Frequently Asked Questions

A. This is a loaded question, that requires a loaded answer, so bare with me. First, I want you to love my photography. There’s hundreds of photographers, many using the same equipment, yet they all offer a certain style and a unique experience. Find the one that speaks to you. I would classify myself as a visual storyteller, using warm, moody tones and artistic composition to elegantly capture timeless moments. I direct my couples to interact with each other, rather than the camera, to create natural, intimate and authentic moments to visually tell the story of your love. Secondly, Experience. I’ve been photographing weddings in the Wilmington area for close to 20 years. Having an experienced photographer can make all the difference in the fast-moving, unpredictable moments of a wedding day. I’ve worked in nearly every venue and with every vendor in the area. I’ve dealt with the trickiest of lighting situations, time constraints, and scenarios. Being able to capitalize through these moments is really what sets a true experienced professional a part.

There are many costs associated with running a business. However, you will find my pricing is set a little lower than area photographers. You can view a more extensive price breakdown on my pricing guide. But here’s a little idea. On average, each wedding of 8 hours yields around 1200 images, 2.5 images per minute. Each image, goes through processing, enhancing and color correction, to ensure you receive the highest quality image possible that is optimized for printing. Say I spend an average of 1 minute on each image. That’s 1200 minutes. 20 hours of editing on top of the 8 hours of shooting… You get the idea…

I update my Canon equipment yearly to ensure I use only the highest quality available. I use high-quailty, fast, prime lenses to create stunning bokeh and preform flawlessly in a variety of lighting conditions. I carry backup camera bodies as well, in case one were to fail. As well as stockpiles of memory cards, lighting equipment, hard drives, etc.

Definitely! I offer a few different Wedding Collections as well as A La Carte options. After shooting weddings for many years, I’ve found this is the best way to ensure my clients get what they want and ONLY what they want. Every event is different, as is every package. All packages include 8 hours, which I feel is the minimum for an average size wedding to capture everything to tell your wedding day story best.

I don’t typically do partial coverage. In some cases I will make an exception, if the event is on a uncommon date (ie. not saturday, off-season, etc). I like my images to tell the story of your wedding day and I find that hard to do with limited coverage!

You’re talking to him! It’s just me, Chris Zachary. I can do it all. I do offer a second photographer option as an add-on, but in most cases, I find it unnecessary. When would you need a second photographer, you ask? If your wedding or wedding party is exceptionally large (more than 200+ guests, more than 12 in the bridal party, etc) or if there are large distances between the “getting ready” locations of the bride/groom and ceremony/reception, I would recommend a second. I will work with you on a timeline to ensure I have adequate time to cover every individual and detail in your wedding.

Absolutely! In fact, I always recommend engagement sessions to my clients. Not only are they one of my favorite sessions to shoot, but it gives us a chance to get acquainted from a photographer/client stand-point. Some people are really comfortable in front of the camera, others are not. I adjust my shooting style based on this to ensure the images are natural and represent who you are. But most of all, I want you to feel comfortable in front of my camera. Getting these anxieties out of the way before your wedding day can be a big benefit. Engagement sessions are included in select Collections or and are discounted when added to a wedding package.

There are many factors that contribute to this answer, like the length of the wedding, number of locations, number of guests, etc. However, on average, I deliver around 1000-1200 images.

I send out a “sneak peek” a few days after your wedding or session.  Full galleries will be delivered 4-12 weeks after your event or session depending on the season. 4 week turnaround for albums once you’ve selected your images. Full-Resolution digital images are included with all packages and will be available to download via your online album.  You also have the option to purchase a USB drive of all your wedding or session images.

That’s how your proofing gallery is setup! We give you the access code, and you can share it with anyone you’d like! Prints and products can be ordered directly from the gallery. Or you can view the images in a beautiful full screen slideshow! Every couple will receive a promo code for 15% off prints & products valid for 3 months following the delivery of your online album.

Your contract is your print release, allowing you to make unlimited prints from any media produced or delivered under the contracted time. This is for personal use only,  including but not limited to: printing, copying, emailing and web publishing. Our license does not include use that results in financial gain, including but not limited to: advertising, stock photography, print sale profits, or resale of any nature.

Millers Lab! Millers has become a staple in the photography industry. Their lightning fast turnaround & unmatched quality has set them apart from the others. Their sister company, Mpix, is also great option for consumer prints & products.

Yes please! I love to travel! I’m available for local, domestic and international travel. I’ve photographed weddings all over the US and abroad. My travel cost is additional to your package price. If I must stay overnight, I’ll invoice for a moderate hotel stay. All airfare and baggage fees are additional to your package, as well.  I do not charge travel fees for North & South Carolina! If you’re eloping or getting married at an awesome location, I’d love to tag along!

I do! I actually started on film many years ago, and I still shoot it as much as I can. Nothing beats the quality of some Portra 160, 400 or 800 (my person faves) or a classic T-Max black & white. Film add-on’s are billed per roll and can be added to any package.

Yes! My wife, Bee Young, operates a photography/videography company Wild Honey Media. We team up to offer all inclusive Photo + Video packages. Not only is this more affordable and convenient, but since we work together all the time, you’ll feel comfortable knowing your media coverage team will operate seamlessly with one another. If full day videography is not in the budget, I do offer ceremony video option add-on.

In order to reserve your wedding date, you must have a signed contract on file and put down a 35% deposit on your package. The entire booking process is done online and creates a portal for you to view/modify your package, review our contract and make payments.  The final balance is not due until your wedding date, but you are able to make payment towards your balance at any time.

Yep! I have shot events for various firms and businesses, birthday parties, bridal showers, live music, etc. I try to squeeze in some family portrait sessions throughout the year as well.  I also do a lot of traveling, you can view and purchase prints from my travels here.