Spring is one of the loveliest times of year for family photos. Everything is fresh and green, the days are getting longer, and after a long winter indoors, it just feels good to get outside together. If you'd like some new family photos but don't fancy a long session, a spring mini session could be the perfect fit. What is a spring mini session? A mini session is a short, relaxed shoot, around 30 minutes, with a focus on getting a lovely set of natural family photos without

Once your gallery lands in your inbox, it's tempting to save a few favourites to your phone and leave the rest for later. But phones get lost, laptops stop working, and online galleries aren't meant to be a forever home for your photos. A few simple habits will keep them safe for years, so here's what I'd recommend. Back up your digital files straight away Download the full gallery in full resolution as soon as you can, not just a handful of screenshots. Then keep at least tw

Booking a photographer is a bit like booking a hairdresser. You want to feel relaxed, you want to trust them, and you want to love the result. The best way to get there is to ask a few good questions before you pay a deposit. Here are the ones I think are worth asking, whether you are planning a family session, a wedding or a shoot for your business. Questions about style and experience Can I see a full gallery, not just the highlights? Anyone can pick ten great shots for Ins

One of the most common questions I get from couples is how the timeline for their wedding day should actually look. No two weddings are the same, but here's a general shape that tends to work well when it comes to photography. Morning: getting ready The morning is all about the small details, the dress, the shoes, the rings, along with candid shots of you and your wedding party getting ready. Good natural light really helps here, so a bright room makes a noticeable difference

Spring and summer are both brilliant times of year for a family photoshoot, so it's not always obvious which one to pick. If you're trying to decide, here's what each season tends to offer and a few things worth thinking about before you book. Why spring works so well Spring gives you fresh greenery, blossom, and a softer, gentler light that's kind to little ones who aren't used to being outside for long stretches. It's also a lovely time to book if you want your family photo

Belfast has no shortage of lovely spots for an engagement shoot, which is great, but it can also make choosing one feel a bit overwhelming. Here's how to narrow it down. Think about what feels like you The best engagement photos usually come from a location that actually means something to you as a couple, whether that's somewhere you had your first date, a favourite corner of the city, or simply a spot you both love to walk. Feeling comfortable in a place tends to show in th

Nothing tells you more about what a session with me is actually like than hearing it from the families and couples I've worked with. Here are a few of my favourite reviews from Google. We were extremely fortunate to get Lana for our beautiful daughter's communion. She is extremely professional and a breath of fresh air. Photos turned out amazing. I highly recommend Lana not just for her photography skills but for the beautiful energy she brings to the room. — Michael We booke

Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for family photos, whether that's for cards, gifts, or just a nice set of photos to mark the year. A lovely gift idea too If you're stuck on what to get a parent or grandparent this year, a gift card for a future session is an easy, thoughtful present, you can find them on the Gift Card page. Why I move indoors once it turns properly cold Once winter really sets in, I keep sessions indoors, usually at your home, rather than outdoo

Here are the questions I get asked most often. If yours isn't answered here, just message me directly. How far in advance should I book? As soon as you have a date in mind. For photo sessions, a £50 deposit secures your booking. Weddings and elopements are confirmed with a signed contract and a 25% retainer. What if it rains on the day? Since most sessions are outdoors or at your home, weather matters. If the forecast isn't suitable, we'll reschedule, and I'll confirm this wi

Hi, I'm Lana. I'm a photographer originally from Ukraine, now based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and photography has genuinely been a deep passion of mine for as long as I can remember. Why I do this What draws me in isn't really the technical side of photography, it's people, and the emotion that comes through in a genuine, unposed moment. Love, in all its forms, is what I keep coming back to want to capture, whether that's a family caught mid laugh, a couple before their w

From the outside, a photoshoot can look like an hour of work for a fairly hefty price tag. Once you see everything that actually goes into it, it makes a lot more sense. Before the shoot There's messaging back and forth to plan the session, working through your booking form and any specific requests, and thinking through locations, timing and what will work best for your family. Travel Getting to and from your chosen location, sometimes well outside Belfast, takes real time o

This is usually one of the first questions people search before booking, so let's answer it properly. The general range in Northern Ireland Family photography prices across Northern Ireland typically run from around £70 to £150 for a shorter mini session, up to £250 or more for longer, more premium sessions, depending on the photographer's experience, session length and how many edited photos are included. My pricing Mini Family Session, 30 minutes, £150, 25-30 edited photos

Autumn is one of my favourite times of year for family photos, the light softens, the colours warm right up, and it's genuinely one of the easiest seasons to get beautiful, natural shots. Why autumn works so well Golden, low afternoon light is flattering for everyone, and a backdrop of turning leaves adds warmth and colour without needing to do much else. It's also usually mild enough for littler ones to stay comfortable without bulky coats hiding everyone's outfits. A mini s

Booking a photoshoot for the first time can feel like a bit of an unknown, so here's exactly what to expect, from the moment you book to the day itself. Right after you book You'll get a confirmation email straight away with all your session details. If your plans change, there's a button right in that email to manage your booking, so you can reschedule without having to message me first (though you're always welcome to). Before your session When you book, I'll ask for a few

Business photoshoots with me are booked for a minimum of 2 hours. It's not about padding out the time: 2 hours is what it takes to give you a proper library of photos rather than a handful of shots. What 2 hours gives you Around 150 edited photos, enough content for your website, social media and ads for months, not just weeks. Time to reset the space or lighting between products, rooms or set-ups, rather than rushing through in one pass. A proper mix of shot types: close-ups

The best business photoshoots start with a clear brief. It doesn't need to be formal or complicated, just enough for me to understand what result you're actually after. Here's how to put one together. Define your audience Who are these photos actually for? A luxury, minimal look works for a different customer than a bright, fun, colourful one. A quick note on who you're trying to reach, and how you want them to feel when they see your photos, makes a big difference to how I a

If you're planning a wedding or event abroad and want photos that feel like me, the answer is yes, I'm happy to travel. How it works I cover destination weddings and events outside the UK and Ireland on the same basis as any other booking, just with travel added on. That means you'd cover my flights, accommodation and any other travel costs involved in getting me there and back, on top of my usual photography pricing. What I need from you Your date, destination and venue, as

Lisburn is one of the easiest trips for me from Belfast, so if you're local to the area, travel is rarely an issue. Where to shoot in Lisburn Wallace Park is a lovely, relaxed spot for family sessions, and nearby Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is a favourite for couples wanting something a bit grander for wedding or engagement photos. Travel and booking Lisburn is outside Belfast, so travel is charged at £1 per mile, and I'll confirm the exact figure before you book. Have a

Cork is a bit further afield for me, but it's exactly the kind of trip I love saying yes to for the right family or wedding shoot. Where to shoot in Cork Fitzgerald's Park along the river is a gentle, green option for family sessions, while Cork's older streets and quaysides give a bit more character for couple or wedding portraits. Travel and booking As with any trip outside Belfast, travel to Cork is charged at £1 per mile, so message me with your date and location and I'll

Newry and the surrounding countryside offer some genuinely stunning scenery, and I love the trip down from Belfast for a shoot. Where to shoot in Newry The Newry Canal towpath is a peaceful, green spot that works well for relaxed family walks and photos, while Slieve Gullion Forest Park just outside the city gives a dramatic, mountain backdrop for wedding or couple portraits. Travel and booking As Newry is a bit further from Belfast, travel is charged at £1 per mile outside B