So I was watching one of the episodes of “Say Yes to the Dress” this weekend from The Learning Channel.  One of the brides came in specifically to try on Austin Scarlett’s wedding gowns.  But as much as she adores Austin’s wedding gowns, nothing seems to fit her and she had to face the fact she might need to try on other wedding gowns from other designers. And so she did and she was much happier.

This episode reminded me of what I wanted to share with you a few weeks back regarding the importance of engagement photos. Selecting a wedding photographer is a combined exercise of personal preference and visual appeal, and as such, decisions are based primarily on the sample of work provided in the wedding photographer’s website.  However, one may be remissed if decisions are made solely on the photographer’s portfolio and a follow-up consultation with the wedding photographer.  Why? Because no matter how much you love your wedding photographer, you will never know if they are the “perfect fit” for you - until you try them…Herein lies the beauty of the engagement sessions…
 
My sister, Roxy, Toronto photographer and owner of Vanilla Skies Photography , photographed a wedding of a lovely couple a few weeks back.  She was not the original photographer the couples selected.  The couple just finished their engagement session with their original photographer and they immediately knew it was not a good fit.  The session was mediocre, and the photos less than acceptable. The website however, which the couples based their decision on, was stunning.  But they would not have found out about the discrepancy had the engagement session not take place …Whew!  That was a close call…the couple may have paid a penalty for canceling the contract but was it worth it to be with a photographer they trusted, they liked, enjoyed being with on their wedding day and whom they were confident can produce a lifetime of memorable photographs?  You Bet! 
 
Some photographers include the engagement photo session in their wedding offerings….take advantage of it!  And if it is not included, it does not hurt to book for one.  At the same time, take the opportunity to ask: “What if there is not a fit?”  What are their cancellation policies and contract terms?
 
An amazing photographer for one person, may not be an amazing photographer for somebody else….but the “fit” has to be there in order for both to create magic on the day of the wedding.  ( If I can remember right, next to the groom, the bride spends all her time with the photographer - so she better like the photographer unless she considers smirks and sour-sad- monkey-faced expressions as the new trend in bridal photos.) 
 
As wedding and portrait photographers, we do not just produce images…You can pay just about anyone with a digital SLR to do that…. As professionals and artists, we are the conduits to providing “that  amazing, wonderful experience to accompany the hundreds of memorable images captured on your wedding day”. That is why hiring the right wedding photographer is at the top of every bride’s priority list.   If we cannot provide that experience, then we would not have done our jobs.  So just as it is important for the bride and groom to have an engagement photo shoot, so it is important for us photographers to know that we can meet your expectations, and provide that amazing, wonderful experience on your wedding day.

**Owen Photographie offers “THE FITTING ROOM” — If you or anyone you know is engaged and planning their wedding…send an e-mail to: owen@owenphotographie.com for details.  You must mention”THE FITTING ROOM” in your e-mail to qualify for this offer.