If you have 10 minutes to spare and your busy festival schedule has taken you near the Royal Mile, have a look at this exhibition. Located in a room that works both as shop and a display, the Free Photography Exhibition provides a small but interesting showcase of photographer Ed Fielding's work.
What could be better than having the chance to meet the photographer behind the work you're buying?
His images explore a variety of Scottish topics, from city landscapes during different seasons to iconic architecture, and animals and their surroundings. The exhibit's forte is its array of impressive landscapes. One of my favourites was a fantastic autumnal view of the Glencoe valley. In it a tiny house stands flanked by mountains shining in a golden colour under the late evening sun; a true homage to a magnificent place.
Some photographs can, however, be repetitive and reminiscent of the hundreds of postcards and images sold in tourist shops around the city. This feeling increases when you find each large print sold in various versions; big print, small print, card-form and smaller print. Although this exhibition has some gems to offer, one gets the feeling we're being lured into buying something, rather than actually enjoying an exhibition.
One thing the fringe achieves marvellously is to get people and artists together and the effect here is the same. What could be better than having the chance to meet the photographer behind the work you're buying? That being said, prints were going for as little as £8 and that is a bargain! Especially considering the time spent trying to capture the right moment.
So, if you have time, take a look at this exhibition. Give a chance to a hard-working artist instead of going for the mass produced photos from your nearest tourist shop.
