vendor reviews: photographers

 

Andrew Mills Photography brides opt for diva style poses and hitting the streets to find the perfect shot

Interviewing Andrew Mills, owner of Andrew Mills Photography

 

Andrew Mills Photography approaches each wedding day knowing that it can take a mix of shooting styles to deliver wedding memories that will inspire you every time you look at your album. "Every couple is unique... Every shoot is different and as a result, the photos are always fresh," he said, adding that the couples who come to him want their photography to tell their true wedding story.

 

That’s why, when you strike a pose for this professional photographer, you’re going to get shots that show off the romance and fun of the day, but they’ll be mixed in with the personality of your wedding party and the elements of the city streets or architecture that surround the locale of your wedding.

 

The Ring sat down with Andrew Mills to find out more about what makes this photographer click. Let us explain...

 

A lifetime of shooting

Andrew Mills has been taking photos since he was a kid. He says it began in British Columbia where he grew up that he found himself becoming fascinated with shots of nature. "That's when I discovered my passion for photography," he says.

 

Andrew learned photography on a professional level while studying at Algonquin College. To date, his personality, style and experience has him shooting approximately 20 weddings per season – and he's loving every minute of it.

 

Setting his own standards for quality

Andrew says that for him, quality is absolutely everything. "I use only the highest quality digital equipment." Further proving his high quality standards, you will never see Andrew using inkjet prints. "All of my images are professionally printed in Toronto, where the lab uses state-of-the-art LED printers with chemically processed photographic paper."

 

Shooting all of the weddings himself, he is the first person you'll speak with, and the last when it comes to preserving your wedding memories.

 

So that he's prepared for anything, Andrew also carries back up equipment on the wedding day, including studio lighting, should the weather turn bad. He scouts each location the day before the actual shoot - and at the same time that it will take place - just to make sure he gets the best use of space and lighting on the day that matters. "I have a talent for sizing up locations fairly quickly. It doesn't take long before I know exactly what shots I want to take."

 

Hitting the streets & doing what it takes to get that perfect shot

Andrew is happiest when he's shooting in a way that takes advantage of the elements of the surrounding locale - the city streets leading up to your reception hall, the history and style of nearby buildings and the beauty of a nearby park. More importantly, Andrew's goal is the same as yours. He wants to get the perfect drop-dead diva style shots of the bride, and the magazine cover-worthy groom and wedding party shots.

Describing himself as an adventurer, he explains, "I'm willing to do anything for a picture." In fact, he says he'll be as adventurous as the bride and groom themselves, and notes that any of his past couples would agree with this statement. Andrew described a shoot that had him standing knee deep in water to catch a shot of a bride and groom in front of a waterfall. "If that's what it takes to get the best photo, I'll do it."

Andrew specializes in hand colouring techniques, a cool effect that can be added to his couple's favourite shots using photography graphics programs.

 

Andrew Mills weddings

"I think that brides who choose me do so because they can see how important their wedding memories are to me," says Andrew, who admits that he loves shooting weddings more than any other type of photography. "Weddings involve so many different styles of photography in just one event... every couple is unique… every shoot is different, and as a result, the photos are always fresh."  

 

Andrew's detailed knowledge of wedding photography works perfectly with his patience and easy-going personality. From speaking to him, it's fairly easy to imagine working with him on a wedding day, particularly if you want someone who is flexible. "I'm open to all suggestions from the wedding couple and the wedding party, both before and on the wedding day," he says. His goal is to capture the bride and groom's day the best he can in a way that fits what they imagine for their wedding album.

 

Once a couple has chosen Andrew, they start off with an engagement photo shoot. The shoot is included with every package and since it's fun, it helps to put the couple at ease and helps him to get to know the couple's personalities. "…This familiarity ensures the photos are natural and fresh on the wedding day."

 

For the day of the wedding, coverage can range from formal to intimate, urban to rural, candid to artistically posed, depending on what the bride and groom are looking for. Generally, the day starts at the bride's house, goes through the ceremony and photo locations and, if the right package has been chosen, it can end with full reception coverage.

 

When you let him, Andrew is happy to shoot the groom and groomsmen early in the morning, as well – if the timing is right. You can see, while looking at his online galleries, that he's been able to create some amazing groom shots that any bride could love. For more information on his coverage options, check out the Andrew Mills Photography website.

 

Adding to his own style, Andrew also does pet photography and welcomes wedding photo shoots that involve your pets, too. "I've always had a talent for capturing the animal's personality in my photos."

 

Once the wedding day has come to an end, Andrew Mills goes to work on choosing the best of the digital images he captured throughout the day. Couples can expect their proof album containing approximately 400 4 by 6 inch proofs, three to four weeks later, in most cases. Also, the couple will receive a DVD featuring all of their corrected high resolution images.

 

packages & options

Andrew offers full-day coverage of the wedding, with print options that provide a lot of choice.

 

Photos can be displayed in traditional albums or newer styled coffee table books, depending on the package you choose. You also receive an online gallery - with one, you can send links to your photos on the web so that friends and family can see them, and even purchase them if they wish to.

 

Andrew says that his brides should plan on spending $1600 to $3500 for their wedding photography. He has four packages to choose from with customization opportunities for the bride and groom, in order to suit their needs.,

 

In other words...

"Just a little note to say Thank-You for our wonderful wedding pictures! We have received many compliments on them. You really captured the mood of the day (and all the craziness!) - and we really love how they turned out. It's going to be hard to decide which ones should go into our album, because they're all so great!" - Brandi & Chris

 

"Every soon-to-be married couple needs to find a reliable photographer with a sense of humor, who is not only friendly, creative, and skilled, but most importantly - professional. Andrew Mills has all of those qualities. His kind demeanor made it easy for us to relax for the photos, to have fun, and to cherish the day. The artistic element of his photos demonstrates his skill, and the unique and creative backdrops are proof of his ability to make the most of any situation. Many guests have complimented on how he was patient, relaxed and extremely cooperative. Our album has become a valued treasure, and we are certain that no other photographer could have captured our wedding more perfectly." - Brooke & Scott

 

Dear Andrew, Ron and I want to thank you so much for doing such an incredible job capturing the most important day of our lives. You truly went above and beyond what we expected. When we first thought about getting our wedding and engagement pictures done, we thought that we would be lucky if we had around ten pictures that we really liked. Not only did you take more pictures than what was expected, we are having a hard time deciding which ones we like the best. You made us feel very comfortable in front of the camera. Your enthusiasm and love for your work truly comes through in your pictures. Thanks for making us feel like a King and Queen on one of the most important days of our lives." - Tanya & Ron

 

detailsdetailsdetails

• A deposit of $350 books your wedding date with Andrew Mills Photography.

• Another $350 is due two weeks prior to the wedding and the remainder of the balance is due on the wedding day.

• Andrew recommends booking 6 to 12 months in advance to guarantee that he is available to shoot your wedding.

• He can, and is willing to, work with couples on short notice if he can accommodate them.

• Andrew is happy to travel within 90 minutes of the K-W area for no additional charge, and is always happy to travel farther.

 

Contacting Andrew Mills Photography

Andrew Mills Photography is best reached by email at andrew@andrewmills.com or on his cell phone at 519-588-5063. You can browse his extensive online galleries at www.andrewmills.com.

 

- The Staff at TheWeddingRing.ca

* Prices are all approximate and are subject to change and verification by authorized staff and management of Andrew Mills Photography.