Yana Skakun
Cambridge · College Photography
Queens' College
Cambridge Photographer
Expert photography at Queens' College Cambridge — home to the Mathematical Bridge, medieval Old Court, and some of the finest river frontage in Cambridge. Weddings, graduations and events.
Enquire NowAbout Queens' College
The Most Photogenic College in Cambridge
Founded jointly by two queens — Margaret of Anjou in 1448 and Elizabeth Woodville in 1465 — Queens' College (note the apostrophe after the s) is widely considered the most architecturally varied and visually dramatic of all the Cambridge colleges.
The college spans the River Cam, connected by the famous Mathematical Bridge, and encompasses medieval Old Court, the unique half-timbered Cloister Court, the riverside Erasmus Building, and direct access to the Backs. Nowhere else in Cambridge offers this combination of architectural periods, styles, and river presence in a single location.
I am an experienced Queens' College photographer with a detailed knowledge of every key photographic location on the site. Whether for a wedding, graduation, May Ball or private portrait session, I know this college and how to photograph it at its best.
Photographic Locations
Key Spaces at Queens' College
The Mathematical Bridge
The most famous feature of Queens' College — the 1749 wooden bridge spanning the Cam, incorrectly attributed to Isaac Newton. It is one of the most recognisable and photogenic structures in Cambridge, and an unmissable location for any Queens' College portrait session.
Old Court
The oldest surviving court in Cambridge, built in the 1450s and retaining its original medieval character. The red brick and oak-panelled hall create an atmosphere of extraordinary age and distinction for formal portraits.
Cloister Court
The fifteenth-century Cloister Court — with its wooden-framed Long Gallery above — is one of the most distinctive and intimate spaces in Cambridge. The half-timbered first floor is unique among Cambridge colleges.
Erasmus Building
The riverside Erasmus Building by Basil Spence offers modernist architecture alongside the Cam — particularly effective in golden hour when the river reflects warm light onto the building's glass facade.
The Backs
Queens' College has exceptional access to the Backs — the meadows and riverside paths behind the western range of colleges. The view of Queens' from the far bank, with the Mathematical Bridge, is among the most iconic in Cambridge.
Chapel and Hall
Queens' Chapel and the medieval Hall are magnificent formal event spaces. The Hall in particular — with its late medieval proportions, high table, and panelled walls — creates a powerful setting for formal event photography.
Portfolio
Queens' College Photography
Services
Photography at Queens' College
Wedding Photography
From £1,795
Full day coverage at one of Cambridge's finest wedding venues.
Learn more →Graduation Portraits
From £175
Graduation portraits at Queens' — with the Mathematical Bridge, Old Court, and the Backs.
Learn more →May Ball Photography
From £895
Queens' May Ball is one of the largest and most spectacular in Cambridge.
Learn more →Questions
Queens' College Photography FAQ
Can I have the Mathematical Bridge in my graduation photographs?
Yes — the Mathematical Bridge is the most requested location for Queens' College graduation portraits. It is also genuinely one of the most beautiful structures in Cambridge, and photographs extraordinarily well in the morning light that falls along the Cam. I plan all Queens' College graduation sessions to include the bridge alongside the other key spaces. The best light at the bridge is typically from early to mid-morning.
Does Queens' College permit photography on graduation day?
Queens' College graduation follows the same pattern as all Cambridge colleges — the ceremony takes place in the Senate House on King's Parade and then the graduate returns to College for celebratory photographs. Photography within the college grounds is generally permitted for graduates and their guests. I can advise on the specific access arrangements when you book your session.
Is Queens' College licensed for weddings?
Several spaces within Queens' College are licensed for civil marriages and civil partnerships. I can photograph weddings at Queens' College from preparation through to reception. The combination of the college's medieval architecture, the riverside setting, and the Mathematical Bridge makes it one of the most spectacular wedding venues in Cambridge. Contact me to discuss your specific date and requirements.
What season is best for photography at Queens' College?
Queens' College photographs beautifully in all seasons, but each has specific advantages. Spring brings the punts to the Cam and the wisteria that climbs parts of the old buildings. Summer has the longest golden hours and the most usable outdoor light. Autumn brings extraordinary colour to the trees along the Backs. Even winter, with low directional light and empty courts, has a particular beauty. I recommend booking sessions for late afternoon in summer, and mid-morning in winter.
The half-timbered Cloister Court — can we photograph there?
Yes — the Cloister Court and the unique half-timbered upper gallery are accessible to college members and their guests. This space is one of the most architecturally distinctive in Cambridge and photographs magnificently. I plan all Queens' College sessions to make use of it where possible.
Can you photograph a Queens' College May Ball?
Yes — Queens' College May Ball is one of the largest and most spectacular in Cambridge, and I photograph it every May Week. I offer both full documentary event coverage and individual couple/group portrait sessions within the May Ball. Book well in advance — I typically have Queens' May Ball enquiries from October of the preceding year.
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