Yana Skakun
Cambridge Photographer
Punting Cambridge Photographer
Capture your River Cam punting experience with professional photography — the College Backs, Grantchester meadows and the Cam's most iconic waterways.
Book a SessionRiver Cam Photography
Punting on the River Cam
Punting on the River Cam is one of the quintessential Cambridge experiences — and one that produces some of the most naturally beautiful photography you can find anywhere in England. The combination of water, centuries-old stonework, willow trees and the relaxed pace of a punt creates a setting that needs very little direction from a photographer.
I photograph punting sessions from the riverbank using a telephoto lens, capturing natural, candid moments as you pass beneath the bridges and through the College Backs. You will be completely relaxed and engaged with the experience rather than aware of the camera — and the resulting images reflect that.
Sessions are available for couples, families, groups, and as part of engagement or anniversary photography packages. I work with all Cambridge punt hire companies and can recommend specific routes based on your preferences for light, architecture and atmosphere.
Key Cambridge Photography Locations
King's College Bridge
The view from King's College Bridge across the Backs is one of the most recognised and photographed architectural compositions in England. A punting session here produces genuinely iconic photographs.
Mathematical Bridge, Queens'
The wooden Mathematical Bridge at Queens' College creates a beautifully textured, historic frame for portraits. The narrower channel and overhanging willow trees add a romantic, sheltered quality to images.
Clare College Gardens
Clare Bridge is the oldest surviving bridge over the Cam — crossing it during a punting session frames the College's Grade I listed gardens in a way that feels effortlessly elegant in photographs.
Grantchester Route
The slower route south towards Grantchester Meadows takes punters away from the tourist traffic and into a wilder, more pastoral landscape. Beautiful for relaxed lifestyle photography in a natural setting.
Reflections on the Water
Still water in the morning or at golden hour creates perfect symmetrical reflections of Cambridge's stone architecture. The quality of light on the Cam is unlike anywhere else in England.
Bankside Coverage
I work from the riverbank at key landmarks along your route, using a telephoto lens to photograph natural moments at distance — so you completely forget the camera is there and the images are relaxed and authentic.
River Cam Photography Gallery
Punting Photography Packages
Portrait Session
£195
1 hour
- Bankside coverage
- 1-hour session
- 30+ edited photographs
- Online gallery
- King's Backs route
Most Popular
Couples & Engagement
£295
2 hours
- Full Backs + Grantchester
- 2-hour session
- 60+ edited photographs
- Online gallery + hi-res
- Punt hire liaison included
Family & Group
£375
2 hours
- Multiple punts if needed
- 2-hour session
- 75+ edited photographs
- Online gallery + hi-res
- Flexible route planning
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a Cambridge punting photography session?
Contact me with your preferred date and I will organise the punt hire logistics alongside the session. I liaise directly with Cambridge punt hire companies so you just need to show up.
Is it better to have a chaperoned or self-hire punt for photography?
For couples and engagement sessions, a chaperoned punt is ideal — you can fully relax together while a professional punter navigates. For families with older children who want to try punting themselves, self-hire can add authentic fun to the photographs.
What time of day produces the best punting photographs?
Early morning (before 9am in summer) offers empty waterways, soft light and mirror-like reflections. Late afternoon from around 4pm onwards produces warm golden light. Mid-morning on a weekday is a practical compromise if early morning isn't possible.
Can you photograph a large group on multiple punts?
Yes — groups using multiple punts can create wonderful layered compositions. I allow extra time for group sessions to photograph both the full convoy and individual punt close-ups.
Do sessions only work in summer?
Autumn punting sessions in October and November are beautiful — the willows turn golden and the tourist traffic is considerably lighter. Winter sessions suit couples seeking a more intimate, misty river atmosphere.
Get in Touch
Let's Create Together
Tell me about your vision and I'll be in touch within 24 hours.