This month I was honored to judge #NoFilter Edinburgh — a photography competition run by London City Airport — which challenges bloggers to showcase the best of the city without using filters to enhance the images. Edinburgh is such a historic and elegant city, its beauty shines through without needing hours of touch ups or filter apps to improve its atmospheric facades.
Take a look at some of the unfiltered images from the competition below, along with thoughts from each of the entrants. If you feel inspired to pay a visit, you can check out my itinerary ideas for a host of things to do in Scotland’s most beguiling city.
Gemma from Edinblogger – “Edinburgh is one of the most photogenic cities in the world, with its breath-taking landscapes and stunning architecture you’ll never be short of scenes to capture.”
Danielle’s #NoFilter Edinburgh
Danielle from Strangeness and Charm — “Wherever you go in Edinburgh, there’s a photo opportunity around every corner. It’s one of my favourite cities to visit and I was lucky enough to be up there a couple of weeks ago.”
Hayley’s #NoFilter Edinburgh
Hayley from Water Painted Dreams – “It’s weird to think about how many people have Edinburgh on their travel bucket lists but I get to live here and sometimes even take that for granted. It’s a beautiful city from the old to the new and there’s so much to see and do. I’ve lived here for a year now but there are still so many things that I haven’t seen or done yet. Edinburgh is one of my favourite cities in the world. And Edinburgh needs no filter. It’s just beautiful!”
Michael from The Bearded Bakery – “It reminds me a lot of my hometown, York. But where York fails me (I find the place too small and dull), Edinburgh seems to excel. Basically it feels like York, the beauty, history etc, but with things going on, access to the sea and nearer to mountains. I mean, there aren’t many cities where you can walk out from the center and be climbing up a mountain within 20 minutes, or where there’s a castle dominating the entire center or where it has street after street of classically British terraced housing (where you don’t have to go to West London and feel like you’re being judged for being a peasant).”
Susanne’s #NoFilter Edinburgh
Sunsanne from Adventures Around Scotland – “The Royal Mile runs from the magnificent Edinburgh Castle to the splendid Palace of Holyroodhouse and is lined with an eclectic mix of shops, pubs, restaurants and attractions. Venture in to the many darkened closes and mysterious wynds that lie concealed between the 21st Century businesses and you quite literally feel like you have stepped back in time. Look out for the close names above the maze like passages which are associated with their former use or a notable resident. When I visit Edinburgh I love nothing more than spending a day exploring the hidden history of the Old Town and of course enjoying a dram or two at the characterful pubs along the way!”
Jennifer’s #NoFilter Edinburgh
Jennifer from Jennifer Frame – “My advice is take yourself fifteen minutes east of the heart of Edinburgh and you will find the coastal suburb of Portobello. In my opinion, this is part of the ‘real’ Edinburgh. I am not saying the capital’s famous spectacles do not portray the ‘real’ Edinburgh but there is something so relaxing about taking a walk along the promenade at night with friends to debrief while admiring the city’s horizon. This makes for a chance to unwind after a busy day spent in the city centre, clambering your way through the crowds on Princes Street.”
Jonny from Don’t Stop Living – “Edinburgh boasts two big Scottish football league clubs – Hearts and Hibs. Hibs (Hibernian FC) were at home on my visit so I headed to watch them. I got into Easter Road early to soak in the pre-match atmosphere and take some photos of the stadium. I had a pint of ale in Crabbies bar, chatted to Hibs fans and then watched Hibernian beat Alloa Athletic 2-0.”
Mel From The Diary of a Jewellery Lover — “I was queueing to go into the Assembly Rooms to see a comedy show in 2012 when I took this photo of the Olympic Rings that were installed to celebrate Great Britain holding the Olympics that year. Natural sunsets are stunningly beautiful. I like the colour of the sky and the silhouette of the iconic Olympic rings installed for that year’s games.”
Danielle’s #NoFilter Edinburgh
Danielle from Edinburgh Foody – “Does any other market have such an amazing back drop as Edinburgh’s Farmers’ Market? Our tip? Always look up, it’s surprising what you will see! This market is held each Saturday and is just one of many markets around the city. Such a great way to taste the local produce and meet the suppliers.”
Marc-Andre’s #NoFilter Edinburgh
Marc-Andre from KatzenWorld — “The Maison de Moggy cat cafe in Edinburgh is one of those hidden gems that people often miss out on! Little did I know that there was a cat cafe in Edinburgh! Luckily someone I met there pointed this out to me so of course I couldn’t resist.“
I just got butterflies of excitement in my stomach. All the pictures are amazing! The market backdrop is very well done and we have to check out the Maison de moggy when we go next year. 🙂 I think Edinburgh will be one of my favorite places. TARN
Edinburgh is such a beautiful and charming city — and DEEP culturally and historically. Far too much time has been spent in Edinburgh to ever have enough time to fully explore it.
I miss Scotland and Edinburgh every minute that I’m not there. Busy here in the U.S. with my vacation rental, but always planning my next trip to Scotland. I love the pictures from a higher elevation, looking down on the rooftops and out at the horizon! No filters needed, just like the Scots personality!
Well said, Cheryl!