There's something special about photographing families against Ely's iconic cathedral backdrop. The city's elevated position gives us those sweeping views across the Fens, while the River Great Ouse provides gentle, natural settings that work beautifully for family groups of all sizes.
Jubilee Gardens is a favourite spot for many families. The well-maintained grounds offer plenty of space for children to move naturally, with lovely mature trees and seasonal flowers that add colour and texture to portraits without overwhelming the composition. It's accessible, relaxed, and gives us flexibility to work with different lighting throughout the day.
For families who love the cathedral's grandeur, the grounds around Ely Cathedral provide a stunning architectural backdrop. The historic stonework and peaceful gardens create an elegant setting, particularly beautiful in the golden hour when warm light hits the ancient walls. We always work respectfully around other visitors and the building's significance to the community.
The riverside walks offer a completely different mood. Following the Great Ouse gives us natural, flowing compositions with the cathedral rising majestically in the background. Children often feel more relaxed near water, and parents appreciate the gentle exercise that comes with a walking photoshoot.
Roswell Pits, just outside the city, brings us into proper Cambridgeshire countryside. These former clay pits are now a nature reserve with woodland paths, open water, and wildlife. It's perfect for families who prefer a more adventurous, natural setting away from the city centre.
We're based at our Waterbeach Studio, about 15 miles from Ely, which means we know this area well and can time our sessions perfectly for the best light and quietest periods at each location. Our local knowledge helps us suggest the ideal spots based on your family's personality, your children's ages, and the style of photographs you're hoping for.
Ely's compact size works in our favour. We can often incorporate multiple locations in a single session, perhaps starting with formal portraits in the cathedral grounds before moving to the more relaxed riverside setting. The city's character changes throughout the day, from the busy morning cathedral visitors to the peaceful evening light across the Fens.
Every family session includes careful planning based on your preferences, the weather, and what's happening locally. We'll discuss the best locations for your group, timing that works with children's routines, and how to make the most of what this beautiful cathedral city offers.
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Questions
Where's the best place for family photos in Ely?
Jubilee Gardens offers the most flexibility with mature trees and seasonal flowers, while Ely Cathedral grounds provide stunning architectural backdrops. For countryside settings, Roswell Pits nature reserve gives us woodland and water features just outside the city.
How far is your nearest studio from Ely?
Our Waterbeach Studio is about 15 miles from Ely, roughly a 25-minute drive. This proximity means we know the local area well and can recommend the perfect locations based on your family's needs and the style you're looking for.
Can we include Ely Cathedral in our family photos?
Yes, the cathedral grounds are wonderful for family photography. We work respectfully around other visitors and focus on the peaceful garden areas and exterior architecture rather than disrupting the building's daily activities.
What's the best time of day for family photos in Ely?
Golden hour works beautifully with the cathedral's stonework, typically 1-2 hours before sunset. However, Ely's various locations offer good opportunities throughout the day. We'll recommend timing based on your chosen spots, children's routines, and seasonal lighting conditions.
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