COVID-19 Update

Tourism and Theatre are likely to be affected by the Scottish Government's COVID-19 restrictions for some time to come. And even when rules change some people may be reluctant to travel. The 2020 Edinburgh Festival was completely cancelled and the 2021 Festival will be a curtailed event. Indoor performances playing to packed theatre audiences are still some way off but there are imaginative plans for new outdoor spaces and socially distanced indoor audiences are possible, even if some of the commercial factors in the staging of theatre in front of smaller indoor audiences have still to be resolved.

Whenever and however the restrictions are eased, it is likely that local events will be very important and therefore I intend to focus my attention on things happening in and around Portobello in the coming months.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our perceptions of place. Even if there is now more freedom than there was in the days of full lockdown, many of us are living our lives more locally. For me, that means things happening in my local area -  Edinburgh's seaside suburb of Portobello. The beach is easily accessible from across the city and the mile-long promenade and beach make it a popular place for a day out, whatever the weather.  But Portobello is about much more than the beach, great as it is. It's people that really make a place and since moving down here a few years ago I have come to know  some of the local characters and events. 

Whether you have travelled to Portobello from the other side of town of the other side of the world you'll probably bring a camera of some sort, whether it's an actual camera or a phone, but sometimes it can be good to call on the services of a local photographer. The concept of the  'Vacation Photographer' is increasingly common and whether it is individuals, a couple or a larger group, the idea is to have a photographer on hand to take your pictures as you explore a tourist destination. A way to avoid the selfie stick and a chance to concentrate on seeing the sights for yourself rather than through a lens or on a smartphone screen and an opportunity for some great candid portraits of you and your family.

Historically Edinburgh is the home of the Festival and performers from all over the world come to put on their shows. Venues spring up everywhere and it feels like the whole the city is a stage. Whether it's for advance publicity, images to accompany reviews or simply to document the experience of putting on a show, all those performances need photography. And in fact it's no different the rest of the year - theatre needs photography.