There's plenty to discuss when it comes to sustainability in the photo studio-so much that Lindsey Di Ruscio's chat with podcast host Daniel Jester extended into a two-part episode. You can stream Part 1 or find the recap on our website. Then listen to Part 2 of the interview on the website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music.
Or, for just a few takeaways from Lindsey and Daniel's conclusion, read on.
Purchase Used or Rent When Possible
When Trove's photo studio needs equipment, Lindsey sees it as a chance to live out the company's values, so she purchases secondhand goods, calling those buys "big wins for sustainability in the studio." She partnered with a local camera shop to get used strobes, lights, and more.
Think about what upcoming purchases for your studio could be entirely fine with repurposed equipment, or even rentals, and also seek to purchase from or work with local vendors and suppliers whenever possible.
Repurpose Disposable Goods Around the Studio
Lindsey tries to keep the studio's Dumpster as empty as possible. That's why, with disposable materials such as foamcore, she finds ways to get second and third uses out of studio material before it's dispatched.
For instance, with old foamcore that's already been pinned too much to use with the product, Trove's studio team gives it new life as V-flats for photographers or fill cards for their shoots.
Give your trash cans a look with this perspective, seeing what could serve your studio in creative ways before you have to pitch it.
Find Plant-Derived and Compostable Alternatives
You may also be able to find studio equipment made from materials that never need to land in a Dumpster at all. While Lindsey is proud that Trove's team repurposes their foamcore, she's looking for biodegradable alternatives.
"I know there's something plant-based made out of mushrooms that we're looking into," she mentions. "So we're doing a lot of research on that and we just ordered something that's a combination of cork and plant pulp."
Do a walkthrough of your studio and look for materials that could be sourced from compostable goods. Share this initiative with your studio team so that they help you stay apprised of alternative products as they come to market.
Look Forward to Days of Automation-Aided Sustainability
Someday the path toward a sustainably sourced studio could be made easier through technology. As Lindsey mentions, they're always looking at ways to use more automation to reduce their carbon footprint and data to highlight opportunities to further improve eco-friendliness.
Want to hear the full conclusion of Daniel's chat with Lindsey, including riffs on styling pins, shrooms, and Star Trek, stream the episode on our website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Amazon Music.
