Yana Skakun
A Photographer's Field Guide
A photographer's guide to the cathedral city — twelve locations with practical notes on light, access, and timing.
Ely is one of the most rewarding cities I photograph in. The cathedral dominates the skyline, but the city itself — riverside paths, market streets, walled gardens, the Fens beyond — offers far more than the single iconic frame.
This guide collects twelve locations I return to repeatedly, with notes on what each works for and when to shoot it.
01 · Iconic / Cathedral
The west front of Ely Cathedral, photographed from the Palace Green or further back from the lawn, is one of the most dramatic frames in East Anglia. The stone catches gold beautifully from about 16:00 onwards in summer.
02 · Cathedral interior
The only octagonal lantern of its kind in medieval Europe. Photographing directly upwards from the crossing produces an extraordinary symmetrical frame. Flash is forbidden during services and ceremonies; available light only.
03 · Cathedral / Chapel
The largest medieval Lady Chapel in England, with extraordinarily high ceilings and almost-white limewash interior. The light here is the softest natural light I photograph in. Excellent for intimate ceremonies and portrait moments.
04 · Cathedral exterior
Sheltered, beautifully lit through the medieval cloister arches. My standard rain plan when photographing weddings at the cathedral. Soft, even light all day.
05 · Open green / Lawn
The wide lawn directly in front of the cathedral. Where most cathedral weddings take their group photographs. Public access; no permit needed for personal shoots.
06 · Garden / Restaurant
Beautiful walled garden of the Almonry restaurant, immediately south of the cathedral. Popular for wedding reception drinks. Booking through the venue.
07 · Private garden
Adjacent to the cathedral. Wedding access by special arrangement only. Spectacular wisteria in May; old roses in June.
08 · Riverside / Path
The path along the Great Ouse just below the city, with narrowboats, willows, and views back up to the cathedral on the hill. Genuinely picturesque and free to access at any time.
09 · Park / Cathedral view
Beneath the cathedral on the river side. Open lawn with the best uninterrupted view of the cathedral from below. Often empty even on summer afternoons.
10 · Urban / Market
The medieval street running through Ely up to the cathedral. Genuine market-town atmosphere, plenty of warm-toned brick and stone for backgrounds.
11 · Historic Garden
The 17th-century house where Cromwell lived. Small garden, walled, intimate. By permission only.
12 · Countryside / Landscape
Eight to fifteen minutes from Ely depending on which Fen. Almost cinematic skies year-round. Wicken Fen is National Trust; Welney is WWT. Both allow personal photography; commercial requires permits.
Wedding day at the cathedral or a quieter portrait session by the river — tell me what you have in mind.
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