Based in:
I am not expert at this, but it is important for me so I want to make it clear that all that I do for Forever to the Moon keeps these leave no trace principles in mind and I do not support any activities during my service that jeopardize them. For more information check out the organization Leave No Trace –Center for Outdoor Ethics here.
So here are the 7 Leave No Trace (LNT) principles and what they mean for working with me:
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare.
One of my aims as your photographer and guide is to help inform you about the rules of the area. I won’t know everything, but I research the area extensively before we travel there. AND I expect you to do the same. This includes getting the correct permits and permissions to be at and photograph in that area.
It is not uncommon for a ranger to ask for permits and to follow up on images on social media or websites checking for permits. If the permitting is not followed, you can be banned from parks or receive a large fine. Needless to say this one is especially important to me and my business, but is also important for safety.
Researching the potential risks (bears for examples, do we need to pack bear spray?) and checking the weather so you can pack extra clothing to be comfortable out in nature. I would much rather be over prepared and wish I had less to carry then be under prepared and wish I had a raincoat.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces.
This one is especially important in the photography world. There has been lots of news around areas being damaged by photographers and places being closed to access in an attempt to restore the area. Unfortunately, some of these areas can take years to tens of years or more to bring back to their original state.
Protecting and respecting environments for us now and for generations to come to enjoy is of utmost importance to me (in addition to limiting our impact on the landscape and ecosystems from an earth-friendly point of view).
So when working with Forever to the Moon, we will stick to photographing on trails, durable surfaces or natural drainage areas based on the recommendations of the place. A beautiful photograph is not worth potentially irreversible damage to an ecosystem.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly to Leave No Trace.
This one I am super passionate about. If you haven’t read my post called “how I try to better the environment around me every day” go check it out!
This mentality spews out of me everywhere, don’t worry, I won’t be annoying about it and impose it on everyone, but I will try my hardest to be as earth friendly in everything I do. So for this one, making sure to pack out all of your stuff, such as banana peels or apple cores, wrappers, toilet paper, flower petals, etc. And if champagne is popped, make sure to find that too!
Confetti or balloons are not items that I allow use of on my shoots, because they too easily become litter no matter how diligent you are about picking it up or tying them down. Last but not least, learn how to do #2 on the trail and pack it out too! There is a bit of a skill to this so do your research (or practice! 🙂 ).
4. Leave what you find.
This is what I am for… let photographs be your mementos for memories and leave the rocks, plants and other artifacts where they were found. Let’s all work together to keep these beautiful places beautiful forever.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts to Leave No Trace.
I love me a good bonfire… s’mores please! But, campfires should only be made in designated areas. Also, before building make sure there are no fire bans in place at the time (atypical draughts or forest fires) and be aware of weather that may make fires unsafe such as high winds. Lastly and very important, is make sure the fire is completely out (you should be able to touch the coals) before leaving it.
6. Respect Wildlife.
I love seeing wildlife. Moose and wolves are two of my favorite things to see. But, just because you are in a park does not mean they are not dangerous. So never approach, keep your distance (and much more than you think!) and never feed them. Also, make sure you have proper gear for securing your food in bear country.
7. Be Considerate of other Visitors to Leave No Trace.
Because parks are open to the public, other visitors have the right to be there just as much as you do. Park wedding permits do not give you exclusive access or use to that particular area, they usually just allow you to have a wedding at that spot. So the best tactics to making this a great experience for all are:
- Avoid the busy times (i.e., get there for sunrise or sunset)
- Learn to shoot around others or ask them politely to move
- Offer to take a photo of them
- Be patient.
Thanks for reading. These are important rules to follow to ensure safety of you, protect the environment and promote great experiences for all.
Lead by example and others will follow.
Do you follow the Leave No Trace Principles?
Tell me what you think about them. Do you think they are important?
