Yana Skakun
A Photographer's Field Guide
Twenty locations I return to repeatedly — with notes on light, access, permits, and the time of day each one works.
I have photographed in Cambridge for the better part of a decade — weddings at the colleges, family sessions in the gardens, engagement walks along the Backs. This is the working photographer's guide I wish existed when I first started. Each location includes practical notes: light, access, time of day, permits if relevant.
Whether you're a couple planning your session, a family choosing where to meet, or a fellow photographer scouting the city, these twenty locations cover almost every photography scenario Cambridge can offer.
01 · Iconic / Architectural
The most recognisable view in Cambridge. Best photographed from across King's Parade looking up at the chapel's pinnacles. The space gets very busy with tourists from 10:00 onwards, so we shoot early. No permit needed for street-side photos; chapel interior requires booking and has restrictions on flash.
02 · Riverside / Greenery
Walking along Queen's Road gives you uninterrupted views of King's, Clare, Trinity and St John's across the meadows and the river. The light here in late afternoon is genuinely cinematic. Free public access at all times.
03 · College / Garden
Clare Bridge (1640) is the oldest surviving bridge over the Cam. The Master's Garden, famous for old roses, peaks in June. Access for wedding parties requires venue hire; otherwise photography permission is at the porters' discretion.
04 · Garden / Greenhouse
Forty acres of structured garden design. Spring bulbs, summer borders, autumn colour, winter glasshouses — there is no wrong time of year. Photography for personal use is included with admission; professional shoots require a permit. The glasshouses are a beautiful indoor option for rainy mini-sessions.
05 · Historic Streets
These narrow stone-walled lanes between colleges create exceptional light pockets and a sense of timelessness. Trinity Lane is particularly good late afternoon when the western sun hits the upper stonework.
06 · Architectural / Riverside
Best photographed from Silver Street bridge looking towards the college. The bridge itself is on private college property; the photo angle is from the public street.
07 · Riverside / Pubs
Where the river opens up at Silver Street, with the Granta pub and punt stations. Genuine, lived-in Cambridge atmosphere — less polished than the colleges and often the most charming images of the day.
08 · Open green space
Wide open grass, mature trees, the river running along one edge. The locked-tree avenue on Jesus Green at golden hour is a personal favourite. Free public access. Dog-friendly.
09 · College / Architectural
Photographed from Kitchen Bridge (free public access). The covered Bridge of Sighs over the Cam is one of the most striking architectural moments in the city.
10 · College / Historical
Largest college court in Europe. Requires permission for organised photography; admission for visitors otherwise. The southern range of Wren Library is most photogenic from outside.
11 · Modern / Bridge architecture
James Stirling's History Faculty, the modern stones of Selwyn and Newnham. Quieter than the central colleges. Excellent for editorial wedding portraits where modern architecture suits the couple's style.
12 · Countryside / Meadow
Two miles upriver from Cambridge along the path Rupert Brooke walked. Long meadows, wildflowers in summer, the river curving through. The Orchard Tea Garden has been serving tea under apple trees since 1897. One of my favourite Cambridge locations.
13 · National Trust Garden
A 15-minute drive from Cambridge. Famous for its winter garden and snowdrop walks. National Trust admission applies; professional photography needs a permit.
14 · National Trust Estate
Vast estate eight miles west of Cambridge. Gothic ruin, lake walks, parkland with ancient oaks. Excellent autumn colour. National Trust permit needed for professional sessions.
15 · Urban / Street
The market has run here for over 800 years. Excellent for couples who want their session to feel like Cambridge rather than only colleges. Best for relaxed, candid frames.
16 · Open green space / Urban
The Victorian lamppost at the centre of Parker's Piece marks the symbolic boundary between the university and the town. Wide green expanse, often quiet outside cricket matches.
17 · Historic Architecture
One of only four surviving medieval round churches in England, dating to 1130. The stone exterior makes a striking neutral backdrop. The interior is now a visitor centre rather than an active church.
18 · Riverside / Historic
The view east from Magdalene Bridge along the Cam — punt stations, Pickerel Inn, old college walls — is one of the warmest spots in the city to photograph.
19 · Day-trip / Cathedral
Twenty minutes from Cambridge by car or train. The 'Ship of the Fens' with its unique Octagon Lantern. For couples wanting a more dramatic, less crowded option than King's, Ely is unbeatable. See my full guide: /ely-photography-locations.
20 · College / Hidden
A small orchard behind Magdalene College, accessible to wedding parties at Magdalene. Apple blossom in late spring is breathtaking. By permission only.
Tell me which locations interest you and what you want the session to feel like — I'll help you build the route.
Get in Touch
Tell me about your vision and I'll be in touch within 24 hours.