Yana Skakun
Great Shelford · South Cambridge
Photographer
Great Shelford, Cambridge
Natural family portraits, wedding photography, and sessions on the Gog Magog Hills — four miles south of Cambridge.
Book a SessionYour Photographer Near Great Shelford
Great Shelford is a south Cambridge village four miles from the city centre — an attractive and affluent community sitting between the chalk hills of the Gog Magogs to the south-east and the Granta river meadows to the west. It has a strong village character: a lovely medieval church, a High Street, river meadows, and direct rail access to Cambridge in under 10 minutes. The adjoining village of Stapleford and the country park at Wandlebury are both part of what makes South Cambridge such a photogenic corner of the county.
I'm a Cambridge-based photographer covering the South Cambridge villages — Great Shelford, Little Shelford, Stapleford, Sawston, Whittlesford, and the broader South Cambridgeshire district — for family portraits, wedding photography, engagement sessions, headshots, and newborn photography. The south side of Cambridge has a landscape quality that the north and east lack: the chalk geology of the Gog Magog Hills introduces real topography, and the Granta valley introduces the intimate river character you don't find on the flat fen side.
Whether you want a relaxed morning session in Great Shelford's own meadows, a Gog Magog golden-hour portrait walk, or a combination of village and Cambridge city imagery, I'll plan the session around what you're looking for and the quality of light on your day.
Photography Services Near Great Shelford
Family Photography
Natural family portrait sessions in Great Shelford, the Gog Magog Hills, and the beautiful chalk downland south of Cambridge.
Wedding Photography
Documentary wedding photography for Great Shelford, Little Shelford, Sawston, and the South Cambridgeshire churchyards and country venues.
Engagement Sessions
Pre-wedding engagement sessions on the Gog Magog Hills — one of Cambridgeshire's most beautiful and underrated golden-hour portrait locations.
Children & Baby
Newborn, baby, and children's portrait sessions for Great Shelford families — in-home and outdoor, relaxed and gentle.
Headshots & Branding
Professional headshots and personal branding photography for Great Shelford, Sawston, and South Cambridgeshire professionals.
Equestrian Photography
Horse and rider photography for South Cambridgeshire equestrians — portrait and action sessions near the Gog Magog and the surrounding farmland.
Portrait Locations Near Great Shelford
The Gog Magog Hills
Cambridgeshire chalk downland — the area's highest ground, with wide valley views and golden-hour light that transforms the landscape completely.
Great Shelford Meadows
The River Granta meadows on the village's west side — lush, green, and bordered by old hedgerows.
Great Shelford Church
St Mary the Virgin — a handsome flint and stone church surrounded by one of the county's more picturesque churchyards.
The Granta Valley
The Granta (upper Cam) river valley south of Cambridge — meandering water, willow-edged banks, and rolling chalk farmland.
Wandlebury Country Park
Ancient hill fort, woodland, and open hillside on the Gog Magog — fantastic for morning light and golden hour family sessions.
Cambridge City Centre (15 min)
King's College and The Backs — 15 minutes north for iconic Cambridge photography as part of a wider session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Gog Magog Hills a good portrait location?+
The Gog Magog Hills are Cambridgeshire's only significant elevated landscape, and that elevation creates something rare in this county: views. From the Wandlebury ridge, you look out over the Granta valley and Cambridge in a way that is genuinely dramatic for a place so flat. The chalk downland vegetation — wild orchids in season, long grass catching low light — and the mixed woodland of Wandlebury Country Park create a variety of portrait environments within a short walk. The golden-hour light over the hills to the south-west is extraordinary.
How far is Great Shelford from Cambridge city centre?+
Great Shelford is 4 miles south of Cambridge city centre — about 10 minutes by car. Photographically, this makes it ideal for South Cambridge families who want local village and countryside portraits combined with the option of city portraits if desired. I cover all of South Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire without additional travel charges.
What wedding venues do you cover near Great Shelford?+
South Cambridgeshire has a number of beautiful venues I cover regularly — Anstey Hall (Trumpington), the Cambridge University venues, Grain Store Cambridge, and numerous private and pub-venue weddings. St Mary the Virgin Great Shelford, Little Shelford church, and Sawston venues are all familiar territory. I'm equally happy photographing intimate garden weddings in the area.
Do you travel to the other Shelford villages?+
Yes — Little Shelford, Stapleford, Sawston, Whittlesford, and the other villages of South Cambridgeshire are all covered. I'm Cambridge-based and the entire south Cambridge corridor is within my standard coverage area.
What are your prices for a family portrait session near Great Shelford?+
Family portrait sessions start from £195 for a 90-minute outdoor session. Extended sessions, full-day coverage, and additional products are available. Get in touch and I'll send you a current price list.
Get in Touch
Book a Photography Session Near Great Shelford
Family portraits, weddings, headshots — tell me what you're looking for and I'll reply within 24 hours.