Yana Skakun
Journal
Photography Blog
Tips, guides, venue spotlights and behind-the-scenes stories from my photography sessions across England.
Destination Weddings
28 April 2026·8 min read
Edinburgh Wedding Photography: The Castle, Calton Hill and the Old Town Closes
Edinburgh is one of the most dramatic city photography environments in Europe — a medieval Old Town built on a volcanic ridge, crowned by a 12th-century castle, threaded with narrow closes and wynds, and surrounded by hills.
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Wedding Tips
28 April 2026·10 min read
Winter wedding photography in England: Everything you need to know
Winter weddings are dramatically underrated. Bare trees, low light, open fires, and the extraordinary quality of December and January light — here's how to work with winter rather than against it.
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Family Tips
27 April 2026·7 min read
Siblings at Family Photoshoots: Managing Rivalry and Capturing Real Moments
Sibling rivalry, refusals, and mid-session meltdowns are normal — and a skilled photographer has seen them all before. A practical guide to making a multi-child family session work beautifully.
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Destination Weddings
27 April 2026·7 min read
Mallorca Wedding Photography: Finca Estates, Ancient Olive Trees and the Tramuntana Mountains
Mallorca is the Mediterranean's premier finca wedding destination — stone farmhouses surrounded by ancient olive trees, the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range designated UNESCO World Heritage, and turquoise calas (coves) below dramatic cliffs.
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Family Tips
27 April 2026·10 min read
What to Wear for Christening Photography: Baby, Parents, and the Whole Family
A christening or baptism is one of the most photographically rich family occasions of early childhood. What the baby wears is often decided — what everyone else wears requires more thought.
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Engagement
26 April 2026·7 min read
Winter Engagement Sessions in the UK: Locations, Styling, and What to Expect
Golden hour at 3pm, frost-covered fields, bare structural trees, and atmospheric mist — winter produces some of the most beautiful engagement photography in the UK. Here is how to plan yours.
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Wedding Tips
26 April 2026·8 min read
Eloping in Portugal: The Complete Guide for British Couples
Portugal is one of Europe's finest elopement destinations — Lisbon's azulejo viewpoints, Sintra's fairy-tale palaces, the Algarve's golden sea cliffs, and the Douro's terraced vineyards. All within 3 hours of the UK.
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Destination Weddings
26 April 2026·7 min read
Dubrovnik Wedding Photography: City Walls, Lovrijenac Fortress and the Adriatic
Dubrovnik is one of the best-preserved medieval walled cities in the world — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of baroque churches, marble-paved streets, and the impossibly blue Adriatic Sea visible from every tower.
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Family Tips
26 April 2026·5 min read
Including your pet in family photos: Tips for beautiful results
Dogs (and the occasional cat) make family photos infinitely more joyful — and more challenging. Here's how to include your furry family member for portraits you'll actually love.
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Wedding Tips
25 April 2026·8 min read
Ceremony Exit Photography: How to Plan and Photograph the Grand Exit
Confetti, sparklers, bubbles, or ribbons — the grand exit is one of the most technically demanding shots of the day. A complete guide to planning, positioning, and timing your perfect exit photograph.
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Destination Weddings
25 April 2026·7 min read
Douro Valley Wedding Photography: Terraced Vineyards, Harvest Season and Quintas
The Douro Valley is Portugal's wine country — a steep-sided river valley carved into schist bedrock, with terraced vineyards reaching from the river to the hilltop. The UNESCO-listed landscape is one of the most beautiful wine regions in Europe.
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Portrait Tips
25 April 2026·11 min read
What to Wear for a Proposal Photoshoot: The Secret Planning Guide
Planning a surprise proposal photography session means orchestrating your own outfit and guiding your partner's without revealing the plan. A complete guide to making both look perfect.
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Photography Blog — Tips, Guides & Inspiration
Welcome to the photography blog by Yana Skakun — a professional photographer based in Cambridge, England. This journal covers everything from practical wedding planning guides and engagement session advice to family photoshoot tips, newborn photography guides, portrait session prep, and venue spotlights across Cambridgeshire, London, and East England.
Whether you're a couple planning your wedding, a family getting ready for a seasonal portrait session, or a professional preparing for a headshot shoot — you'll find honest, experience-based advice here. Every article is written from real sessions and years of capturing life's most meaningful moments across England.