Some of my best aviation photography has been when I've been at the controls! Gives you perfect freedom to align the aircraft precisely how you need it.
Each to their own ....
Indeed whilst the CAA's GASS Leaflet on Photography only
recommends a min. crew of 2 (photo + PIC) ..... I would suggest that if anything were to happen, the prosecution lawyers would have a field day on anything you attempted to put forward as defense, no matter good your barrister is.
A Pilot
In Command is just that ... and it would be very difficult to prove you were suitably in command of the aircraft, especially if you were snapping solo with no witnesses !
Just my 2p worth .....