GOLDEN HOUR
Portobello | Edinburgh | Scotland
55.95° N, 3.11° W
The atmosphere of Portobello Promenade, in Edinburgh undergoes a transformation as evening descends. Typically bustling with crowds on August nights the seaside stretch took on a different vibe due to the blustery weather this time around. The chilly air deterred pedestrians, affording me a chance to witness Portobello in a new light—serene, tranquil and nearly deserted.
At the outset of my stroll everything seemed to align. The sun gradually dipped below the horizon casting elongated shadows and painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The lighting was just right softly diffused by wispy clouds that added a touch to the panorama. In moments nature serves as a backdrop for urban photography—mundane scenes acquire an enchanting quality with every element seeming perfectly placed.
While meandering along the promenade I seized snapshots: a lone couple braving strong gusts of wind having a bonfire, vacant benches awaiting their next occupants . I felt certain that this evening held promise, for capturing shots.
Regrettably an unforeseen turn of events thwarted my plans. After a 20 minutes of photography efforts my cameras battery abruptly gave out.
Every photographer has experienced that rush of panic when their gear malfunctions, during a moment. Despite this setback I chose to persevere and carry on with the shoot using my iPhone instead. Ultimately what truly counts is abiding by the rule; the best camera is the one you have in your hands.
While the smartphone does come with its limitations it surprisingly proved to be quite effective. Its small size allowed me to swiftly and discreetly capture some shots that may have been missed with my camera. This served as a reminder that photography's is not solely about technical expertise but also hinges on creativity and adaptability in response to unexpected circumstances.
The evening stroll along Portobello Promenade unfolded in a manner from my plan yet it was undeniably a memorable experience that will linger in my mind for years to come. This photo session underscored the notion that life doesn't always go according to our scripts; nevertheless it's those moments that often yield the captivating outcomes.
