I'm on a budget. Can I (or a friend) take my wedding photos?
Although wedding professionals generally don't recommend that a bride have a friend or hobbyist be her wedding shutterbug, the spirit of your wedding may say otherwise. If you have a friend who's been taking beautiful photos of the Alaskan wilderness and wildlife for the past few years, for example, you could save a bundle on your photographer costs by asking him or her if they would allow their photo services to be their wedding "gift" to you. Is your wedding small and intimate? This also lends itself to a friend or member of the bridal party taking photos throughout your day. Even if you opt to hire a professional, having the maid of honor snapping candid shots of preparation, ceremony, transportation and reception can lead to wonderful additions to your wedding album.
Note: If you have a friend take your wedding photos, don't set your expectations too high. After all, they are amateur-level and doing the best they can to capture the many beautiful moments of your day. This is a main reason why people hire photographers—to ensure quality pictures and no chance for bruised egos or hurt feelings.
You can also work together with friends to compose online slideshows through applications like Google's Picasa Web Album. Others may be able to help you burn your photos and slideshow to DVD or CD.
Wedding Photographer FAQs
Whether you hire a photographer or have a friend with a good eye, you'll want to do some planning with photographer ahead of time. When looking for a professional, check out their website, give them a call, and preferably meet them in person, where you will be able to see how they run their shop and get a good idea of the quality of products they offer. Ask to see their portfolio, and for references from past clients. Talk with them about your ideas for wedding photographs. Are they receptive to your ideas? Do they seem knowledgeable and friendly? Inquire about a less-than-ideal experience one of their customers has had in the past. How did they respond to that challenge? Be clear about your expectations for:- Photos
- Timeliness
- Attire
- Lighting
- Included services, such as prints, albums, folios, CDs/DVDs, slideshows, etc.
- Overall package pricing
- Guaranteed satisfaction
Alaskan Wedding Photographers
The Last Frontier State provides a variety of excellent wedding photographers from which to choose. Most wedding destinations and resorts will have a dedicated photographer on-staff for events, but throughout the rest of the state you will have to find your own. Your best bet will be to look around the Anchorage area for weddings in South Central Alaska, Fairbanks in the North, and Juneau or Wasilla along the southern panhandle. Look to these and other fine photo pros as you begin your search:FotoVitae Wedding Photography, highlighted by the award-winning work of Brandon Schmidt. Although the company is based out of Oregon, they have captured memories at weddings as far north as Anchorage.
Melissa Laggis, founder of the Picture Lady Studio, has a knack for capturing intimate moments in the grand setting of an Alaska wedding. Based out of Wasilla, she and her friendly staff and ready to help you remember your special southern Alaska wedding. As an added benefit, you can view your wedding proofs online.
In the Anchorage area, Chugach Peaks Wedding Photography has a wide variety of pricing options to suit many couples' budgets. Their diverse, experienced team of wedding photographers ensures each couple's wedding album is as unique as they are.
