Yana Skakun
Journal
Photography Blog
Tips, guides, venue spotlights and behind-the-scenes stories from my photography sessions across England.
Venue Spotlights
16 March 2026·8 min read
Queens' College Cambridge Wedding Photography: Medieval Courtyards & the Mathematical Bridge
Queens' College is among Cambridge's most romantic wedding venues — the medieval Old Court, the iconic wooden Mathematical Bridge, the Cloister Court with its half-timbered gallery, and the president's garden. A complete guide for couples and their photographers.
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Venue Spotlights
16 March 2026·9 min read
King's College Cambridge Wedding Photography: The World's Most Famous Chapel
King's College Cambridge is one of the most breath-taking wedding settings in the world — the Chapel interior, King's Parade, The Backs riverside, and the iconic view of the Front Court. A photographer's complete guide to shooting a wedding at King's.
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Venue Spotlights
16 March 2026·10 min read
Getting Married in a Cambridge College: A Complete Photography Guide
A comprehensive guide to wedding photography inside Cambridge's historic colleges — which colleges are licensed for weddings, what photography is permitted, the challenges of shooting inside medieval stone buildings, and the best portrait spots that only college couples have access to.
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Wedding Tips
16 March 2026·12 min read
What to wear for wedding photos: A photographer's complete guide
From fabrics that photograph beautifully to how different dress colours behave in light — here's everything a wedding photographer wishes every couple knew about styling for stunning photographs.
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Photography Tips
15 March 2026·6 min read
What Is Personal Branding Photography and Do You Need It?
Personal branding photography is more than updated headshots — it's a deliberate visual identity for your business. Here's what it involves and whether it's worth it.
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Photography Tips
15 March 2026·5 min read
The Ultimate Baby Shower Gift: A Newborn Photography Voucher
Nappies, sleepsuits, and muslin cloths — practical and forgotten by week three. A newborn photography voucher gives new parents images of this irreplaceable window that they'll keep forever.
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Family Tips
15 March 2026·6 min read
Family Photo Colour Palette Guide: What Colours Look Best
Colour coordination can make the difference between a cohesive, timeless image and one that looks dated. A guide to choosing complementary palettes, which tones photograph best, and the patterns to avoid for beautiful family portraits.
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Family Tips
15 March 2026·7 min read
Extended Family Photography: How to Coordinate Large Groups
Organising a shoot with grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles across multiple generations takes planning. A practical guide to coordinating extended family sessions — from scheduling and location to posing large groups on the day.
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Family Tips
15 March 2026·6 min read
Best Ages for Family Photos: A Photographer's Guide
Every age brings something different to a family session — from the unpredictable magic of toddlers to the easy confidence of older children. A guide to what to expect at each stage and how to get the most from your session.
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Venue Spotlights
15 March 2026·9 min read
Lincoln Cathedral Wedding Photography: A Stunning Historic Venue
Lincoln Cathedral was once the tallest building in the world. Its Norman nave, Angel Choir, and magnificent hilltop setting above the Lincolnshire plain make it one of the most extraordinary wedding ceremony venues in England.
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Venue Spotlights
15 March 2026·9 min read
Lavenham: England's Most Photogenic Village for Weddings
Lavenham is the best-preserved medieval town in England — 300 timber-framed buildings, the Great Guildhall on the Market Place, and a wool church of cathedral scale. For wedding photography, it is simply extraordinary.
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Wedding Tips
15 March 2026·7 min read
Golden Hour in Summer: Why 9pm Light Makes Perfect Wedding Photos
In English summer, golden hour falls between 8:30 and 9:30pm — long after most wedding breakfasts are over. Understanding this changes how you plan your wedding day. A complete guide to golden hour timing and how to build it into your schedule.
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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.