The cake has been brought out, the candles are lit, and everyone is watching with huge smiles on their faces. You grab your phone to capture the moment — but by the time you've unlocked it, opened the camera, and steadied your hand, the candles are half blown out and Grandad has already turned away. The photo you do get is blurry, badly lit, and a little bit heartbreaking.

Sound familiar? You're not alone. Most of us have a camera roll full of almost-moments — slightly too late, slightly out of focus, slightly not what we wanted. But here's the thing: those moments don't have to be lost. And getting them captured properly costs far less than you might think.

When most people think about hiring a professional photographer, they picture a big invoice to match. But family event photography doesn't have to break the bank. At Andrew Corney Photography, half a day of professional coverage starts from just £250. Think about that for a moment. Split across a family of four or five, you're looking at £50 each — roughly the cost of a nice meal out, or a couple of trips to the cinema.

Except instead of something you'll forget within a week, you're left with a collection of beautiful images that will sit on your walls, fill your albums, and be shared with family for years to come. Whether it's a landmark birthday, a family reunion, a special day out at the seaside, or simply a celebration you want to remember properly — half a day is often all you need to come away with dozens of stunning, meaningful photographs.

One of the biggest concerns people have about hiring a photographer is the disruption. Nobody wants someone hovering with a camera, making everyone feel awkward, or constantly interrupting the flow of the day with "Can everyone look over here, please?"

That's not how I work. My approach is rooted in documentary-style photography — which simply means I blend into the background and let the day unfold naturally. I'm there to observe, not to direct. The laughter, the little glances between people, the moment your child's face lights up when they see the birthday cake — those are the shots I'm quietly working to capture while everyone else is simply enjoying themselves.

This style of photography produces images that feel real and alive — because they are. Nobody is posing. Nobody is performing. Everyone is just being themselves, and that's exactly what makes these photos so special to look back on.

Of course, sometimes you do want to gather everyone together. A classic family portrait, a group photo with three generations, or a particular combination of people who are rarely all in the same place at the same time — these moments matter too, and I absolutely make them happen. The beauty of working this way is that you get the best of both worlds. For most of the day, I'm quietly in the background capturing the candid, unscripted moments you can't plan for. But when you want a group photo or a portrait, I'll step in, organise everyone efficiently (yes, even the kids), get the shot, and then slip back into the background again. No fuss, no long interruptions, no one feeling like they've been on a photo shoot all afternoon.

If you have a family event coming up — however big or small — I'd love to hear about it. Coverage starts from just £250, and I'm always happy to have a no-pressure chat about what you have in mind.