How To Best Deal With Wild Fire Smoke On Your Wedding Day

Unfortunately, over years of being wedding photographers in Calgary and the Rocky Mountains, we have noticed an increasing number of summer days that are smoky. Sadly, it comes from the forest fires in Alberta and British Columbia and can cloak of the province of Alberta in a haze for days or even weeks at a time. Much like rain or snowstorms they are impossible to control and difficult to predict.

How wildfire smoke affects wedding photography

The smoke adds a haze to things in the distance and tends to cast a bit of an orange glow. It also makes for more diffused soft light. It can look quite nice actually. It can make things in the far distance more obscured so if it's extremely important to have a certain view, like mountain peaks, you may have to change plans a little to get closer or consider other beautiful Alberta spots. It is hard to know how much smoke there will be in the city or the mountains on any given day during the summer. Depending on the wind and how the fires are going it can vary greatly from day to day. So it is best to be prepared and have a plan for the chance of a smoky day

How to not let smoke get in the way of your wedding day.

While the smoke can have a bit of an affect on the look of the photos it can also be hard on some people's health. It’s okay to take photo breaks. Sometimes we just need a little time to relax and take a moment in an air-conditioned car. Your comfort is our number one priority, we’d rather take a few really good photos where you feel great than a huge variety of photos photos that are no fun. Although we always have fun on every wedding day! We highly recommend bringing some water along with you as that can really help with breathing in the smoky air. Also if you or any of your guests have any breathing issues you'll want to find a way to avoid any strenuous activity outside.

While having smoke in the air might not have been in your wedding day plan it doesn't mean that you won't be able to have a great day outdoors and still get amazing photos! We hope you take comfort in the fact that no matter the circumstances we are here for you, flexible and are committed to making the best day ever! If there is anything else we can do to make your experience even better, please feel free to contact us.