Finding the Human Story in an Edinburgh Winter Photograph
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When you travel to a picturesque location, it’s hard to resist the urge to take as many photos as possible of all the landmarks and attractions you visit. That’s the case with Edinburgh. With its striking Gothic architecture and winding cobblestone streets, Scotland’s capital is a dream to photograph in all seasons, but especially in winter, when the moody skies and the quietness that descends upon the city amplify its storybook atmosphere. It also provides the perfect backdrop for shooting portraits and capturing unique moments in people’s lives.
However, it can also be a lot more challenging to take great photos in Edinburgh during winter months because of the limited daylight and unpredictable weather. Besides, taking pictures that tell a personal story and reflect the raw emotion of human connection is not as simple as pointing the camera at a building, site, or scene that seems interesting and just snapping away.
But with the right approach and good planning, anyone can get the right shots and turn a winter portrait session in Edinburgh into a moment to remember.
Preparation is key
There’s truly no shortage of scenic spots across Edinburgh. If anything, there are so many that it makes it hard to decide where to plan a photoshoot. From historic buildings and quaint medieval alleys to lush green spaces, lively traditional pubs and colourful storefronts, every corner and street has a compelling charm, offering numerous opportunities for taking beautiful photos. That’s why researching locations beforehand is a very good idea, as it can narrow down the options.
But planning a photoshoot in winter in a bustling city is not just about picking the perfect spot. It’s also about taking into account potential disruptions that changeable weather or other events can cause, so you don’t have to scramble for an alternative at the last minute.
Irina Taranova, engagement and retention manager at Smiler.co, explains that when taking pictures “in a city like Edinburgh, it's important to know in advance if certain areas are closed, roads are blocked, events are taking place or rain is expected. This helps plan alternative locations and avoid unnecessary surprises.”
This is also the reason why nowadays a lot of visitors prefer working with a local photographer who knows the city inside out. For tourists wandering through the Old Town, having a few photos taken along the way is much easier and definitely more fun when there’s a professional guiding them.
Working with the weather, not against it
You can make plans and explore all sorts of possibilities, but you cannot go against Mother Nature. So, what can you do when the weather doesn’t want to cooperate? Well, the secret is to adapt. Once you change your mindset, you can turn even the most troublesome situations into an opportunity.
Taranova confesses that “a little rain is not necessarily a problem. In fact, some of my favourite photographs can be taken with umbrellas. Reflections in puddles, colourful umbrellas and the atmosphere of a rainy street can create incredibly beautiful and atmospheric images. Of course, I always take extra care to protect my camera equipment.”
Catching the elusive winter light may also pose a challenge. But Taranova says that overcast weather can also be a good thing because “the clouds create soft, even light without harsh shadows, which makes it possible to photograph in almost any location. However, I generally prefer morning sessions, when there are fewer crowds and, especially during winter, we can make the most of the available daylight.”
Bad weather should not be seen as an impediment. After all, Edinburgh is not exactly famous for its clear skies and sun-drenched vistas, but rather for its gloomy aesthetic and dark vibes. When you realise it’s all a matter of perspective, you stop being bothered by the forecast and can plan the most stunning photo sessions, come rain, snow, or shine.
Looking beyond the surface
Lighting, exposure, background, composition, and framing are some of the core elements to focus on when taking pictures. But when the goal is to uncover a deeper narrative and capture the stories of the people in the frame, not just to photograph some famous landmarks, one has to look beyond these technical considerations and pay more attention to the human factor.
A good photographer knows how to make subjects stand out and weave their stories into the setting, blending them with the atmosphere of the city. For Irina Taranova, the cold weather can serve as an opportunity for creating heartfelt connections against Edinburgh’s winter scene. “Cold weather can actually create some beautiful intimate moments: one partner warming the other's hands, wrapping their arms around them, or putting their jacket around their partner's shoulders. These small gestures look incredibly natural and tell a lovely story.”
Sometimes, people feel awkward when posing, not knowing what to do with their hands or where to look, and that discomfort can ruin both the mood and the photos. Taranova believes that a bit of movement and playfulness, such as asking one partner to jump onto the other's back, can help them feel more at ease. “Couples usually end up laughing, which creates genuine emotions and spontaneous photographs. I wouldn't recommend spending too much time sitting or holding static poses in freezing temperatures. Instead, I keep the session moving, encouraging people to interact and enjoy themselves.”
Edinburgh is a truly magical city and can be the ideal setting for taking stunning winter portraits, but one has to know how to make the most of it. As Taranova explains, “the best winter portraits aren't simply photographs of people standing in front of Edinburgh's famous landmarks. They're about capturing the connection between people, their emotions and the atmosphere of the city. Sometimes the rain, the cold, and even a little spontaneity are exactly what make those photographs memorable.”
