FOOTPRINTS
"TAKE ONLY PHOTOGRAPHS, LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS"
- Nature Photographer's Mantra -
Launched in 2019, Footprints is a long-term commitment to improve the legacy my photography leaves behind.
When I share a photo on social media I hope it connects with someone;
- brightening their day, or fostering interest in the natural world.
That's what Footprints is all about.
When someone buys a print I want that to have a positive impact;
- by directing a portion of the sale to fund environmental projects.
SUSTAINABILITY
I am committed to improving the sustainability of my photography from shoot to print
In The Field
I practice environmentally-friendly photography, showing respect to the places and creatures I photograph, and making responsible travel choices as far as possible.
Local Printers
Though I sell worldwide, I choose local printers where possible, to avoid overseas shipping, and support local print labs.
Plastic-Free
Shipments are as plastic-free as possible, using paper and cardboard for packaging.
Prints
I choose sustainable papers, and fine art printers with a strong ethical stance.
Managed Timbers
The wood used for my canvas prints is FSC-certified, sustainably sourced, and managed.
Recycling
Packaging is recycled and/or recyclable. Please continue this circular process by re-using or recycling unneeded packaging after use.
BUY ONE, GET ONE TREE
For every print sold, a portion of the proceeds will go to the World Land Trust, to fund the planting and care of a new tree.
As part of their Plant a Tree programme, they will nurture a sapling from seed, plant it where it's most needed, and protect the tree in perpetuity, to help restore a damaged habitat for wildlife. Seeds are carefully gathered from local forests, to ensure that the ecosystem is maintained with native species.
WHY TREES?
Of course there are a range of environmental causes I could have chosen, but for me it had to be the planting of trees and restoration of woodland habitats.
I love trees. I love being around trees, I love the way they look, and I love what they do.
I love how long-term trees are. They're an investment in our future, and they'll be standing tall for decades or centuries after I'm gone.
Trees clean the air; removing harmful chemicals, absorbing carbon-dioxide, and producing oxygen.
Trees are proven to have a positive influence on mental health; reducing stress and alleviating depression.
By protecting and planting trees, we're also creating habitats for a myriad of other species, repairing ecosystems, mitigating against flooding and drought, and promoting biodiversity.
THE WORLD LAND TRUST
After much research, I chose to support The World Land Trust.
What I like about WLT is that they aren't just planting trees. They're buying up land in carefully chosen locations, which can be dedicated for nature, and then planting saplings, grown from seed by local people, and protecting them in situ until maturity. It's long-term thinking, and it's the most positive direct action I can think of.
Two of my personal inspirations are patrons;
Chris Packham and Sir David Attenborough.