Tomorrow is Earth Day, an international celebration of our planet and home, and another reason to spend time reflecting on how we can better care for her.

As a global photographer marketplace, we want to acknowledge this important day and how photography helps our planet.

There are so many ways that photography contributes to the benefit and conservation of the Earth.

Since its invention, photography has been tied to science, helping us to capture and better understand our Universe, from the smallest units of life to vast, distant solar systems. In fact, science has come to rely on photography to show, share, learn and advance its efforts, many of these today aimed at conserving and protecting our planet.

Over time travel photography developed and helped our planet through education and celebration. Just as travel itself opens our eyes to the treasures of the world, travel photography preserves those wonders captured in images we can share and highlight. Not only do they show us the beauty and complexity of nature, but the threats to this fragile world and the environmental needs that we must all answer.

And nature photography has helped us slow down in an ever more frantic society. I learned this firsthand from my husband who loves to photograph birds. He’ll go to a nearby lake, set up his equipment, and then just sit and wait. For hours. At first, he says it’s torture, but then he feels himself slowing down, settling into the rhythm of nature as he waits for the perfect photograph. And in addition to capturing it, of that bird skimming over the lake or preening itself on the shore or reeling in the sky, he feels more calm and grounded. Saving the planet is not a sprint but a marathon. It’s showing up day in and day out for the long haul. And as we care for the planet, it cares for us, offering moments to stop, take a breath, and take a photograph.

Finally, let us focus on the individuals doing all this photography. Some of them are professional photographers like Shoot My Travel’s very own local photographers around the world who help foster our relationship with the planet by showing us the realities, even when we’re not able to see them firsthand ourselves.

Photographers have always been trailblazers and when it comes to environmental and conservation efforts, it is no different. They incorporate sustainability into their profession using rechargeable batteries, LED lights, and digital cameras. And through their craft, photographers bring us closer together, to our fellow humans, to other creatures, and to our planet. Their art shows us how similar we all are, the space and stories we share, the common things we are fighting for. It helps to unite us and break down barriers.

But photography and its power for good aren’t just reserved for professionals.

With the camera capabilities on our smartphones, each of us has the ability to connect with our amazing planet through photography. Every one of us can capture its beauty and share it with others. In doing so, we share our human experience on this planet, showing that we’re more similar than not, that we all exist in a place that needs our combined resolve to protect and care for it. You don’t have to be a conservationist photographer to make a difference. As you get out there, learn about photography and meet like-minded people, tribes form, knowledge expands, and in imitation of nature, a ripple occurs. All that’s needed is one person and one image.

Trying to think of some ways to mark Earth Day and help the planet going forward? Use the power of photography. Here are a few ideas:

When you’re on vacation, be respectful of the environment. Don’t risk nature for what you think is the epic picture. Instead, honor the epic world around you and use photography to highlight your relationship with it.

Challenge yourself to take a picture that captures the beauty of the world and share it with friends. Maybe even participate in a photo contest. Then pass the challenge on!

If you are booking a photoshoot, consider something a little different. Maybe the family participating in a beach clean-up or a photoshoot in a national park or a solo shoot at your favorite natural wonder on the planet.

We are facing unprecedented environmental challenges. But we also live in an equally unprecedented time of new technology and new levels of consciousness. At Shoot My Travel we believe in the current and future generations, in our photographers, and in you, our visionary customers. And we believe that the power of a single photograph can still make a profound impact for the good of this planet.

Enjoy some of our photographers’ powerful images this Earth Day and tag us on social media so we can see yours!