Yana Skakun
Victoria Park · Hackney · East London
Photographer at Victoria Park
Relaxed family, portrait and engagement photography at the People's Park. The Chinese pagoda, ornamental lake, Regent's Canal and Victorian walled garden await.
East London's Beloved Park
The People's Park in Every Season
Victoria Park — known to generations of East Londoners simply as Vicky Park — was opened in 1845 as London's first public park, created in direct response to the terribly overcrowded and industrialised conditions of the East End's Victorian workers. Today, across 86 hectares of meadows, lakes, gardens, canals and historic architecture, it is still the beating green heart of East London.
For photography, the park is almost impossibly rich. The Grade II listed Chinese pagoda standing over the western lake. The ornamental walled garden with its rose arches and Victorian fountain. The Regent's Canal entering the park between colourful narrowboats. The wide meadows where children run. The bandstand. The lido. The plane trees that line the main avenue. Every spot tells a different story about this corner of London.
I have photographed hundreds of sessions at Victoria Park over the past decade — newborns, toddlers, teenagers, young couples, three-generation families, engagement sessions and editorial commissions. My knowledge of where the light falls at any time of year, which spots are peaceful in the mornings, where the geese gather and where the blossom is most extraordinary, means that every session is planned to make the most of what the park offers that specific day.
Sessions can be booked as standalone Victoria Park sessions or combined with nearby Regent's Canal, Broadway Market or Bethnal Green locations for maximum variety.
Places Within the Park
Victoria Park Photography Spots
The Ornamental Lake
Victoria Park's central lake reflects the sky and surrounding foliage, creating a serene, almost painterly backdrop. The pavilion café and Chinese pagoda standing in the water are signature Vicky Park compositions.
The Chinese Pagoda
An iconic Grade II listed structure standing in the western lake since 1847. The pagoda and its weeping willows are one of East London's most recognisable photography backdrops, particularly beautiful in autumn.
Regent's Canal (Fish Island End)
The canal enters Victoria Park at the western edge, passing narrow boats and colourful gardens. The low towpath perspective creates long reflective compositions ideal for couples and editorial work.
The Flower Garden & Walled Garden
The Victorian walled garden in the eastern section of the park contains formal planting, rose arches and a fountain. In late spring and summer, the colour is extraordinary for family and portrait sessions.
Victoria Park Lido & Open Meadows
The wide open sections of the park — particularly the southern meadows near the bandstand — provide an unobstructed canvas for group family portraits and documentary movement shots.
Parkside Gates & Victoria Park Village
The recently regenerated Victoria Park Village on the south side combines Victorian terraces with independent shops and café culture — an excellent starting or ending point for extended sessions.
Portfolio
Victoria Park Photography Portfolio
FAQs
Victoria Park Photography Questions
What is Victoria Park like for family photography?
+
Vicky Park is exceptional for families. It's large enough to contain huge variety within a single visit — the lake, the walled garden, the open meadows, the canal — yet compact enough that children don't tire walking between spots. I typically schedule 90 minutes and cover 4 different areas. The park is busiest on weekend afternoons; I recommend early morning or weekday sessions for the best light and space.
Is Victoria Park good for engagement sessions?
+
Yes — the Chinese pagoda reflected in the western lake at dusk is genuinely one of my go-to compositions for engagement photography in East London. The canal towpath, the Victorian walled rose garden and the bandstand area all offer romantic, atmospheric settings. For an engagement session I recommend either the two hours after sunrise or the final two hours before sunset.
Do you photograph events at Victoria Park?
+
Yes — Victoria Park hosts some of London's most significant outdoor events, from Wide Awake and All Points East festivals to the Prudential RideLondon start/finish. I cover official event photography (press, brand, lifestyle), and also private family milestone sessions at the park beyond the festival periods.
How do I get to Victoria Park?
+
The closest tube stations are Mile End (Central, District & Hammersmith lines) and Bethnal Green (Central line), each about a 10-minute walk. Overground users can use Hackney Wick station (a 5-minute walk to the north entrance). There is very limited on-street parking near the eastern gates.
Can I book a session at Victoria Park combined with Regent's Canal?
+
Absolutely — and it's one of my favourite combinations. The canal enters the park at the western gate, so a session starting on the towpath and moving into the park covers a tremendous variety of looks. Total walk is under half a mile and easily manageable with young children.
Explore More
More London Park Photography
Get in Touch
Book Your Victoria Park Session
Family, portrait or engagement — let's plan your session at East London's most beautiful park.