Yana Skakun
Journal
Photography Blog
Tips, guides, venue spotlights and behind-the-scenes stories from my photography sessions across England.
Business Headshots
17 April 2026·8 min read
Candle and Home Fragrance Brand Photography: A Guide for UK Makers
A luxury soy candle in a beautifully designed jar is a premium lifestyle product — and the photography needs to reflect that. Here is how professional brand photography works for UK candle and home fragrance makers, from flame technique to fragrance association styling.
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Business Headshots
17 April 2026·8 min read
Artisan Soap and Skincare Brand Photography: How Professional Images Drive Sales
In a competitive handmade skincare market, photography is the primary mechanism by which quality and craft are communicated. Here is how professional brand photography works for artisan soap and skincare makers — from texture and texture lighting to behind-the-scenes maker imagery.
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Photography Tips
17 April 2026·7 min read
How to Get Your Wedding Published in a Blog or Magazine
A wedding feature in a respected publication is third-party credibility that no amount of self-promotion can replicate. Here is how to prepare, submit, and increase your chances of being featured.
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Photography Tips
17 April 2026·7 min read
What Is a Styled Shoot? Behind the Scenes of Wedding Inspiration
Styled shoots are the creative collaborations behind many of the most beautiful wedding inspiration images you have ever seen. Here is what they are, how they work, and why they matter.
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Photography Tips
17 April 2026·7 min read
Documentary Family Photography: What It Is and Whether It's Right for You
Documentary family photography captures authentic, unposed moments rather than arranged portraits. It produces images with a specific quality of truth — but it is not the right approach for every family. A clear explanation of what it is and what it produces.
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Photography Tips
17 April 2026·6 min read
Keeping Children Comfortable During Summer Photoshoots: Practical Tips
A child who is comfortable, well-fed, and not overheated in a summer photography session produces natural, joyful images almost automatically. Managing this effectively is primarily the parents' job — and these tips will help.
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Photography Tips
17 April 2026·7 min read
The Best Summer Photography Locations In and Around Cambridge
Cambridge and Cambridgeshire offer a wider variety of summer photography settings than most people expect — from ancient woodland and open chalk downland to formal estate gardens and riverside meadows. A practical location guide.
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Photography Tips
17 April 2026·7 min read
Countryside Summer Portrait Sessions: Locations, Timing and What to Coordinate
Open English countryside in summer — long grass, wide skies, hedgerow lanes and warm evening light — creates a distinct portrait aesthetic. Here is how to plan a countryside session that makes the most of everything the season offers.
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Photography Tips
17 April 2026·6 min read
Garden Portrait Sessions: How to Use Your Own Space for Family Photos
A professional garden portrait session uses your outdoor space as the photography setting — producing images that are more personal and specific than any public location. In summer, your garden may be the finest photography venue available.
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Photography Tips
17 April 2026·6 min read
Family Photoshoots During the School Holidays: A Practical Guide
School holidays bring genuine flexibility: children who are rested, families together without term-time pressure, and (in summer) long evenings with warm outdoor light. Here is how to make the most of the summer holiday photography window.
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Photography Tips
17 April 2026·6 min read
What to Wear for Summer Photography Sessions: A Complete Outfit Guide
Clothing interacts with the summer season in very specific ways — rich greens, warm light, and outdoor locations all affect how colours translate into images. This guide covers what works, what to avoid, and how to coordinate a family.
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Photography Tips
17 April 2026·6 min read
June Golden Hour Photography: The Longest Window of the Year in England
June contains the summer solstice and the longest golden hour window in the English calendar — nearly 90 minutes of warm directional light from around 8 pm. Understanding and using this window creates exceptional portraits.
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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.