Travelogue: Edinburgh at Night

Autumn, 2024

In my journey as a photographer, I’ve often been curious about places at different times of day. Especially curious about spaces that are super busy during the day and how they change in the evening.

Is it just as busy?
Does it slow down drastically?
Is it empty of people?
Does it feel quiet and calm?

Waverly Station, Edinburgh, Scotland

Occasionally, when I travel, there is some fear that arises when I’m not familiar with a place, more so, I think that fear arises in the evenings or when not as many people are around.

That fear sometimes prevents me from going out in the evenings to make images.

But it’s one of those fears that I’m working through.

Last fall, while in Edinburgh, I went out several times in the evening.

In general, Edinburgh feels very safe to me. I’ve been there several times over the past 15 years, so I feel like I’ve gotten to know parts of it quite well.

I found the city to be quite busy in the evenings, especially along Princes Street, one of the main drags in the city. As autumn goes into winter, the sun sets early, sometime after 4 PM. So it makes sense that some areas will still be busy with people going home from work, going shopping, and of course, tourists bustling about.

Even in the hustle of daily life, if you frame it right you may find a quiet moment here and there.

National Gallery, Edinburgh, Scotland

On my last night in Edinburgh, the Christmas Market had just opened. It was jam-packed with people. I found the lights to be the most fun to photograph, experimenting with intentional camera movement and slower shutter speeds to create something a little extraordinary.

What do you enjoy when you travel?