What do your packages generally include?
All packages include high resolution digital files, with a copyright release included, and all the photos posted online for friends and family to view anywhere. You may also add an optional custom Zookbinders album. Additionally, we provide a complimentary engagement photo session with most packages. See the “Pricing” page for more information.
Do you do Video?
Not at this time, sorry! We focus on good ‘ol fashion photography 🙂
What is a “Zookbinders” Album?
Zookbinders Albums are custom wedding albums hand-made near Chicago, Illinois. The photos will be selected by you, and laid out by the album company.
What is your style?
The most natural and unobtrusive way to photograph your wedding is to blend into the day’s events and capture the day as a photojournalist would. We always stay close to the action but remain quiet and respectful. We will not boss your friends and family around or get in the way. One of the greatest compliments we often receive is from clients after they view their photos, amazed that so many unique images were captured without the stress of being ordered around. When doing family and group photos, we will help organize everyone and make that process as easy as possible. We love incorporating beautiful scenery with our clients – be sure to plan some time with your photographer outside! Note that we don’t use any photoshopping gimmicks, special effects, un-natural filters or other distractions. We love getting natural, clean, un-doctored images that show off the beauty of Alaska and the fun and excitement of a wedding. Chugach Peaks believes that wedding photos should be bright, warm, and most importantly, real – No artificial darkness or graininess is added during the editing process.
What happens if it rains on my wedding day?
Don’t worry! We can still take photos outside, as long as you’re willing to get a little wet. Bringing umbrellas and boots will definitely help. In fact, we suggest you plan on that months in advance anyway. Some of our favorite images have been taken in the rain, or in a snowstorm – as long as you keep a positive attitude and have fun, you will end up with great images, rain or shine!
We see that you have a few photographers at Chugach Peaks, how do we choose?
During our initial meeting or phone call, we can discuss and look at the work of each photographer who is available for your date.  The decision is yours! We do not assign a random person; whomever you choose is who will be there.
How many photos will we receive with our package?
Generally we shoot anywhere between 1000-4000 photos, depending on the hours of coverage, number of photographers, number of guests, number of wedding party attendants, etc. There are a lot of variables! We do shoot as much as we can and don’t put any limits on the number of images. For the final delivery, we usually narrow it down to the best 300-1000 with no duplicates after getting rid of blinks, duplicate images, test shots, etc.
Do you photograph formal shots of family and friends?
We specialize in photojournalism, but also understand the importance of traditional formal portraits of you and your family. These requests are welcome and you can have as many or few as you’d like.
Digital or film? What equipment do you use?
We use professional digital SLR and mirrorless cameras. The final print is the most important thing to consider, and by using the highest quality equipment, prints will always meet our high standards. Professional grade cameras and lenses are used and we always bring at least 3 cameras to each wedding with a full complement of lenses and flashes.
Do you offer black and white or sepia images, as well as color?
Yes! Black and white, sepia, and color images are possible. There is no extra charge for any choice of style.
Do we get the full size digital image files or reduced size?
Some photographers provide only lower size image files suitable for small prints or for emailing to friends, if they provide them at all. The digital image files you will receive can be used for reprinting of enlargements.
Does that mean we have printing and reproduction rights to our images?
Yes! You are authorized to obtain unlimited reprints for personal use only, including copying, printing, emailing, and web publishing, from the provided high-resolution files. You are under no obligation to order prints through us, however if you’d like to, the relationships we have setup with professional printing labs will produce better results than traditional consumer labs. Reprint prices have been priced accordingly to allow you to order through us and get professional lab quality and achieve the highest quality possible without spending considerable amounts of money.
Will you photoshop/retouch my images? I have a pimple, scar, yellow teeth, mother in law, etc that I would like removed from my photos
We are photographers and not digital artists/”photoshoppers”. Given that we usually deliver around 500-1000 images per wedding, this would be incredibly time consuming and would not be practical. We aim for a natural and “real” look to our images rather than highly processed with no imperfections. Everything will be balanced for color, brightness, saturation, etc… and in a print-ready format.
Can we request specific images?
Yes, we will do our best to photograph all specific requests.
My wedding is in Juneau/Fairbanks/Skagway/Sitka/Kodiak/Hawaii/California… will you travel to me?
Yes! We photograph all over the state of Alaska. We have been all over the state and beyond – We usually do a few Hawaii weddings each winter and a few lower 48 weddings throughout the year. Travel costs are often minimal and we’ll help you navigate that process.
We have never been to Alaska, and need help! Will you help us plan our wedding?
Sure! We have seen a lot of weddings and know the state very well – we are happy to help you plan an amazing wedding, and amazing trip – even if it’s not wedding related, just ask. Best Pizza in Anchorage? Best boat tour out of Seward? Coolest hike to do in Girdwood? We love exploring and sharing our knowledge of the area. No extra charge for this!
I am getting married in 6, 12, or 18 months… do I really need to save the date now?
We book most of our weddings well in advance – a year out is very common. If you don’t want to worry about losing your date, sooner is better. We do have multiple photographers available, so we usually have someone available, but some of the most popular weekends in the summer can be fully booked 8-12 months in advance.
This is awesome! I would like to reserve my date, now what?
Call 907-301-9400 or e-mail to check availability and discuss the details of your wedding. A deposit of 1/2 the total package price will reserve your date. The remaining 1/2 will be paid on or before the wedding date.