Yana Skakun
York · North Yorkshire
Family Photographer York
Museum Gardens · Rowntree Park · Knavesmire · North York Moors
Family Photography in York
York is one of England's most beautiful cities for family photography — the botanical Museum Gardens inside the Roman walls, the calm Ouse riverside meadows at Bishopthorpe and Rowntree Park, the wide open Knavesmire common, and the extraordinary North York Moors and Yorkshire Wolds just 20–30 minutes from the city centre. Few English cities sit at such a natural meeting point of urban beauty and wild countryside.
I photograph York families with a relaxed, unhurried approach — following the children, finding the genuine moments, and letting your chosen location do what it does. No forced poses or rigid setups. Just your family, in a place you love, photographed honestly and warmly.
Sessions are available year-round across York and the wider North Yorkshire area. I travel for all York and North Yorkshire sessions.
York Family Packages
Mini Session
£150
30 minutes · 20+ images
- 1 York or North Yorkshire location
- Up to 2 adults + children
- Fully edited gallery
- Online delivery within 7 days
Standard Session
£250
1 hour · 40+ images
- 1 location with full exploration
- Family & individual portraits
- Golden hour available
- Gallery within 7 days
Most Popular
Extended Session
£350
2 hours · 75+ images
- 2 locations or extended single
- Multiple portrait combinations
- Seasonal and landscape shots
- Gallery within 7 days
Favourite York Locations
Museum Gardens · YO1
Botanical gardens inside the Roman city walls — ruins, peacocks, and magnificent mature trees
Rowntree Park · YO23
Riverside park on the Ouse — meadow paths, willow-fringed banks, and open lawns for running children
Knavesmire & Askham Bog · YO23
Open ancient common south of the city — wide skies, historic racecourse, and adjacent ancient woodland reserve
Bishopthorpe Meadows · YO23
Quiet riverside meadows below the Archbishop's palace — wildflowers in spring and summer
Duncombe Park (Helmsley) · YO62
Sweeping 18th-century parkland above the Rye Valley — one of the finest landscape gardens in northern England
North York Moors (Heartbeat Country) · YO18
Heather moorland, farm lanes, and broad valley views — 30 minutes from the city centre
Questions
What makes York special for family photography?+
York has a uniquely beautiful landscape character — the medieval city walls and botanical Museum Gardens within the city, the calm riverside meadows of the Knavesmire and Bishopthorpe below the Archbishop's Palace, and close access to the extraordinary North York Moors National Park to the north. Few English cities offer such diversity of setting within a 30-minute drive.
Are the Museum Gardens suitable with toddlers and young children?+
Yes — the Museum Gardens are well-surfaced and easy to navigate with prams and toddlers. The ruins, the peacocks, and the mature trees hold children's attention naturally. Rowntree Park is particularly good for very young children, with its open riverside lawns and gentle paths.
Can we do a session in the North York Moors?+
Absolutely — heather season (August) on the Moors is extraordinary for family photography. Hutton-le-Hole, Rosedale, and the Hole of Horcum are all accessible from York within 30-40 minutes. The wide moorland views and purple heather give family portraits a remarkable character.
Do you cover Harrogate, Malton, and the surrounding area?+
Yes — I cover the full North Yorkshire area including Harrogate, Wetherby, Malton, Pickering, and Scarborough. Sessions across North Yorkshire are available with travel included within 25 miles of York.
What time of year is best for a York family session?+
Spring (April-May) for blossom in the Museum Gardens and Rowntree Park; August for heather on the Moors; October for the golden beech canopy around the city. Golden hour in summer lasts until near 10pm in York, giving very long warm-light sessions.
Get in Touch
Book Your York Family Session
Tell me your favourite York spot and we'll find the perfect location together.