Secure the Veil

Who doesn’t love a wedding? I mean they are filled with love, joy, and laughter, what is not to like. I had the pleasure of photographing this wedding. The day started out gorgeous considering it was winter in Texas. Then a front blew through. Insert blustery day; cold, gray, and oh so much wind! Fear not, I dressed warm, but my usual reflector work was not an option that day.

It worked out well because even on a tricky weather day we still captured cool images from their wedding. So were these shots skill or luck? Both. Take the image that leads this post. It was just completely dumb luck that Mother Nature chose that second...or 16 to picked the brides veil up like a kite bound for the stratosphere. Okay, I guess if I traveled with a wind machine to all of my portrait sessions and weddings then it would have been possible, but I don’t so that part was luck. Now that said if I had my beautiful couple facing the opposite direction this would have been a completely different image and likely not blog-worthy.

As a photographer, we get paid to “make it work” no matter the situation. If the lighting at a venue is dreadful employee fill flash, led lighting, strobes, or softboxes, when additional lighting is not an option have a great camera with strong ISO settings, a great lens, and a sturdy tripod. If it is raining have an umbrella handy. If a camera breaks always have a backup. If a hem falls don't worry I have tape! If you find yourself on a boat and the water spray is huge have a protective bag and plenty of lens cleaning cloths to stay dry while you shoot. Now you can’t possibly prepare for every situation but as a wedding photographer, you can train yourself to think flexibly and keep learning to find ways around most obstacles.

At this wedding, the wind was our issue but we made it work to our advantage and had a great time. Thanks to a super fun couple that was game for seeing where the day took us we had an amazing day and captured some spectacular memories that can be cherished for years to come.

The point of all of this is with every session whether it is portraits, stills, corporate, headshots, engagements, bridals, or weddings; embrace the situation no matter how crazy it seems. You have done your research and selected just the right person to photograph your day. Trust your photographer to take care of you and provide you with the very best even portraits possible even if it rains, snows, or is windy enough to bring Mary Poppins to town.