Yana Skakun
Derby & Derbyshire
Family Photographer
Derby
Natural family sessions across Derby — Darley Park, Elvaston Castle, and the Peak District edges.
Derby & Derbyshire Family Photography
From Darley Park to the Peak District
Derby and the surrounding Derbyshire countryside offer a remarkable range of photography settings — from the riverside elegance of Darley Park and the Gothic grandeur of Elvaston Castle to the raw limestone dales and moorland edges of the Peak District, reachable in under an hour. Families choosing Derbyshire for their portraits are rarely short of beautiful options.
I work in a documentary style — walking with your family, following the natural rhythm of the session, and capturing the genuine moments rather than staged arrangements. Sessions are relaxed, unhurried, and enjoyable for children and adults alike.
Packages
Derby Family Session Packages
Mini Session
£150
30 min · 20+ images
A quick seasonal update or annual refresh — beautiful images in a compact, easy booking.
Standard Session
£250
1 hour · 40+ images
Time for the whole family to settle and the real, unscripted moments to emerge naturally.
Extended Session
£350
2 hours · 75+ images
For larger families, active children, or families wanting to include Peak District landscapes.
Locations
Derby & Derbyshire Photo Locations
Darley Park
Derby's most beautiful park — dramatic riverside setting, formal gardens, and mature woodland. Particularly stunning in golden-hour light along the Derwent.
Elvaston Castle Country Park
A Victorian Gothic castle estate with formal topiary gardens, a lake, and woodland — one of Derbyshire's most photogenic settings for family portraits.
Kedleston Hall (National Trust)
A magnificent neoclassical estate house with sweeping parkland — the grounds are extraordinary for classic family portraits with grandeur and open space.
Peak District Edges
The limestone and gritstone edges of the southern Peak District — Dovedale, Lathkill Dale, and the Tissington Trail are all within easy reach of Derby and offer breathtaking natural settings.
Allestree Park
A large country park north of Derby — open farmland, a reservoir, and woodland. Accessible, varied, and beautiful for outdoor family sessions in any season.
Markeaton Park
Derby's most popular family park — the lake, formal garden, and open spaces work well for relaxed sessions with younger children who need easy access and familiar surroundings.
Family Photography Derby FAQs
Where do you recommend for family photos near Derby?+
Darley Park is hard to beat for beauty within the city. For something grander, Kedleston Hall's parkland is excellent. If you want Peak District landscape, Dovedale or Lathkill Dale are stunning and very accessible from Derby.
Do you cover areas outside Derby city?+
Yes — I cover Belper, Matlock, Chesterfield, Ashbourne, Burton upon Trent, Swadlincote, and the wider Derbyshire area. A small travel supplement applies beyond 30 miles from base.
Can we do a Peak District family session?+
Absolutely — I love Peak District family sessions. Dovedale, Lathkill Dale, and the limestone plateau near Buxton are all beautiful for families. These are included in the Extended Session package.
What is the best time of year for Derby family photos?+
Autumn at Elvaston Castle and Darley Park is spectacular. Spring at Kedleston Hall with its open parkland is equally stunning. Summer evenings in the Peak District work beautifully for golden-hour portraits.
Are dogs welcome?+
Yes — dogs are welcome at all outdoor locations. Please let me know when booking so I can suggest the most dog-friendly setting and plan accordingly.
How long until we see our images?+
Your private gallery is delivered within 10 business days, fully edited at full resolution with digital printing rights included.
Get in Touch
Book Your Derby Family Session
Get in touch to discuss locations and check availability.