commercial brand photography
impact
our business ethics
Studio Soma is based in Middleton, Wisconsin, (just west of Madison) which occupies the ancestral Ho-Chunk land, called Teejop (day-JOPE) by their nation. Decades of (unsuccessful) ethnic cleansing has occurred after the 1832 treaty where the Ho-Chunk were forced to cede their home by colonizers. We respect the sovereignty of the Ho-Chunk nation, as well as all other native populations whose land was/is stolen. We recognize their inherent value and contributions as the custodians of the lands and waters upon which we stand, both in the past as well as present-day. This history of colonization informs our practices and anti-oppressive values. Learn more about the Ho-Chunk Nation: https://ho-chunknation.com/
Land Acknowledgement
by the end of our first year of business we plan to donate 1% of our revenue to organizations that are tackling the most pressing environmental issues of our time. These are focused on 6 core issue areas: climate, food, land, pollution, water, and wildlife. As a member of 1% for the planet, our donations are certified, and we will be proud to be able to display the logo on our site.
1% for the planet (in process)
We will be a carbon neutral business. We will offset the entire carbon footprint our business activity generates, from travel to energy consumption. It's our job to take responsibility for the impact we have both environmentally as well as socially. Our actions are a direct extension of our values
Climate Neutral Certified (in process)
All humans are welcome in this space. We celebrate LGBTQIA community, and our space exceeds ADA standards. We strive to create work through a lens of equality, fairness, and respect. This means we will not take work that harms others or contributes to the exploitation of humans or our earth in any way. We believe in consent, equity, and valuing the well-being of humans and our planet above profit and status. We do not work with vendors, or photograph at venues that celebrate or uphold racist, homophobic, xenophobic, sexist, or otherwise oppressive values.