Fleshmarket Close

Fleshmarket Close is one of the steep, narrow stepped lanes that thread between Edinburgh’s Old Town and the valley below, its name a reminder of the butchers’ market that once stood here. The high-sided passage opens onto Cockburn Street at the top, and then continues on to the Royal Mile. It is a busy thoroughfare as it is located opposite the south entrance to Waverley Station. The location for this image is on the pavement in front of the steps.

This sheltered lane has a lot of character and is interesting to photograph from the top or the bottom. Shooting into the light can create atmospheric silhouettes of people and give the compostion a human aspect if you prefer, too. As this is a popular route to the city’s main train station, it is almost always busy. A long exposure on a tripod with ND filters is an option if you would like the shot to appear empty. At the top of the close (B), the tarnished steel post has a lot of character.