15 Reasons Not To Book Andrew Miller Photography.

Reason 4: Group Photos? Oh, I Love 'Em! (Seriously.)

Alright, confession time: some photographers treat group photos like a trip to the dentist – a necessary evil to be gotten over as quickly as possible. Not me! I absolutely love taking group photographs, and I don't believe in those ridiculous limits of "8 or 9" shots. We're talking a minimum of 20 during the main flurry, and as many as your heart desires throughout the rest of the day. Consider it a challenge!

Now, you might be thinking, "Twenty group photos? Won't that take forever?!" Nope! They really don't take as long as you imagine, especially when you're organised (and I'm basically a ninja master of organisation – I'll get us sorted). But here's the real talk: these photos are absolutely priceless down the line. They're the ones you'll look back at and cherish, especially as time marches on and some beloved faces might not be with us anymore.

And how do I manage to wrangle everyone without causing a full-blown family feud? Simple! My cameras shoot at a lightning-fast 30 frames a second (meaning I capture everyone's best blink-free smile), I bring a lively sense of humour and banter that works on guests of all ages, and I have an uncanny knack for charming (or subtly blackmailing) kids to stand still.

So, instead of a stressful photo op, expect genuine fun and laughter during your group shots. You might even enjoy them!

Reason 6: Time? What's Time? (My Clock Runs on Memories, Not Hours)

Honestly, if I see one more wedding photographer offering "8 hours for £X" or "10 hours for £Y," I might just spontaneously combust. Seriously? In nearly 1,000 weddings, I have never witnessed a timeline that was adhered to so strictly you could set a Swiss watch by it. Weddings are beautifully unpredictable!

That's why I embrace the chaos. I pretty much shoot from prep to first dance, or if you're feeling fancy with fireworks or a sparkler exit, I'll be there until the last fizzle. It's not about the clock; it's about the photography. Some weddings, I "win" and wrap up in a breezy 10 hours. Other times, I "lose" (but you totally win!) and I'm still there after 16 hours, creating magic. Either way? Same price, same stellar service, same ridiculously good experience!

So, if you're looking for a Bristol wedding photographer who's going to nickel and dime you for every extra hour, or worse, pack up their gear before the real party even kicks off, then I'm definitely not your guy. I don't do the "I'll start 90 minutes before your service" or "if you don't do your first dance by 8 PM, that's extra" nonsense.

This is your day. You're paying me to be there, and I'll stick around as long as there are amazing memories to capture.

Think of me as your personal, very patient, and well-(de) caffeinated wedding memory-maker.

Reason 7: I'm a 10%er (The Good Kind, For Your Walls!)

Here's a little secret about me: I'm a total "10%er." No, not in the tax sense (don't worry!), but in the "only about 10% of people ever print their photos" sense. And frankly, it drives me bonkers! What's the point of me creating Instagram-busting, jaw-dropping wedding photographs if they're just going to live on a hard drive somewhere, gathering digital dust? It's like baking a magnificent cake and then never eating it!

That's why I put my money where my mouth is: all of my wedding photography collections INCLUDE an album or print product. As in, it's not an optional extra, it's baked right into the price you see. And don't worry, the digital images are included too – for all your social media bragging needs.

If you don't value seeing your incredible memories come to life on paper, beautifully displayed for years to come, then honestly, I'm probably not your guy. There are plenty of "digital only" photographers out there who'll charge you more for less. But for me, the magic truly happens when your wedding art moves from pixels to prints. So, if you're not on board with tangible memories, this might just be one of the top reasons to keep scrolling!

Edit – Actually… this has now gracefully retired 😄

I’ve split things out so physical albums and digital options now live in their own lanes. As I start easing off the throttle—shooting fewer weddings and spending more time living the glamorous campervan life—it turns out albums were staging a quiet rebellion behind the scenes… and winning.

So this change keeps things simpler, smoother, and a lot more enjoyable all round—for me and for my couples. More focus on the good stuff, less wrestling with boxes of paper pretending to be well-behaved albums.

Reason 8: I'm Surprisingly Child-Friendly (Despite My Best Efforts to Be the Child Catcher)

Alright, full disclosure: I might have a nose like the Child Catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and in my darker moments, I fantasize about a world where children are seen and, preferably, not heard (up the chimneys or down the pits, anyone?). BUT, and this is a big but, I absolutely love it when kids want to take photos with my cameras!

Even better, we have a little game: they take a photo, then it's my turn to take a photo with them in it. It's a cunning plan, really. I even encourage your little rascals to join us for the pre-wedding shoot – let's make it a full-blown family circus!

And just to make life easier (and to ensure my expensive gear doesn't end up on eBay), all my nice, light Fuji cameras have a big, obvious red shutter button for those tiny, eager fingers. Easy peasy!

(P.S. That stuff about plastic ties and masking tape for unruly kids? Totally a joke. Mostly. 😉)

If you're bringing children to your wedding, this is a biggie. If you don't want your kids to actually enjoy the wedding day and feel like rockstar participants, then honestly, don't bother getting in touch. Because for me, happy kids often mean happy parents, and that means even better photos.

(Oh, and I only charge double if any children under the age of 21 are present at the wedding. Kidding! Mostly. Unless they're really unruly... 😉)

Reason 10: Jaffa Cakes (Yes, We're Doing This Again)

Just in case it somehow slipped your mind (or you haven't been paying attention!), let me reiterate with the gravity it deserves: I really like Jaffa Cakes.

These little disks of joy aren't just a preference; they're my high-octane wedding fuel. When the day is a whirlwind and there's no time for a proper meal, Jaffa Cakes are my meticulously calibrated blend of emergency calories, instant sugar rush, and essential carbs. They keep me upright, functioning, and capturing your epic memories when all other fuel sources have deserted me.

So, let's be abundantly clear: No Jaffa Cakes, No Discount. Even if I adore you. Even if we're practically best friends by the end of our initial chat. My love for your wedding photos is immense, but my love for a good Jaffa Cake is a non-negotiable business expense. You've been warned (again!).

Reason 13: It's Not You, It's... Well, It Might Be Me. Or You. (We'll See!)

Alright, let's get to the brass tacks, and this one's probably the most crucial from my perspective. Unlike most transactions where you book them, when it comes to your wedding photography, it's more of a mutual agreement. Think of it less as you booking me, and more as me agreeing to work with you.

I insist on meeting every potential client in person (Zoom is fine for the initial flirtation, but eventually, we need real-life coffee and awkward handshakes). Why? Because this isn't a one-sided interview. This is actually three people getting together to see if we like each other. It's not all about you, and it's certainly not all about me. It's about chemistry, shared vibes, and whether we can spend 12+ hours together without someone needing a stiff drink.

And yes, I get it, sometimes parents are heavily involved. If Mum and dad want to join our little compatibility test, I'm absolutely fine with that. After all, they might be contributing to the Jaffa Cake fund, right?

Here's the kicker: every year, I politely refuse to book 2 or 3 couples because, frankly, I don't feel I'm the right photographic flavour for their big day. And equally, several awesome couples I meet end up turning me down. And you know what? That's all for the good as far as I'm concerned! It means everyone ends up with the perfect match, and that's exactly how it should be. So, let's have a chat and see if our wedding destiny aligns!

Reason 14: My Price (It's a Bargain, I Swear!)

Okay, prepare yourselves, because this might shock you: I'm actually putting the price down?! (Not really, but it feels like a steal for what you get). Look, I get it. Budgets. We all have them. Some are champagne and caviar, some are... well, more Jaffa Cakes and instant coffee. My pricing philosophy? I'm not "cheap" (unless you count my jokes), but I'm certainly not "expensive" either.

Think of me as the perfectly-priced middle ground, like a really good, artisanal sausage roll.

Currently, my lowest wedding photography collection starts at a mere £1,300 (and that's before your incredibly wise Jaffa Cake discount). For that modest sum, you don't just get a guy with a camera; you get:

• 31 years of photographic wisdom (18 of those full-time, meaning I've seen it all, twice).
• No time limits on your wedding day – I'm like a persistent, photo-snapping limpet.
• A limited number of weddings per year so you feel exclusive, like you've got the golden ticket.
• My "extra help" service – I'm a human Swiss Army knife of sewing kits, veils, nail glue, hairspray, plasters, and pins.
• A fun, relaxed, and occasionally hilarious presence at your wedding (see Reasons 1, 8, and 12).
• A same-day slideshow (prepare for tears, mostly happy ones).
• White umbrellas because... well, UK weather. 'Nuff said.
• "No Photos Allowed" signage – I bring my own! Saves you a fiver and stops Aunt Mildred from elbowing the official photographer.
• A smorgasbord of natural, candid, documentary, and dramatically lit photos.
• I don't stop when it gets dark; I just create epic night-time images (see Reason 5, my light wizardry).
• Prices are fixed when you book, because nobody likes nasty surprises.
• No extra charges if you, for some reason, decide to elope to Vegas and then change your mind (re: date moves).
• A fancy merchant account invoice system with all the bells and whistles (even if I sometimes mess up the invoicing – see Reason 12).
• Flexible payment options (instalments or lump sum, because adulting is hard).
• A contract so thorough, it might just be longer than your wedding vows.
• All the usual boring insurance stuff that makes me a legitimate professional and not just a random bloke with a DSLR.

I reckon that's a pretty sweet deal. According to Hitched Magazine, for all of that, I should be charging upwards of £3,000! So, consider this your heads-up: my prices might just get a little more "exclusive" next year. Get in quick before I realise I'm wildly underselling myself!

Reason 15: My Price Tag is a Time Capsule (No Inflation Here!)

Let's talk money, but without the usual financial heartburn. If your idea of a good time is booking a wedding photographer who treats their prices like a yo-yo, constantly hiking them up the further in advance you book (oh, the dreaded "annual inflation increase"!), then I'm probably not your guy. Feel free to click away, there are plenty of financial sadists out there.

Me? My prices are set in stone (or at least, very firmly in writing in your contract) the moment you book. Consider it a time capsule for your wallet – no sneaky increases, no hidden charges. Even if the economy goes wild, my price for you stays fixed. And, because I'm all about flexibility, if your circumstances do a little dance, you can even downgrade your wedding photography collection. Try finding that kind of chill elsewhere!

That's a Wrap (Now Go Get Those Jaffa Cakes!)

So, there you have it! My magnificent 15 Reasons Not to Book Andrew Miller Photography. If you've laughed (or at least internally chuckled), if any of this resonated with your wonderfully chaotic wedding vision, and if you think you can pass my incredibly strict (read: "just bring me Jaffa Cakes") booking criteria, then what are you waiting for? Get in touch! My camera (and my stomach) are ready.