The Edinburgh Walkabout – Pt 1 of 2 : Fashion Model Photo Shoot with Zan Phee

The Edinburgh Walkabout – Pt 1 of 2 : Fashion Model Photo Shoot with Zan Phee

Recently I was lucky enough to visit Edinburgh for a commercial photography job, whilst I was there I took the opportunity to photograph the beautiful city and I also organised a photo session with a model. This first blog post includes the model portrait photos, part two will be the buildings.

I asked Zan Phee (who lives in Glasgow) if she’d be interested in modelling for me, and luckily she said yes – she even styled herself after our initial conversations about the kind of thing I had in mind. We decided on this stunning vintage outfit with accessories.

I  walked around Edinburgh in the afternoon before this shoot, planning which locations might work for these shots. I was definitely looking for interesting architecture to act as a backdrop for Zan, I wanted places she could interact with. I certainly didn’t want it to be as if she were simply in front of landmarks, smiling and looking excited.

We met on Princes Street, and our first port of call was Market Street, this gave us these beautiful steps to work with:

Zan brought a superb love heart brolly (from Love Umbrellas) to the shoot, and it caught the sun in a striking way. We were lucky that the sun was shooting right down the steps for us to use.

This location was a great start to the shoot, and so we moved on to search for other locations…. I spotted a superb narrow alley which gave us the atmosphere I wanted for a closer more angsty shot, even using some of the signage.

In the back of my mind for this shoot I was thinking of a David Bailey photo shoot from 1962 with Jean Shrimpton… Jean posed in busy streets, in shop windows and phone boxes in New York and it’s one of my favourite photo shoots ever… in a way, this shoot is a tribute to that NYC shoot, but in Edinburgh. These pictures were taken very close to Edinburgh Castle.

Spotting opportunities around and about Edinburgh started getting easier as we got into the shoot. A colourful red door? Perfect with Zan’s hair, red phone boxes – a definite…

We chanced upon a vintage train – The Royal Scotsman, which takes people lucky enough to be able to afford it around Scotland. It was a superb prop for this particular shoot, with Zan’s vintage clothing.

At the end of the shoot we happened to walk by a man with a puppy husky dog, we asked if Zan could quickly hold the dog’s lead and before you know it, she’s standing there with a beautiful dog! A wonderful end to an excellent photo shoot, thanks Zan!

Click to see Part 2!

Since posting this blog a lot of people have asked questions about the Royal Scotsman train. I’ve prepared some facts about the Royal Scotsman for those interested!

The Royal Scotsman: A Luxury Train Experience

The Royal Scotsman, a member of the Belmond luxury train collection, offers one of the most exclusive ways to explore Scotland. Known for its opulent interiors, fine dining, and breathtaking routes, the train is a symbol of elegance and tradition. Here’s a closer look at what makes the Royal Scotsman such a unique travel experience.

A Glimpse into History

The Royal Scotsman was introduced in 1985 to showcase Scotland’s scenic beauty and rich heritage. Operated by Belmond, the train is inspired by the golden age of rail travel, combining vintage aesthetics with modern comfort. Its design pays homage to the luxury trains of the past, with an emphasis on craftsmanship and detail.

The train typically carries only 40 passengers, ensuring an intimate and personal experience. Its exclusivity is part of its appeal, attracting travelers seeking luxury and tranquility.

The Train’s Lavish Interiors

The Royal Scotsman comprises ten beautifully restored carriages, each designed to evoke the grandeur of classic rail travel. From the richly paneled dining cars to the plush observation car, every detail is carefully curated.

The cabins are a highlight, offering en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and elegant furnishings. The train’s muted color palette and fine textiles create a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Routes Through Scotland

The Royal Scotsman travels on several iconic routes, each offering a unique perspective on Scotland’s landscapes and history. Popular itineraries include:

• The Highland Journey: This route takes passengers through the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Highlands, including stops at Glencoe and Inverness.
• The Western Scenic Wonders: A journey along Scotland’s rugged west coast, featuring lochs, islands, and mountain views.
• Grand Western Scenic Wonders: An extended version of the Western route, offering more time to explore Scotland’s remote and beautiful corners.

Each journey includes off-train excursions, such as visits to castles, distilleries, and historic sites, allowing passengers to immerse themselves in Scotland’s culture.

The Observation Car

One of the train’s most beloved features is its open-air observation car, located at the rear of the train. It offers unobstructed views of Scotland’s countryside, making it a favorite spot for passengers to relax and take in the scenery.

For photographers, the observation car is a dream come true. It provides a unique vantage point to capture Scotland’s diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to dramatic coastlines.

Gourmet Dining Onboard

Dining is a key part of the Royal Scotsman experience. The train’s chefs craft menus that showcase Scotland’s finest ingredients, including fresh seafood, game, and seasonal produce. Meals are served in the elegant dining cars, where passengers can enjoy world-class cuisine against a backdrop of stunning scenery.

The dining experience is complemented by a selection of fine wines and whiskies, celebrating Scotland’s culinary and distilling heritage.

A Commitment to Comfort

While the Royal Scotsman is steeped in tradition, it also incorporates modern comforts. The train includes a dedicated spa car, offering treatments such as facials, massages, and manicures. This unique feature enhances the sense of relaxation and indulgence that defines the journey.

A Photographer’s Perspective

The Royal Scotsman is a visual feast for photographers. Its vintage carriages provide a wealth of interior details to capture, from polished woodwork to decorative flourishes. The train itself becomes a striking subject when photographed against the backdrop of Scotland’s dramatic landscapes.

Onboard, the interplay of light within the cabins and dining cars creates opportunities for atmospheric shots. Off-train excursions add another dimension, allowing photographers to document Scotland’s historic sites and natural wonders.

The Royal Scotsman is a celebration of Scotland’s heritage, offering a unique way to experience its landscapes, culture, and history. Whether you’re a train enthusiast, a lover of luxury travel, or a photographer seeking inspiration, the Royal Scotsman promises an unforgettable journey.