Yana Skakun
Yana Skakun
Southampton · Hampshire
Southampton Common · Hillier Gardens · Mottisfont · New Forest
Southampton is sandwiched between two of the finest landscapes in southern England — the New Forest National Park to the west and the South Downs to the east. Within the city, Southampton Common offers one of England's most generous urban open spaces, while the surrounding Hampshire countryside includes the world-renowned Hillier Gardens arboretum, the walled rose garden at Mottisfont Abbey, and the long chalk-river meadows of the Itchen and Test valleys.
I photograph Southampton families with a relaxed, documentary approach — following the children, finding the genuine moments, and letting your chosen location do what it does. No forced smiles, no rigid standing arrangements. Just your family, moving through a place you love.
Southampton and Hampshire are on my regular travel circuit. Sessions are available year-round and I'll help you choose the right location for your family's age and character.
Mini Session
£150
30 minutes · 20+ images
Standard Session
£250
1 hour · 40+ images
Most Popular
Extended Session
£350
2 hours · 75+ images
Southampton Common · SO14
One of England's oldest urban commons — open grassland, woodland, and the Ornamental Lake
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens · SO51
World-class arboretum near Romsey — extraordinary seasonal colour and intimate woodland walks
Itchen Valley Country Park · SO18
Chalk river meadows and ancient woodland along the River Itchen — excellent for toddler walks
Mottisfont Abbey & Garden · SO51
National Trust walled rose garden and long riverbank lawns on the Test — beautiful in summer
Netley Abbey & Shore · SO31
Romantic 12th-century ruins and a quiet foreshore with views across Southampton Water
New Forest National Park · SO43
Ancient ponies, open heath, and dense medieval oak woodland — 20 minutes west of Southampton
Southampton sits at the edge of two national parks — the New Forest immediately to the west and the South Downs to the east — while having excellent urban parks and country estates within the city itself. The Hillier Gardens arboretum is outstanding in spring (azaleas, magnolias) and autumn, and the Mottisfont Abbey garden in June is one of the most beautiful walled gardens in England.
Yes — Southampton Common has gentle, open lawns suitable for toddlers and very young children, with the Ornamental Lake providing a natural focal point. The surrounding woodland gives shade and character, and there are areas with enough space for older children to run freely.
Yes — I cover the full Hampshire area including Winchester, Eastleigh, Chandler's Ford, Romsey, Totton, and into New Forest villages. Sessions across Hampshire are available with travel included within 25 miles of Southampton.
Absolutely — the New Forest is one of the best family photography locations in southern England. Ancient deciduous woodland, open heathland, and the famous free-roaming ponies give family portraits a completely unique character. Emery Down, Bolderwood, and the Rufus Stone area are all excellent.
Spring (April-May) for blossom at Hillier Gardens; late autumn (October-November) for golden-canopy colours; summer evenings at the Common or Mottisfont. Golden hour in summer lasts until past 9pm, giving very long warm-light sessions.
Get in Touch
Tell me your favourite Hampshire spot and we'll find the perfect location together.