Calgary Wedding Photographers

Every good blog post starts with a  few horror stories.  I recently asked the question, “what’s your best horror story from a wedding you shot”  in an online forum of wedding photographers (note: not Calgary wedding photographers).  Here’s some of the best!

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

“I had a groom once snap his fingers at me all day through formals and say “snap snap snap take the picture “. He was horrible.  He was so rude that I threatened to walk off and reminded them of the clause in the contract about treating with respect.”  -S.F.

“I had a groom fart at me once – like aim his butt at me, lean to the side and lift his leg, and let ‘er rip, from about 3 feet away.”  – E.J.

“I once had a groomsmen get out of the bus and pee on the road as I was shooting a little further down the road and it all ran downhill towards me. At least he was mortified – I didn’t have to see his junk.”  – E.M.

“I was shooting a wedding not long ago and one of the groomsmen was a complete pig.  He kept making rude remarks to me but what took the cake was when he said he had to “take a leak” and went pee, door open, 3 feet away.”  – S.M.

“The bus broke down and everyone piled out and started smoking ‘fancy’ ciggies lol. After that – there was no getting good pictures.”  – R.R.

“The father of the bride got up during speeches and thanked one of their family members for taking such amazing photos throughout the day, all the meanwhile looking at me and not even acknowledging my presence.”  – E.B.

“I had a bride so far behind schedule, and didn’t want to pay the extra for me to stay and shoot the first dances/toss/cake cutting. She asked me to ask her cousin (who had a pretty decent DSLR) to take those photos and send them to me to edit. Ummmmm no!!!”  – O.M.

“I’m 7 months pregnant and every time I would take a little rest I had family members in my face telling me about something important they thought was happening, or that someone needed me. They didn’t have a free spot for me during dinner either (which is in my contract, but whatever) so I couldn’t even rest at that time, and had to stuff my face with bread rolls and granola bars in between the obnoxious family member’s demands. Brutal.”  – T.E.

We Love You, So Please, Love us!

As wedding photographers we tend to get attached to our couples.  We meet and book them through a consult and we hear all about the details of your big day, which makes us equally as excited.  I can’t tell you how giddy I get when my couples tell me all about their beautiful details – even if that detail is flying your grandmother in from out of the country to watch you get married.  Why?  Because in my head I start envisioning a teary embrace as your grandmother sees you walk down the aisle.  I look forward to capturing those memories because I know how important they’ll be years down the road when your wedding is over and your memory becomes a little fuzzy.  I can’t stress this enough, but we’re in this industry because we genuinely love weddings and genuinely care about our couples.  I can personally tell you that I’ve never booked a wedding and thought “money in the bank, let’s get this over and done with”.  My mind is always in overdrive thinking of new ways to capture moments, details, emotions, everything!  And I think just about every other photographer can say the same.  Why?  Because we love you.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

I can’t stress this one enough.  I can’t count how many times I’ve heard horror stories of brides (and grooms!) losing their cool on their wedding photographer.  I know we may be an easy target, but keep in mind that we have feelings too.  We want your wedding to go just as perfectly as you envisioned, but barking orders and getting short tempered with us will do no good to anyone in the long run.  Hiccups will happen – and besides, some of the best memories are from the most unexpected surprises.  Embrace everything that happens during your wedding day.  This day is about you and your significant other joining lives and spending the rest of your days together.  Sure your bouquet may not be as full as you wanted, or you chipped a nail and you’re running 20 minutes behind.  Guess what?  You’re still getting married!  Best of all, you’re getting married in front of a room full of people who love and care about you and celebrate you as a couple!  So please, take a deep breath and let the good times roll.

Feed Us!

I (along with 99% of Calgary wedding photographers) have a clause in our wedding photography contract that we need to be fed.  It’s rare I come across a situation where there’s been no food served, but please be mindful of your vendors.  This doesn’t just include photographers but also wedding planners and DJs.  Unlike a Platypus, I do have a stomach.  Actually, if you know me, you’d probably think I’m more like a cow, with four stomachs, but that’s besides the point.  We need food.  We spend upwards of 10 hours with you, so a nice warm meal while the rest of your guests eat is always appreciated.  Also, during meal time I prefer not to take pictures.  Why?  Because no one ever looked good forking a 5 inch piece of lettuce into their mouth.  Let’s be honest.

Help Us Out

I always ask my couples prior to their wedding if there’s a specific detail they’d like shot, but sometimes these things slip through the crack.  If there’s a detail  you’d like captured specifically (Aunt Rhonda’s old broach pinned on your brother’s ex girlfriend), please let us know.  Don’t assume we know every thought that’s going through your head.  It’ll save the headache in the long run when you receiving your wedding images and don’t see that picture of Aunt Rhonda’s broach.  Also, if you’re having an unplugged wedding please ask that your guests respect that.  I can’t count how many times I’ve had to bat an iPad and/or iPhone out of my way as my bride is walking down the aisle.  Your uncle’s bright orange iPhone case does not go well next to your beautiful wedding gown.

All in All

We’re a big part of your wedding and we’re elated that you chose us to capture it.  When you’re relaxed, calm and having fun, it speaks volumes – and translates SO well in your photographs (as you can see above!)  Nothing makes my heart smile more than a beautiful picture of a couple in love.  By treating like an equal, it makes our jobs not only so much easier but more enjoyable.

Steph

A Calgary Wedding Photographer based in Alberta, Canada