Photography at the Backs Cambridge — Portraits on the Most Beautiful Stretch of the River Cam
Photography at the Backs in Cambridge takes place along one of the most visually spectacular stretches of river in England — the view from the Backs behind the historic colleges, with King’s College Chapel rising above the willows, punts drifting past, and the manicured lawns running down to the riverbank. For portraits, family photography, engagement sessions, graduation photography and couples work, the Backs provide a backdrop with immediate visual recognition and extraordinary natural beauty.
Yana Skakun Photography conducts portrait sessions at the Cambridge Backs with in-depth knowledge of the specific photographic opportunities along this stretch — which angles work best at each time of day, where the college groundskeepers allow photography, how to incorporate the river, the bridges, the willows and the chapel into a complete and varied set of images rather than a single repeated composition.
Best Times for Backs Photography
The Backs photograph at their most spectacular in early morning light (when tourist foot traffic is minimal and the low sun creates beautiful reflections on the river) and in the final two hours before sunset (golden light through the willow canopies and across the lawn). The blue hour after sunset also creates extraordinary moody conditions for couples and engagement photography. All Cambridge Backs portrait sessions are timed around optimal light conditions.
Sessions Available at the Backs
Photography at the Cambridge Backs is ideal for: family portraits, engagement and couples sessions, graduation photography with college backgrounds, academic and professional portraits, tourist and visitor commemorative portraits, and alumni photography visits. Sessions can be combined with punting photography along the river for a complete Cambridge experience.