Yana Skakun
Cambridge · College Photography
Jesus College
Cambridge Photographer
Expert photography for weddings, graduations, May Balls and private events at Jesus College — one of Cambridge's oldest and most architecturally distinctive colleges.
Enquire NowAbout Jesus College
Medieval Character and Extraordinary Light
Founded in 1496 by Bishop John Alcock on the site of the Priory of St Rhadegund, Jesus College is one of the oldest colleges in Cambridge — and architecturally one of the most distinctive. Where many Cambridge colleges are built in pale stone, Jesus is characteristically red brick, with a medieval quality that photography captures magnificently.
The college has an extraordinary range of photographic environments: the medieval arches of the original priory buildings, the long approach through the Outer Yard, the intimate Cloister Court garden, the extensive grounds, and the striking modernist North Court. No other Cambridge college offers this range in a single location.
I have photographed at Jesus College for weddings, graduation portraits, and private events. I know where the light falls, which spaces photograph well at which time of day, and how to work within the college's requirements to create beautiful, memorable photographs.
Photographic Locations
Key Spaces at Jesus College
Chapel Court
The medieval Chapel Court is one of the finest in Cambridge — the original priory buildings dating to 1496 with red brick arches and a nunnery herb garden. In golden afternoon light it is extraordinary for portraits.
Outer Yard
The long approach to the college through Outer Yard, with its characteristic red brick and Victorian additions, creates a distinctive and grand photographic entrance that no other Cambridge college replicates.
North Court
The modern North Court by Denys Lasdun offers a striking modernist contrast to the medieval fabric of the rest of the college — excellent for contemporary portraits and group photographs with architectural interest.
The Hall
Jesus College Hall retains its medieval proportions with high wooden ceiling, oil portraits along the walls, and long tables that create a classic Cambridge formal dining atmosphere for events photography.
The Chimney
The Chimney — the narrow medieval passageway that is the main entrance to Jesus College from Jesus Lane — is one of the most architecturally distinctive approaches to any Cambridge college and photographs beautifully.
College Gardens
Jesus College has some of the most extensive and beautiful gardens of any Cambridge college, including the Cloister Court garden and the spacious grounds beyond North Court — ideal for relaxed portraits.
Services
Photography at Jesus College
Wedding Photography
From £1,695
Full day wedding coverage at Jesus College — a deeply beautiful and unusual venue choice.
Learn more →Graduation Portraits
From £175
Dedicated graduation portrait sessions for Jesus College students — sub fusc, gown, and the college behind you.
Learn more →May Ball & Events
From £895
May Ball and formal event photography — documentary coverage or couple/group portrait sessions.
Learn more →Questions
Jesus College Photography FAQ
Can you photograph a wedding at Jesus College Cambridge?
Jesus College is licensed for civil marriages in several of its spaces, including the Hall. I am very familiar with the college as a wedding venue — the light, the logistics, the best locations for portraits at different times of day, and the restrictions on photography that apply in certain areas. I cover weddings at Jesus College regularly and would be happy to discuss your specific plans.
Can you photograph graduation portraits at Jesus College?
Yes — this is some of the most rewarding photography I do. Cambridge graduation photographs at Jesus College typically involve the graduate in sub fusc and academic dress, photographed in the Chapel Court, in the gardens, at the entrance through the Chimney, and in other characteristic locations. I offer dedicated graduation portrait sessions before, during and after the graduation ceremony.
Do you need special permission to photograph at Jesus College?
For private events (weddings, college events, private parties) the college manages permissions as part of the event booking. For graduation portrait sessions I recommend booking with the graduate's permission as the college visitor — I can advise on this when you book. For general portrait or engagement sessions in public areas of the college grounds, standard visitor policies apply.
What time of day is best for photography at Jesus College?
Jesus College faces east-to-northeast, which means the Chapel Court catches the best light in the morning and early afternoon, while the garden areas behind the main buildings catch the late afternoon sun beautifully. The approach through the Outer Yard and the Chimney photographs well at almost any time of day due to the nature of the directional light in enclosed passages. I plan all sessions according to the light for the time of year.
Can you photograph a May Ball or college event at Jesus College?
Yes — I photograph May Ball and Suicide Sunday events at Jesus College and across Cambridge. May Ball photography requires advance planning to coordinate with the college's event management. I recommend booking at least 3–4 months in advance for May Week events. I offer both full-event documentary coverage and individual couple/group portrait sessions at the event.
Other Cambridge Colleges
Specialist College Photography
Enquire
Book Photography at Jesus College
Tell me about your occasion — wedding, graduation, May Ball or private event. I'll come back promptly with all the information you need.
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