I recently had the pleasure of photographing a group portrait for the San Francisco law firm Hanson Bridgett, LLP. This year, Hanson Bridgett hosted Globalaw’s Annual Members Meeting in San Francisco. Hanson Bridgett is a member of the Globalaw international legal network, which gives them access to lawyers at firms in 165 major jurisdictions around the world and provides critical international resources for their clients. Hanson Bridget has been a San Francisco and California mainstay since 1958. Based in Northern California, Hanson Bridgets’ 150+ attorneys serve clients nationally and internationally.

In addition to being able to work with a great bunch of folks, I loved this shoot because Hanson Bridgett’s San Francisco and Marin offices are certified Green Businesses and their Sacramento office is a certified Sacramento Sustainable Business. In addition, they are the only law firm we know of that features a Rock Band, a Jazz Trio and a Grammy award winning violinist. Cool, eh?

To top it off, the shoot was held at the fabulous Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. Since 1907, the Fairmont hotel has hosted the rich and famous, kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers, and stars of the stage and screen. If you didn’t know, the United Nations charter was signed at the hotel, and Tony Bennett first sang “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” at the hotel’s famous nightclub, The Venetian Room. In addition to hosting some of the most influential meetings and events, the hotel also is well known for its breathtaking weddings and other special occasions.

The Fairmont San Francisco luxury hotel is centrally located, just a short cable car trip from downtown, the Financial District, Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s also located at the only spot in San Francisco where each of the City’s cable car lines meet. I encourage anyone visiting San Francisco to spend even just one night in this amazing hotel. If you do, be sure to check out the hotel’s incredible panoramic view of San Francisco and the Bay!

Special thanks goes out to my assistant, Mischa, and Hanson Bridget staff Rob Corwin and Brandi Hewlett who worked as an incredible team to help me arrange and capture this fun group portrait.

Hanson Bridgett LLP
425 Market Street, 26th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
www.hansonbridgett.com

The Fairmont Hotel – San Francisco
950 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 772-5000
www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco

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.)

Jerry Hart is a veteran radio broadcaster and morning show radio personality, including KISS FM in San Francisco. His weekly show, Smart Green Travel, is just one of many popular shows on Green 960 AM, which regularly features nationally syndicated talkers, including local and live news programming and environmental editorial content.

Click here to listen to the podcast.

Featured on this program:

Corina Ann Beczner
Owner & Green Wedding Consultant
Vibrant Events
www.vibrantevents.net
(415) 613-3778

Rebecca Wilkowski Photography
Certified Green Wedding Photographer & Photojournalist
(347) 413-4747
Web: www.RebeccaWilkowski.com
Blog: www.RebeccaWilkowski.com/blog

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.”

—–

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. What the heck does that mean, exactly? Good question! Here’s a little more about what makes me green:

1) I am a certified charter member and currently serve on the Board of Directors for Greener Photography. Greener Photography is a place for the photographic community to consider the environment; learn to conserve and better preserve our resources and images; and connect by sharing suppliers, ideas, and methods. Together we can learn how each of us can be more green, advocate for change within our field, and provide a place for informed discussion about how we can make photography greener. 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.

2) I am a member of Green America, as well as a member of the Green America Green Business Network. (I am 1 of only 10 photographers in the United States approved to currently have this designation). Open to members of Green America, the Green Business Network is a  highly selected group of socially and environmentally conscious business leaders. As a member of Green America’s Green Business Network™, members conduct business according to standards that reach beyond contemporary practices in addressing the needs of consumers, employees, the community and the environment. They certify and can demonstrate that they strive to operate in a socially just and environmentally sustainable manner.

3) My company is currently in the process of being reviewed (and hopefully approved) as a Green Business by the Bay Area Green Business Program. The BAGBP distinguishes small businesses that protect, preserve and sustain our environment. Thier partnership of environmental agencies and utilities assists, offers incentives, and verifies that participating businesses conserve energy and water, minimize waste, prevent pollution, and shrink their carbon footprints. Businesses that meet BAGBP standards are officially recognized as “Bay Area Green Businesses”.

4)  I  have modified my business practices to be more environmentally friendly. I’ve covered areas such as business practices, technology, office work flow, and client products & services. Simple tips I recommend for any photographer to become more green include: reducing/reusing/recycling, using non-toxic/eco-friendly products, employing local vendors and staff, eliminating paper waste (go paperless!), using electronic media, employing energy saving techniques, using public transportation/carpooling, purchasing carbon offsets, and investing in green technology. My company also offers a special eco-friendly wedding photography option for couples interested in having an environmentally friendly wedding album. These albums are made by Cypress, 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.

5) I have had the pleasure to work for, as well as photograph, many San Francisco Bay area green businesses and environmental organizations. I always enjoy working with companies who’s mission are in line with my own values. Just a few of my favorites include:

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)-Environmental Defense is a leading national nonprofit organization representing more than 500,000 members. Since 1967, they have linked science, economics and law to create innovative, equitable and cost-effective solutions to society’s most urgent environmental problems. EDF is dedicated to protecting the environmental rights of all people, including access to clean air and water, healthy and nourishing food, and flourishing ecosystems. Guided by science, EDF evaluates environmental problems and works to create and advocate solutions that win lasting political, economic and social support because they are nonpartisan, cost-efficient and fair.

Pet Camp:
Located in San Francisco, Pet Camp offers day care and boarding services for both cats and dogs. They’ve made a commitment to being green by becoming a Certified Green Business in San Francisco, as well as installing Big Ass Fans, converting the dog poo into energy, installing energy efficient lighting, heating, cooling and plumbing.

Alonzo Printing:
Alonzo Printing Company was incorporated in 1976 and has grown to become known as one of the premier printing companies in the Bay Area. Centrally located in Hayward, the professionalism and dedication of Alonzo’s work force is evident in the quality of products they produce, which have earned numerous awards for printing excellence. Alonzo has been green before the term became a buzz word…they use all recycled paper, soy based inks, and employ energy saving techinques such as turning off all lights & machines when not in use, and installing energy efficient lighting. Alonzo also has in the works to coordinate a shuttle to its facilities from the BART station, to encourage its employees to use public transit.

Veritable Vegetable:
Founded in 1974, Veritable Vegetable is the nation’s oldest distributor of certified organic produce. Veritable Vegetable’s warehouse facility measures 25,000 square feet and its inventory contains over 9700 items, of which 97% is Certified Organic. Currently, Veritable Vegetable has employed eco-paint, flooring, furniture and lighting for its administrative offices, as well as temperature regulated fridges, timed energy efficient lights, and natural gas powered trucks. And, one of the many benefits of working at Veritable Vegetable, employees have access to the freshest organic produce at less than wholesale prices….YUM!

Lick Wilmerding High School:
Lick-Wilmerding is an independent, college preparatory, co-ed day school in San Francisco serving 440 students in grades 9-12. Lick-Wilmerding High School inspires students to become self-directed lifelong learners who contribute to our world with knowledge, skill, creativity, compassion and can-do confidence. Toward this end, Lick-Wilmerding integrates a distinguished college preparatory curriculum with a distinctive program in the technical arts. As a private school with public purpose, Lick-Wilmerding encourages participation in community service and is committed to developing innovative educational programs that will benefit students and teachers throughout the Bay Area.  This high school is doing some really interesting things to be sustainable: they serve organic food in the cafeteria where they also recycle and compost food waste, have installed solar panels on the roofs of their buildings, integrated “living roofs” into the school’s structures, implemented energy efficient lighting and energy saving techniques, and maintain a plant and meditation garden.

Temple Emanu El:
Dedicated in April 1926, the magnificent building at Lake Street and Arguello Boulevard is the third site of this congregation. Congregation Emanu-El serves the community in many ways. They focus on hunger/poverty, the environment and literacy, offering both direct service and advocacy on behalf of their clients. They operate two food pantries and a vegetable garden at their cemetery in Colma; tutoring programs through both Back on Track and the Jewish Coalition for Literacy, and work on a wide range of environmental programs.  Currently, the congregation is making efforts to go green, including recycling, composting, maintaining a garden, offering “green” events to the community (weddings, bar/batmitzvahs, etc), and integrating energy efficient lighting.

If you have more questions about my green/eco-friendly business practices, please feel free to 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.