Yana Skakun
Cambridge University
May Ball Photographer Cambridge
Cambridge College Ball Photography
Cambridge May Ball Photos That Last Forever
Cambridge May Balls are among the most spectacular student events in the world — black-tie, champagne, fairground rides, live music, and the peculiar Cambridge tradition of watching the sunrise after dancing all night. The photographs should match the occasion.
I offer pre-ball portraits around Cambridge's most iconic locations, group sessions for friend circles, and atmospheric evening coverage. Whether it's Trinity, St John's, King's, or any other college — I know Cambridge, I know the light, and I know how to make formal attire look magnificent.
Packages
May Ball Photography Options
Couples Pre-Ball
£195
1 hour · 30+ images
- 1 hour around Cambridge
- The Backs, college grounds, city
- 30+ edited images
- Online gallery in 5 days
- Print-ready files included
Most Popular
Group Session
£60pp
2 hours · 20+ per person
- Groups of 4–10 people
- Multiple location variety
- 20+ edited images per person
- Group shots + individual couples
- Online gallery in 5 days
- Minimum 4 people
Evening Coverage
£550
3 hours · 100+ images
- Early evening to midnight
- Atmospheric ball coverage
- Candid & portrait mix
- Low-light expertise
- Gallery in 7 days
Locations
Cambridge Pre-Ball Photography Spots
The Backs
Riverside college views with weeping willows, punts, and the iconic Cambridge skyline — perfect golden hour backdrop before the ball begins.
King's College & King's Parade
The most recognisable view in Cambridge — spectacular for pre-ball portraits in formal attire against the Gothic frontage.
St John's College Bridge of Sighs
One of Cambridge's most photographed structures — beautiful in the warm evening light before a St John's May Ball.
Trinity & Trinity Great Court
The largest college court in Cambridge — impressive formal portraits in a historic setting.
Cambridge Botanic Garden
A quieter, green alternative — beautiful in June when everything is in full bloom.
Your College Grounds
Most colleges open their courts for pre-ball photography. I'll work with you on access and timing for your specific college.
Why Choose Yana
Cambridge Ball Photography You Can Rely On
Cambridge Expertise
I know Cambridge intimately — the best spots for portraits, the quieter corners away from tourist crowds, and the perfect timing for evening light.
Formal Attire Specialist
Black tie and ball gowns deserve specialist treatment. I know how to pose, light, and frame formal attire to look elegant rather than stiff.
Low-Light Experience
Evening ball coverage requires skill with ambient and low light. I have the equipment and experience to produce beautiful images as the evening progresses.
Fast, Relaxed Sessions
Pre-ball sessions are time-constrained — you need to get to the queue. I work efficiently to get beautiful results in 60 minutes without rushing.
Same-Week Delivery
Your gallery delivered within 5–7 days — so you can share your ball photos before the end of term.
Group Coordination
Large friend groups, multiple couples, and group shots all managed efficiently — no endless waiting around for everyone to be in position.
May Ball Photography FAQs
When are Cambridge May Balls?+
Despite the name, Cambridge May Balls actually take place in June — during the final week of the Easter Term. The most famous balls (Trinity, St John's, King's) are held on the same night ('May Week') and attract thousands of students.
When should a pre-ball photo session be scheduled?+
The ideal time is 2–4 hours before the ball starts — usually 5pm–8pm. This gives beautiful evening light, time to reach the venue, and avoids the rush to the queue. I'll work around your specific ball's start time.
How many people can be in a group session?+
Group sessions work best from 4 to 10 people. For larger groups (10–20), please contact me for bespoke pricing. I coordinate group shots efficiently so nobody is waiting long.
Do I need access to college grounds for my session?+
Not necessarily — The Backs, King's Parade, and many public Cambridge locations are beautiful for ball photography without needing college access. If you want to photograph inside your college, check with your college about photography access on ball night.
Can you photograph both pre-ball portraits and the event itself?+
Yes — a combined package is available. A pre-ball session (1–2 hours) followed by early evening ball coverage works very well. Contact me to discuss a combined quote.
Do you photograph May Balls at specific colleges?+
I'm available for all Cambridge May Balls and June Events — Trinity, St John's, King's, Jesus, Clare, Queens', Pembroke, and others. Book early as popular dates fill quickly.
Get in Touch
Book Your May Ball Photography Session
Tell me your college, ball date, and approximate number of people — I'll check availability and send a tailored quote within 24 hours.