Tips for Perfect Wedding Photos in Calgary’s Unpredictable Weather
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Calgary is known for its beautiful outdoor wedding venues, but it’s also famous for its unpredictable weather. From sudden rain showers to snow in spring, Calgary’s ever-changing conditions can pose challenges for outdoor wedding photography. However, with the right preparation and flexibility, you can still capture stunning wedding photos regardless of what the weather brings. In this article, we’ll offer practical tips on how to prepare for different weather scenarios and share advice from local photographers on how to handle Calgary’s unpredictability to ensure your photos turn out amazing.
1. How to Prepare for Weather Changes During an Outdoor Wedding
Planning for all possible weather scenarios is crucial when hosting an outdoor wedding in Calgary. Whether you're getting married in the Rockies or a local park, having a backup plan and being ready for sudden shifts in weather will help you capture beautiful moments no matter what the conditions are.
Prepare for Rain
Rain is one of the most common challenges for outdoor weddings, but with a little preparation, it can still result in beautiful, romantic photos.
Clear Umbrellas: Clear umbrellas are a must-have for outdoor weddings in Calgary. Not only do they protect you and your guests from rain, but they also look great in photos. Photographers can capture fun, candid shots of the couple and bridal party using umbrellas without compromising the view.
Tents or Covered Areas: If your wedding ceremony or reception is outdoors, make sure you have a tent or covered area available for portraits. Large tents can serve as a backup location for couple and group photos while protecting everyone from the elements.
Waterproof Makeup and Hair: Ensure your makeup artist uses waterproof products, and consider a hairstyle that can hold up in damp conditions. Discuss your hairstyle with your stylist so it can withstand humidity or a bit of drizzle.
Prepare for Snow
In Calgary, it’s not uncommon to experience snow in the spring or fall, even if your wedding is planned for what is typically warmer weather.
Embrace the Winter Wonderland: If snow does appear unexpectedly, embrace it! Snow adds a magical element to wedding photos, especially in the mountains or urban settings. Wear a chic shawl, cape, or jacket to stay warm and create some cozy, wintery couple shots.
Plan for Warmth: Make sure to keep warm between shots if you’re taking photos outdoors in cold conditions. Blankets or hand warmers can help the bridal party stay comfortable during longer photo sessions.
Winter Accessories: Incorporate stylish winter accessories like scarves, gloves, and boots into your wedding attire. These not only add a practical layer of warmth but also bring character to your photos.
Prepare for Heat
Calgary’s summers can bring intense heat, which can be just as challenging as rain or snow for outdoor photos.
Hydration and Breaks: Make sure there is plenty of water available for the bridal party, and take regular breaks between photo sessions to stay cool. Heat can affect how you feel during the shoot, so staying hydrated is key to maintaining energy.
Avoid Midday Sun: The harsh midday sun can create unflattering shadows and cause discomfort. Try to schedule outdoor portraits during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) when the lighting is softer and more flattering.
2. Tips from Calgary Photographers on Capturing Stunning Photos in Any Weather
Local photographers are experienced in dealing with Calgary’s unpredictable weather and have developed strategies to still capture amazing photos, no matter what. Here are some tips they recommend:
Adapt to the Light
“Lighting changes quickly in Calgary, and knowing how to adapt is key,” says local photographer Catarina (@iam_catarina_). Whether it’s cloudy, sunny, or snowing, a good photographer will know how to adjust camera settings and use available light to create beautiful images.
Cloudy Days: Overcast skies can actually be great for photos because they diffuse light and eliminate harsh shadows. Photographers can take advantage of the soft, even light to capture flattering portraits.
Golden Hour: Calgary’s long summer days provide extended periods of golden hour light, which is ideal for capturing warm, dreamy photos. Photographers suggest scheduling couple portraits or outdoor group shots during this time to make the most of the natural light.
Embrace the Elements
Calgary photographers suggest that couples embrace the weather rather than fight it. Rain, snow, or wind can add a sense of drama and uniqueness to your wedding photos.
Capture Movement: Windy days can add movement and romance to photos. Veils, dresses, and flowers can be captured beautifully blowing in the wind, giving photos a dynamic feel.
Play in the Rain: Don’t be afraid to dance in the rain or twirl with an umbrella. Photographers can capture fun, playful shots that show off your personalities and the spontaneous joy of the day.
3. Backup Plans and Indoor Photography Options
Having a backup plan is essential for outdoor Calgary weddings, especially when the weather takes an unexpected turn. Whether it’s an indoor venue option or a nearby location that offers shelter, planning ahead can help ensure your day goes smoothly.
Indoor Venues for Backup
Many Calgary venues offer both indoor and outdoor spaces, which provide flexibility in case the weather changes. If your outdoor ceremony is affected by rain or snow, you can transition to an indoor area without missing key photo opportunities.
The Fairmont Palliser: This historic venue offers elegant indoor spaces that are perfect for timeless portraits, regardless of weather conditions.
The Deane House: Located in Inglewood, this venue offers a mix of indoor and outdoor areas, giving you plenty of options for photos whether it rains or shines.
Create an Indoor Shot List
If the weather forces you to move indoors, have a backup shot list prepared that focuses on indoor portraits. Work with your photographer to scout locations within your venue that offer good lighting and interesting backdrops for indoor shots.
Explore Nearby Covered Locations
Even if your wedding venue is mostly outdoors, it’s worth scouting out nearby indoor or covered locations that could serve as a photo spot in case of bad weather. Calgary’s urban areas offer plenty of options, from the Peace Bridge (which provides some shelter) to covered walkways and historic buildings.
While Calgary’s unpredictable weather can be challenging for outdoor weddings, it also provides opportunities to capture stunning, unique photos. Whether it’s embracing a surprise snowfall or dancing in the rain with a clear umbrella, preparing for all weather scenarios will help ensure your day is well-documented, no matter what. By working closely with your photographer and having a backup plan in place, you can make the most of Calgary’s ever-changing weather and still get amazing wedding photos.
For more wedding photography tips and Calgary-specific advice, visit YYCBride.com!
