-friendly, and offers a way for the bride and groom to make a special connection to important family members.

Florist:
The couple decided to use a local, family-owned and operated florist, Darling Flower Shop, for their floral arrangements. The Darling Flower Shop came highly recommended and created the gorgeous succulent bouquets that Sarah wanted. The yellow flowers in the bouquet are wattles, Australia’s national flowers, which perfectly represent Sarah because she is from Sydney, Australia and yellow is her favorite color.

Reception Food:
Sarah and Anthony both love Italian food, and Oliveto, close to Oakland, CA is their favorite restaurant in the whole city for Italian cuisine. Sarah’s heritage is English and Italian, so it fit very well and was a natural choice for their reception dinner. The venue created a delicious menu of fresh, local and certified organic foods for the bride, groom, and their guests.

Table Linens and Decorations:
The couple rented their table linens and decorations, an option that is both budget and eco-friendly. The white tablecloths added to the simple, elegant look that Sarah and Anthony created.

Entertainment:
Instead of having a live band, Sarah and Anthony decided to use their iPod for music as a money-saving strategy. They made their own playlists and hand picked songs that were meaningful to their relationship, as well as their friends and family.

Cake:
Sarah and Anthony wanted an Alice in Wonderland type cake, unique and a little silly, similar to the Mad Hatter’s hat.  Fortunately, they had a close family friend who was willing to make the beautiful cake from scratch. This is a great way to save money and add a personal touch.

Final Thoughts:
The bride acknowledges that planning a wedding can be stressful at times, but it’s worth it.  Sarah says that she and Anthony realized this “the moment we saw each other right before the ceremony. In that instant, all the stress of the day melts away, and you remember why you love each other.”

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The Green Bride Guide (GBG) has everything you need to plan a green wedding! Here you can find pictures from real green weddings, articles and advice on eco-chic decor, and a wide range of green wedding gifts including: organic bedding, Recycled Glass Dishes, and eco-friendly appliances. GBG also has the largest green wedding directory in the country, to help you connect with local vendors.

To read this article in full, please visit the Green Bride Guide. I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see more Wedding Photography, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me.

If having a green wedding is important to you, it’s a good idea to choose green vendors to accommodate you on your big day. This week’s Macro Monday featured photographer, Rebecca Wilkowski, definitely belongs in the green group.  Not only is Rebecca a Certified Green Photographer, she also serves on the board of directors for Greener Photography and is a member of Green America, Green Chamber of Commerce and the Bay Area Green Business Program.

In 2006, Rebecca modified her business practices to be more environmentally friendly.  This included reevaluating her practices, technology, office work flow, services and products.  Rebecca Wilkowski Photography even offers environmentally-friendly wedding albums, canvas wall prints, and DVD folios made from recycled materials.

So, who is Rebecca and what is she all about?  Here’s what she has to say …”My background is as diverse as the people I’ve come to photograph, and includes photojournalism, commercial work, portraiture, fine art and travel photography. Weddings, however, are my first love…people are my passion! I treat each wedding as if it were my own. I spend copious amounts of time planning and preparing. I get pre-wedding jitters. I’m overwhelmed with the joy of the first kiss. I get nostalgic when the bride and her father dance. I get down and boogie with the guests on the dance floor. And, (yes, I’ll admit it), I even cry as I edit the photos from each wedding. These images….my client’s images…are that beautiful. And it is this emotion that I strive to evoke in individuals when they see my work.”

The wedding she’s sharing with us today is one with plenty of green elements.  Sarah and Anthony met in school at the Art Institute of California.  After a week of dating, Anthony asked Sarah to marry him.  She quickly said “no.” Then, she finally said “yes” … after 3 1/2 years of him asking.  They were married at the East Bay Botanical Gardens on the anniversary of Sarah’s grandparents to honor their marriage of over 50 years.

Countdown to Earth Day: Greener Photography

-by Rebecca Wilkowski, for Style Unveiled

In just a few years, style-savvy brides have turned “green weddings” from relative obscurity into a must-have affair. From organic flowers and recycled invitations, to vintage gowns and antique rings, couples are finding ways to incorporate green elements into their big day. But, what about photography?

Brides can now choose photographers who not only showcase the couple’s personality, but also offer their services with a low environmental impact. Didn’t think photography could be green? Think again!

There are many ways a photographer can lessen her/his footprint, but some of the most common include: using rechargeable batteries, recycling, purchasing used equipment, using non-toxic/eco-friendly products, partnering with local green vendors, eliminating waste by going paperless, employing energy saving techniques, purchasing carbon offsets for travel to destination weddings, and investing in green technology.

Greener Photography, a non-profit organization founded in 2008, is leading the green photography movement with its certification of professional “greener” photographers in the US and abroad.

Hiring a certified green photographer not only helps you plan a wedding you can feel good about, but also has other perks. Online galleries let you view and share your photos when and where it’s most convenient. Hand-crafted and archival albums help ensure your priceless memories are an heirloom to cherish for years to come. And, with the waste-reducing measures your photographer takes, you’ll end up reaping those benefits when she/he passes those savings on to you, keeping your photography from breaking the bank. Best of all, your photographer will be able to work with, and refer you to, other reputable, eco-friendly vendors, helping you to save time in planning your big day.

Greener Photography certified photographers have successfully completed a rigorous application process, ensuring each has met a minimum level of eco-friendly business practices. Couples can search for a Certified Greener Photographer by visiting: www.GreenerPhotography.org.

To read this article in full, please visit Style Unveiled online.

Rebecca Wilkowski is a San Francisco-based wedding photographer and photojournalist who made the switch to going green in 2006. She is a member of Green America’s Green Business Network (only 1 of 10 approved photographers in the U.S.), Greener Photography, and the Green Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about San Francisco Green Wedding Photographer, Rebecca Wilkowski, online here.

I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see more Wedding Photography, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me.

Many of you know that I’ve been “greening” my wedding photography business practices for several years now. In addition to being a Board Member for Greener Photography and a member of the Green America Green Business Network, I also offer a special eco-friendly (“green”) wedding photography option for couples interested in hiring a green wedding photographer.

One of these options is an environmentally friendly wedding album by Cypress. These albums are made by an environmentally sustainable company, and are:

• Acid-free, which keeps your photos in a PH-neutral, archival environment.
•Tree-free, made from 100% cotton linters, which are a waste byproduct of the textile industry.
•Chlorine bleach-free, keeping harmful chemicals out of our homes, not to mention our water sources.
•Sourced from environmentally conscious suppliers.

Cypress albums are unique and elegant. Lovingly handmade, these albums come in 18 different luxurious cloth cover options, 2 page edge options (straight or deckeled), 3 layout options (scrapbook, matted or flushmount) and 2 binding options (library or ribbon). Each comes with its own archival storage box. Cypress albums have a fine art feel and are of the highest quality. These true pieces of art make a wonderful family heirloom.

If you’d like to learn more about our Eco-Friendly/Green wedding photography packages, please contact us at (347) 413-4747.

I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to View My Portfolio or Contact Me.

For anyone who might not know, Rebecca Wilkowski Photography is a member of the Green Business Network of Co-Op America.

Co-op America is a not-for-profit membership organization founded in 1982. Their mission is to harness economic power—the strength of consumers, investors, businesses, and the marketplace—to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society.

Co-Op America works for a world where all people have enough, where all communities are healthy and safe, and where the bounty of the Earth is preserved for all the generations to come.

What Makes Co-op America Unique:

• They focus on economic strategies—economic action to solve social and environmental problems.
• They mobilize people in their economic roles—as consumers, investors, workers, business leaders.
• They empower people to take personal and collective action
• THey work on issues of social justice and environmental responsibility.
• They work to stop abusive practices and to create healthy, just and sustainable practices.

Co-Op America is changing its name as of January 1, 2009 to Green America. So, when you see the new logo and name on my site, you’ll know that I’m still a member of this fantastic organization!

And if you’re asking yourself, “What the heck is a “green” photographer?”…well, I’ll tell you. This means my company implements sustainable business practices whenever possible to lessen my impact on the environement. Some practices include implementing energy saving techniques; purchasing carbon off-sets; choosing pre-owned furniture and office equipment; recycling papers, packaging, printer cartridges and more; offering paperless image workflow and 100% electronic image exchange; online image proofing and ordering rather than proof prints/books; and offering eco-friendly wedding albums and boxes made from natural, non-toxic, organic materials.

I hope you will join me in the effort to preserve our environment for future generations. Check Green America out on the web here: http://www.coopamerica.org/

I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to View My Portfolio or  Contact Me.