Yana Skakun
Journal
Photography Blog
Tips, guides, venue spotlights and behind-the-scenes stories from my photography sessions across England.
Newborn Tips
29 June 2026·7 min read
Baby Milestone Photos: From Newborn to First Birthday
The key milestones to photograph in a baby's first year, what each session captures, and how to think about documenting the whole journey from birth to age one.
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Wedding Tips
28 June 2026·7 min read
How Background Clutter Ruins Wedding Photos (And How We Avoid It)
Fire extinguishers, stacked chairs, and stray signage can quietly wreck a beautiful wedding photo. Here is how I spot and avoid cluttered backgrounds before the shutter ever clicks.
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Family Tips
28 June 2026·6 min read
How to Prepare Your Toddler for a Family Photoshoot
Toddlers are unpredictable and often the best subjects in family photography. How to set expectations, timing, and preparation for the most natural results.
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Portrait Tips
28 June 2026·9 min read
What to Wear for Equestrian Photography
Equestrian portrait photography requires clothing that is correct for the riding context being photographed and that coordinates well with the horse. This guide covers competition dress, country sessions, stable yard photography, and how to coordinate with your horse's colour.
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Photography Tips
28 June 2026·8 min read
Cambridge graduation photography: How to capture the day perfectly
Graduation day at Cambridge University is unlike anywhere else in England — formal gowns, ancient colleges, proud families. Here's everything you need to know about photography on the day.
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Family Tips
27 June 2026·6 min read
Family Photos with Dogs and Pets: How to Include Your Best Friend
Why dogs make family photo sessions better, how to prepare them for a session, and practical tips for getting great shots with your four-legged family member.
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Wedding Tips
26 June 2026·7 min read
Ugly Carpets at Wedding Venues? How We Hide Them in Photos
Patterned function-room carpet is one of the most common wedding venue quirks, and one of the easiest for an experienced photographer to work around. Here is exactly how I handle it, from camera angle to lighting to editing.
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Family Tips
26 June 2026·6 min read
Rainy Day Family Photos: Why Bad Weather Makes Great Pictures
Why overcast and rainy weather often produces the most beautiful family photography — and how to prepare for a session in typically British conditions.
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Portrait Tips
26 June 2026·9 min read
What to Wear for Glamour Portrait Photography
Glamour portrait photography is unapologetically about celebrating appearance — and clothing, hair, and makeup are integral parts of the image, not preparation for it. This guide covers what to wear for classic Hollywood glamour portraits, contemporary beauty portraiture, and empowerment sessions.
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Wedding Tips
25 June 2026·7 min read
Shooting in Small Bridal Prep Rooms: Why a Wide Lens is Crucial
When the getting ready room is little more than a spare bedroom, lens choice stops being a stylistic preference and becomes the deciding factor in whether the morning feels calm or cramped on camera.
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Newborn Tips
25 June 2026·6 min read
When Is the Best Time for Newborn Photos? A Week-by-Week Guide
Why the first 14 days are the ideal window for newborn photography, what changes as babies get older, and how to plan ahead to secure the right timing.
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Maternity
24 June 2026·7 min read
Bump Photography: A Complete Guide to Maternity Sessions
When to book, what to wear, where to shoot, and what makes a great bump photo session — a complete photographer's guide to maternity photography.
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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.