Photo Ops In/Near Edinburgh

I am traveling to Scotland for business in the next month and have managed to snag an additional day and a half at the end for photography. I have done some basic research of the area and have some ideas (the castle, some city streets work) - but if anyone has done some serious landscape/cityscape work there I would love to hear about your favorite places.

Last fall got some time to photograph in/near Kircaldy and the Firth of Forth road and rail bridges at sunset/twilight and got some nice images - but have more concentrated time now and want to milk it dry.

Appreciate any and all pointers.

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Robert Von Mayr
Paradox Imaging
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A day and a half isn't nearly long enough. If you enjoy hiking, you can hike to the top of Arthur's Seat. Also, if you have access to transportation, maybe 20 to 30 minutes east of Edinburgh near North Berwick is Tantallon castle. It doesn't get any more spectacular than that.

Inside St. Giles Cathedral is a small room called the Thistle Chapel. I don't remember if they allow photos, but it's worth visiting.

Have a good time,
jbf

The castle from Calton Hill is always worthwhile, not the best shot here but you get the idea, I would start here:



Then walk down to the Scotts Monument, you'll not be there at Christmas when the Scotts Monument looks like this, but it's always worth a shot, and also worth climbing for the roofscape views:



Then head down to Holyrood to get some shots of the Scottish Parliament, you can head up Arthurs Seat from here if you have the time (and the energy):





Then take a walk up the Royal Mile, there's a wealth of cracking buildings like this:



End up at the castle itself and you're done.

Cheers
Chris

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http://www.chrishumphreys.net

Yup - I agree it's not enough but it's all I got. Thanks for the tips!

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Robert Von Mayr
Paradox Imaging
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Thanks for the itinerary. and the photos.

So talk to me about the hike to Arthur's Seat. The gazeteer said it was a 15 minute hike. Both posts here alude to a more strenuous hike. How much gain and how long should I plan? If the weather is clear, panoramas from up here seem like a really good plan.

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Robert Von Mayr
Paradox Imaging
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You need to allow about 1 to 1.5 hours to go up and down Arthurs Seat, not including photos from the top. Personally I'd opt for a walk through the park and try to get some shots of the crags from low level, they make much more of a subject than a pano view from the top.

If you're tight for time, I'd save time and your legs and give Arthurs Seat a miss. Calton Hill is much easier to get up and you can still get some great cityscape views. Same for the Scott's monument - mega views from the top.

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http://www.chrishumphreys.net

Although there are good shots to had from the summit of Arthur's Seat, the best shot, probably in the whole of Edinburgh is to be taken from the road that runs round the hill. It's one way, clockwise and as you travel round it the town gradually re-appears in front of you. Stop immediately after it passes through a rock cutting, just before it descends to the roundabout and the western exit from the park. There's a bench up to the left and a fantastic view of as much or as little of Edinburgh as you want. Without a car you can park on that exit road just outside the park boundary and it's a 10 min. walk up to the bench.

The shot. Taken with a 100-400 set about 350-80 you get a wonderful compression of the best of the old town with Fife and the Ochill Hills 30 miles away in the background. Best time mid morning, light coming from left shoulder.

The Calton Hill, as mentioned is also a great spot but wait till evening for the best light.
Exert yourself and climb the Scott monument;more great shots.
Greyfriars cemetary has a great selection of ancient tombstones.

Go up to the Napier University at Craighouse, ask permission to use their balcony; superb shots over to Fife.

Go into the Art Gallery in Market street. Halfway up the stairs there is another great view over The Bridges, the link that connects the New town with the Old town.

Go up the Mound, t'other connection between the two and turn right up Ramsay Lane; very steep, great photo ops. Continue up to the castle; more shots.

It's a beautiful city. You'll love it.

Excellent ideas - don't want to consume too much of the day going up the hill when it seems there are better alternatives. Thanks!
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Robert Von Mayr
Paradox Imaging
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Thanks, Chris! Appreciate the tips.

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Robert Von Mayr
Paradox Imaging
Equipment list contained within profile

Had to add, go down to the Grassmarket under behind and under the Castle then walk up Victoria St. an upward curving spiral with a delightful walkway above it.

If you've time, take a bus down to Newhaven, a 10, I think and look at the new city of flats for rent, largely empty, built on reclaimed land. Interesting photographically. Head along to Leith, great restaurants andyou'll probably want shots of the RoyalYacht Britannia moored quayside. I'm presuming you have maps. City transport ones are free. It's a heavy schedule but you can sleep on the plane. E-mail me if you want any further help.

It's a one hour train ride from Edinburgh to the ancient city of Stirling. Small enough centre to be walkable (taxi up to the Castle and walk back down unless you like steep climbs).
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Shay

that's the first time I've heard someone recommend Newhaven as a spot to visit in Edinburgh. Wouldn't be my first (or last choice)!!
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http://www.chrishumphreys.net

Then you learn something new every day, don't you.