Capturing A Chapter Of My Life In Edinburgh

Written by Edinburgh Captures client, Laura Bryan

Anyone who’s been to Edinburgh knows that this city has a way of capturing your heart. 

The gothic architecture, cobblestone streets, and cozy atmosphere of an old city. The friendly locals and vibrant energy that make it easy to find something to enjoy. Edinburgh is a special place. 

As a digital nomad, I’ve lived all over the world, but I always find myself returning to Edinburgh. There’s just something about its charm that keeps drawing me back. 

This time around, I decided I wanted to capture this chapter of my life. 

I have hundreds of photos of Edinburgh on my phone (seriously, I have the castle from every angle possible), but I wanted photos that captured me in my favorite city. 

I wanted high-quality photos without the crowds, not the usual snapshots of me running around, windswept and wet, with tourists in the background. Don’t get me wrong, those candid travel photos tell a story, but I wanted something a little more intentional. I wanted photos I could frame, look back on, and treasure for years to come. 

Why I Booked A Professional Solo Photoshoot

There is a big difference between handing your iPhone to a stranger and having a professional behind the lens. In the first situation, you’re hoping for the best, and in the second, you’re guaranteed an edited gallery of photos.

Why I Wanted An Edinburgh Photography Session:

• As a solo female traveler, you don’t always have someone to take your photos. I’ve walked across Waverley Bridge countless times, but I’ve never had a photo of myself there. 

• I was in desperate need of a new headshot. As someone who works in marketing, I always tell clients that their headshot should reflect their personality and brand. What better way to do that than to take a photo in a place that you love?

• My profile photos across Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn were long overdue for a refresh. Another piece of marketing advice: your online profiles should be current. Showing up online as you are today helps build trust. 

• Being self-employed, I also wanted polished, professional images for my website, business cards, brochures, and author bios. When I was first building my business, the photos I had on hand worked, but now that my business has grown, I want my photography to reflect the quality of my brand.  

• More than anything, I wanted photos that captured this moment in my life. I wanted beautiful images in some of my favorite spots around Edinburgh.

Ari’s Style: Why I Chose Edinburgh Captures Photography

There are plenty of photographers in Edinburgh, so why did I choose Edinburgh Captures Photography?

Ari, the photographer behind Edinburgh Captures, is incredibly easy-going. I didn’t want a big production or a shoot that needed to be booked months in advance. Whether you’re visiting Edinburgh for a few days or living here, the process feels relaxed and straightforward. 

We covered a lot of ground during our session, and I ended up with a large portfolio of images to choose from. Even though we shot in multiple locations and incorporated different props, I never felt rushed. Ari really makes sure you get the most out of your shoot time without you having to worry. 

I also appreciated that she periodically showed me previews of the photos throughout the session. It helped me understand the lighting, make small adjustments to my poses, and feel confident that we had captured the shot before moving on to the next location. It kept me at ease and made me even more excited to see the final gallery.

I had a list of iconic Edinburgh locations I wanted to be photographed at, including the Scott Monument, Calton Hill, and Waverley Bridge. Ari was happy to work with my ideas and pointed out a few spots in Princes Street Gardens and near the National Galleries of Scotland as we walked past. Some of those ended up being my favorite photos from the shoot. 

Another reason I enjoyed working with Ari was that she helped me with posing. I have a few signature poses (as most women do) and that’s it. Ari let me start with what felt comfortable before encouraging me to try different poses that still felt natural. I was surprised by how much I liked some of the new poses. It gave me so much more variety in my final gallery.

Before the shoot, Ari also sent a helpful guide covering outfit suggestions, location ideas, and props. Neutral colors photograph well against Edinburgh’s sandstone buildings, and the props made me look more relaxed in front of the camera. They also solved the classic question of “what am I supposed to do with my hands?” 

I know Edinburgh well and already had a good idea of where I wanted to shoot, but if you’re visiting the city, Ari’s local knowledge would be incredibly valuable. She knows where the best little corners and viewpoints are. 

The Best Souvenir I Took Home From Edinburgh

I’m so happy I booked a shoot with Ari.

The final gallery exceeded my expectations, and I’ve already found so many ways to use the photos. From updating my business website and social media profiles to sharing them with friends and family, they were exactly what I was looking for. 

Most importantly, I love that they captured me exactly as I am right now, in this season of life, living in my favorite city. 

Years from now, I’ll look back at these photos and remember this chapter of my life. 

If you’re a solo female traveler visiting Edinburgh or a digital nomad calling Edinburgh home for a few months, reach out to Ari! Together, you can capture your experience in this magical city.

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