The scenic setting in Calgary to tie the knot in North America is breath-taking. A beautiful outdoor event with a backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, big prairies, green river valleys and nature itself can be your wedding’s decoration.
But, outdoor functions in Southern Alberta must be done with consideration. Calgary’s weather has been known for its abrupt changes and seasonal variations. Being an experienced Indian wedding photographer in Calgary, you have to be prepared to shoot in all four seasons, whether it is colourful, a multi-day outdoor shoot or a beautiful embroidery detail.
1. Spring: Bright Blooms and Unpredictable Breezes (March – May)
In spring, new growth springs up, flowers bloom, and the air is fresh and cool in the mountains. It’s the pretty season for a romantic portrait, but also it’s the most unstable time of year in Calgary!
Lighting & Weather Tips: Depending on the weather it can be warm and sunny one day, and rainy or snowy the next day in the spring. Keep stylish umbrellas to hand and choose outdoor functions where there are nearby covered archways or gazebos where they can quickly find cover.
Photography Strategy: The light in the spring is very soft and diffused, which is very favorable and easy to photograph outdoors for portraits. Pastel colors and light floral prints look terrific against the natural spring greenery.
2. Summer: Golden Sunsets and Long Celebration Days (June – August)
It’s a wedding season during the summer for a reason. With warm weather, colourful parks and extended daylight hours, outdoor ceremonies are a great option for Baraats and golden hour portrait sessions with flexible timing.
- Lighting & Weather Tips: In summer, when the weather is warm, you can count on warm weather, but the intense sun glare during the day can create a dramatic contrast on the face and detailed jewellery, or on silk dresses. Schedule your outdoor wedding or couple photos in the early morning or late afternoon as the sun will be lower in the sky.
- Photography Strategy: The ‘Golden Hour’ is the hour before the sun is setting, during which the image is bathed in warm, amber light. Photography Strategy: Take advantage of the ‘Golden Hour’—the hour before sunset, when the landscape is bathed in warm, amber light. The other great benefit of summer is that the sun sets later (often after 9:00 PM), giving you plenty of time to get your photos taken outside after the formal indoor reception.
3. Autumn: Rich Foliage and Warm Earth Tones (September – November)
Fall in Calgary is breath taking. The vibrant hues of Fall foliage lining Fish Creek Provincial Park, Prince’s Island Park, as well as the various forested areas on the foothills make for a stunning backdrop of gold and rich hues to the classic wedding attire.
- Lighting & Weather Tips: Days are getting shorter rapidly and once the sun sets, the temperature plummets. Have warm shawls or jackets handy for outdoor photo breaks between setups.
- Photography Strategy: The natural earth tones of autumn accent the royal blues, deep crimsons and emerald green wedding gowns. Outside light will remain warm and low for the majority of the afternoon which will make it more manageable to capture rich, cinematic outdoor portraits without the harsh glare.
4. Winter: Snow-Capped Magic and Majestic Mountains (December – February)
Outdoor photography in Calgary in the winter can be quiet and regal. When the snow falls, evergreen trees stand in full sight and with crisp mountain vistas and frosty landscapes, it’s a wonderland for the couple willing to brave the cold.
- Lighting & Weather Tips: With cold weather, it is best to keep photo sessions out-of-doors to 15 to 20 minutes each. Schedule outdoor portraits near an indoor location or in a warm vehicle for couple and wedding party to defrost between photo sessions.
- Photography Strategy: Bright snow is a great natural reflector and helps to illuminate skin tones and soften shadows in photography.
Capture Your Outdoor Memories with R & N Photography
Your outdoor photos need to reflect the essence of your love story, whether it’s a summer sunlit mandap or fall-leaf engagement photos or a winter mountain wedding!
At R & N Photography, merges professional skill with vision to create stunning wedding photos throughout the year. Our wedding photography studio in Calgary, Alberta is a trusted Indian wedding photographer that specializes in capturing the bright hues, intricate details, and emotional moments of your wedding, no matter the weather.
Looking to plan an outdoor event in Calgary or surrounding the Canadian Rockies?
Call R & N Photography today and let them know what you’re looking for and you’ll get your date!