I am the face behind 49th State Photography. I'm ecstatic that you found your way here. I am a licensed local lifestyle photographer based out of the Matanuska Valley, mama to 2 wild boys, and an adventure enthusiast. I'm here to capture every raw moment, from the seemingly small to the huge life milestones. I believe that every picture tells a unique story and I am here to help you tell yours in the most beautiful way possible. Contact me today to chat about creating something wonderful together.
I'm Joanna. Your new fav gal behind the lens
Fellow Alaskans! Photography has been my passion for as long as I can remember. I am dedicated to providing you with the highest quality service. When you choose me as your photographer, I promise to deliver stunning photographs that you'll cherish for years to come. I pride myself on my ability to tell a story through my images, and I work closely with my clients to ensure that I understand their vision and bring it to life. Click the button below to learn more about me!
"We had the absolute best experience with 49th State Photography! She was so accommodating to meeting us somewhere we were happy with at a date/time that worked for us. She was more than patient with our 2 young kids and our 2 dogs. She ended up capturing such special photos of us, which included beautiful candids that really encompassed who we are as a family. We were so thrilled with her work that we got my mother a session as a gift, which we were able to get done in her own yard. Again, super pleased with both sessions we had! We will be using 49th State Photography again very soon!"
Do you photoshop body structure, facial features, etc?
What is your editing style?
Do you utilize a second shooter for weddings?
What is your cancellation and deposit policy?
What is the booking process?
Do you provide any unedited RAW files or images?
Do you offer payment plans?
What if there is inclement weather for our session?
Alaska has some of the most beautiful scenery you could ask for as a backdrop. However, anyone who has been here for a while knows that the weather can be rather unpredictable! You are welcome to reschedule a session up to TWO times before you need to resubmit a booking form and pay a new retainer fee. I am always open to shooting in the rain, snow, and cold weather. I also have plenty of experience thinking on my toes in terms of how to save a session that ends up with rough weather. It is ultimately up to you whether you believe it is necessary to reschedule based on your individual needs and visions for your session. That being said, depending on current availability and how busy things are, it may be a while before I can get you back in. I'm always open to having a chat and figuring out what the best decision is for us!
I do not offer payment plans on my standard sessions as of right now. However, I do offer payment plans on my wedding and elopement packages. If you'd like to know more about this, feel free to contact me and I will do my best to tailor a plan to your individual needs!
I do not give out raw, unfinished photos. I believe doing so would take away from the authenticity and creativity of my work as an artist. A huge part of the process is the hours of editing that go into each gallery, giving each photo a touch of 49th State Photography love! I always recommend viewing the portfolio of your chosen photographer to make sure their style and expertise matches your desires for your images.
When you're ready, feel free to hit the book now button found in the "investment" tab of my website. That will take you to my booking site where you can select a date and time for your session. I will reach out as we approach your selected date to confirm details of our session and establish contact if I do not hear from you first!
For all general portrait sessions, I require a 40% non-refundable retainer fee to book and hold the date for your session. This serves as a cancellation fee and will not be refunded. However, the fee can be credited towards a future session upon the photographers approval. All remaining balances are due the day prior to the session.
For wedding and elopement sessions, I require a 50% non-refundable retainer fee to book and hold the date of your event. This also serves as a cancellation fee and will not be refunded. The remaining balance is due one week before the date of the wedding. I do offer payment plans on wedding/elopement packages if needed.
If cancellation for ANY general session type takes place within 48 hours of the event date, 100% of the service price will still be charged. If cancellation takes place more than 48 hours from our session, the remaining balance does not have to be paid but the non refundable retainer fee will still be forfeited. If cancellation takes place within one week of a wedding session, the full session rate will be forfeited by clients. However, with general photography sessions, you are welcome to reschedule up to 2 times (as long as you did not cancel within the cancellation time frame of session) and have the retainer fee apply to the new session date. After 2 reschedules, you will be required to resubmit an inquiry and pay a new retainer fee. For weddings, if you request to change the wedding date before the one week cancellation period, I will do my best to accommodate the change. No extra fee will be charged as long as the new date is available and within five months of the original event date. If I am not available for the new date, the original agreement will be cancelled and subject to the cancellation policy.
Typically I shoot weddings solo unless there will be a large guest head count. I do provide the option to opt for a second shooter as an add on to my wedding and elopement packages. The rate for this is $75/hr.
My editing style is on the more moody, rustic side. I love deep contrasts and warm tones when the lighting allows. I always suggest that clients looking for photography services browse photographers' social media platforms and portfolios to ensure their style matches up with the client's vision.
I do not photoshop or alter any physical attributes of my clients. I strive to keep my art as natural as possible! If you are looking for a photographer who will photoshop your body or facial features, I am likely not the photographer for you. I do, however, always do skin retouching, smoothing, and blemish removal. I also remove imperfections such as bruises but will not change the shape of your nose.
When you hire me to be your personal photographer, I’m essentially creating art for you. This style guide is here to help you carefully curate outfits that blend well together. When choosing outfits, there are so many important aspects to consider. As your artist, I want to do everything in my power to make it easy breezy on your end. Follow along to learn more!