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Your Wedding Day Timeline: A Sample Schedule for the Full Day
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
Svitlana Mishchenko
Jul 301 min read
How to Choose Between a Summer and Spring Family Photoshoot
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
Svitlana Mishchenko
Jul 301 min read
How to Choose a Location for Your Engagement Shoot in Belfast
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
Svitlana Mishchenko
Jul 301 min read
What My Clients Say
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
Svitlana Mishchenko
Jul 302 min read
Christmas Family Photos (and Why I Move Indoors for Winter)
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
Svitlana Mishchenko
Jul 301 min read
Frequently Asked Questions
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. A £50 deposit secures your booking. 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 with you the day before. What if my child has a meltdown mid session? Genuinely, that's fine. I've phot
Svitlana Mishchenko
Jul 302 min read
A Bit About Me
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
Svitlana Mishchenko
Jul 301 min read
Why Are Photoshoots So Expensive? What Actually Goes Into the Price
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
Svitlana Mishchenko
Jul 301 min read
How Much Does a Family Photoshoot Cost in Northern Ireland?
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, £100 Full Family Session,
Svitlana Mishchenko
Jul 301 min read
Autumn Mini Sessions: Cosy, Golden and Quick
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
Svitlana Mishchenko
Jul 301 min read
What Happens After You Book: How a Session With Me Works
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
Svitlana Mishchenko
Jul 301 min read
Booking Business Photography: Why 2 Hours Beats 1
If you're booking a business photoshoot, you can go for a minimum of 1 hour, but honestly, 2 hours is where things really start to pay off. 1 hour is enough for a quick refresh A single hour works fine if you've got one specific thing to capture, a handful of product shots, or a quick top up of content when you're short on time and budget. 2 hours gives you room to actually cover everything Time to reset the space or lighting between different products or areas, rather than r
Svitlana Mishchenko
Jul 301 min read
How to Brief Me for Your Business Photoshoot: Audience and Moodboard
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
Svitlana Mishchenko
Jul 301 min read
Destination Weddings and Events Abroad: Yes, I Travel
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
Svitlana Mishchenko
Jul 301 min read
Family & Wedding Photographer in Lisburn
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 falls well within my included travel radius from Belfast, so there's usually no extra travel cost to worry about. H
Svitlana Mishchenko
Jul 301 min read
Family & Wedding Photographer in Cork
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 to the Republic of Ireland, travel costs for Cork are worked out for your specific date and location, so mess
Svitlana Mishchenko
Jul 301 min read
Family & Wedding Photographer in Newry
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 50p per mile beyond m
Svitlana Mishchenko
Jul 301 min read
Family & Wedding Photographer in Bangor
Bangor is a brilliant spot for a coastal family or couple shoot, and it's a quick trip from Belfast for me. Where to shoot in Bangor Bangor Marina gives a bright, relaxed seaside feel, Ward Park is great for a more classic parkland session, and if you've got younger kids, Pickie Fun Park adds a bit of natural fun into the mix. Travel and booking Bangor sits within my included travel radius from Belfast in most cases, so travel costs are usually straightforward. See the family
Svitlana Mishchenko
Jul 301 min read
Family & Wedding Photographer in Galway
Galway's coastline and light make it a genuinely special place for photos, and I'd happily make the trip over for the right family or wedding booking. Where to shoot in Galway Salthill Promenade and the view out over Galway Bay give a lovely, open backdrop, and the Spanish Arch area adds some character and history if you'd like a more city based set of photos too. Travel and booking Travel for Galway, like other trips to the Republic of Ireland, is quoted based on your specif
Svitlana Mishchenko
Jul 301 min read
Family & Wedding Photographer in Derry~Londonderry
I'm based in Belfast, but Derry~Londonderry is one of my favourite places to travel to for a shoot, the history and the light on the river make for genuinely beautiful backdrops. Where to shoot in Derry The Derry Walls and Guildhall Square give a really striking, historic backdrop for both family portraits and wedding photos, while the riverside along the Peace Bridge works beautifully for golden hour couple shots. Travel and booking Travel from Belfast is worked out at 50p p
Svitlana Mishchenko
Jul 301 min read
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