Edinburgh Travel With #NoFilter Photographs

Edinburgh is a beautiful historic city, and one with such a variety of amazing things to do and see. From the Georgian elegance of New Town, to the preserved medieval Old Town and the world-class shopping of Princes Street, history buffs, foodies, shoppers and lovers of culture and fun all love Edinburgh equally.

When I say lovers of culture and fun, of course, I am referring to the Edinburgh 'Fringe' festival. Below are some of my favourite photos that I took when I visited the Edinburgh Fringe festival a few years ago.


Photo - Singers Serenading Tourists

I took this photo while I was having lunch in the Grassmarket area, with Edinburgh castle towering above. I was sitting down with my son, when, from out of nowhere this comedy group appeared and started serenading a table nearby.

Why I Like This Photo

It sums up the impromptu and fun feeling of the festival. A feeling that anything can happen and it shows that it truly does.

How To Take A Photo Like This

Carry your camera with you everywhere. Expect the unexpected to get that natural unposed look. I love the interaction involved. I was going to crop the photo but the look on the face of the man far left says it all! A great tip I learnt is about the rule of thirds. A subject that is third of the way from the edges of the frame, can help create a more interesting photo rather than one with the subject in the centre. The fence here creates interest and helps takes the viewers eye to the subject of the photo - the serenading group.

The joy of the face of the singer in the centre and the movement of their arms really adds to the fun aspect of the photo. Itfeelsl like you can almost hear their witty ditty. 



Photo - Unicycling Juggling Fire Eater

Yes, you heard me correctly. Again this was taken in the historic Grassmarket area, which was jam-packed full of people at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Why I Like This Photo

You can't not like a unicycling jugging fire eater, can you? It's an unusual subject. This photo shows the concentration on his face too and leaves the viewer wondering what happens next.  I would have liked to capture him looking at the camera but then he may have fallen off his bike! 

How To Take A Photo Like This

Pay attention to street performers, unusual characters and people in general. To get a great candid photo catch the subject unawares so the photo comes out natural and unposed. I did crop this image to focus on the subject, but no filters or any other edit tools were used as with all the photos here.


Photo - Olympic Rings Near The Assembly Rooms

I was queueing to go into the Assembly Rooms to see a comedy show in 2012 when I took this photo of the Olympic Rings that were installed to celebrate Great Britain holding the Olympics that year. 

Why I Like This Photo

Natural sunsets are stunningly beautiful. I like the colour of the sky and the silhouette of the iconic Olympic rings installed for that year's games. 

How To Take A Photo Like This

I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time but if you are keen to get a great sunset, scope out the area in advance to find places with a great view. Find out the time of sunset and be there in advance. Doing this will allow you to take multiple photographs and you will have more chance of getting that perfect photograph. The silhouette of the Olympic rings is a great point of interest, especially being placed within the viewfinder by the rule of thirds. In low lighting conditions consider taking a tripod for perfect steady pictures on a long aperture.

All of these photos were taken on a compact camera so I hope you can see you don't need special equipment to take fun interesting photos.

This is my post for the London City Airport #NoFilter campaign. The challenge is to share photos without the use of any filters.  I hope the judge Keith Savage from the Traveling Savage blog enjoys my photos as much as I did taking them.




16 comments

  1. Looks like fun, I have been in Edinburgh with my boyfriend it was very nice there :)

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    1. Lots of history, great people and lots to see and do.

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  2. Beautiful photos. I've never bent Scotland, but it's on my list of places I'd like to go, along with Ireland. They look like such beautiful places to spend a weekend x

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    1. Loch Lomond is gorgeous too. You must go one day Emily.

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  3. Great tips - you're absolutely correct about always having a camera in your hand!

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    1. With smart phones this is easier than ever today and many take super photos too.

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  4. Stunning photos, especially of the sunset. I love Scotland...such a beautiful country.

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    1. Scotland is a beautiful country. I wish it wasn't so far away by car from me.

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  5. Beautiful city and you have perfectly captured it in your amazing photos :)

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  6. Such great photos, I especially love the sunset one, it is stunning x

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  7. Edinburgh looks like such a beautiful city, I'd love to visit. I really love the sunset photo, stunning!

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  8. I've never been to Edinburgh, but it looks like a lovely place to visit. Lovely photos too. Thanks for linking up to the #BinkyLinky

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  9. Edinburgh is our favourite place to visit!! My husband and I have had some amazing weekends up there and I am due back in a few weeks to visit friends!! Thanks for sharing! #binkylinky

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  10. Looks like a lovely city fab photos thanks for linking to the binkylinky

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