Review of the Edinburgh Old Town: Professional Photoshoot & Edited Photos Experience
If you’re planning to visit Edinburgh and want to have a set of professional photos capturing the essence of this historic city, this photoshoot experience offers a practical and memorable way to do so. The package, offered by Smiler, combines a 15-minute photo session with a skilled local photographer, resulting in beautifully edited digital images. The reviews highlight how well this experience is executed, with particular praise for the guides’ ability to showcase Edinburgh’s key sights while making clients feel at ease.
What I love about this experience is the focus on authentic, high-quality photography in a short, manageable time frame — perfect if you’re on a tight schedule or want a quick yet meaningful memento. The local guide, like photographer Xulkarnain, is praised for his excellent choice of locations and patient approach, especially when working with children or groups. Plus, the delivered edited photos within 48 hours means you don’t have to wait long to see your memories, and they are ready for sharing or printing.
A possible consideration is the limited duration of around 15 minutes—some might find it tight if they prefer a more relaxed or extensive shoot. Also, since the session ends at the scheduled time regardless of late arrivals, punctuality is key to getting the most out of your snapshot opportunity.
This experience is a fantastic way to add a professional photo collection to your Edinburgh trip, especially if you value high-quality images and personalized guidance. It’s ideal for families, friends, or anyone eager to preserve their visit with authentic, beautifully composed photos.
Key points / Takeaways
- Short but high-quality: The 15-minute session packs in a lot of great shots in a brief window.
- Expert local guides: Guides like Xulkarnain and Aaqib are praised for their professionalism, patience, and eye for the best photo spots.
- Fast delivery of edited photos: Expect your images in a digital gallery within 48 hours, ready to share or print.
- Flexible for various groups: Private tours are perfect for families, friends, or anyone wanting a personalized experience.
- Great for capturing iconic sights: The tour hits classic Edinburgh spots like the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Victoria Street, with plenty of colorful backdrops.
- Value for the price: At about $189 for up to 8 people, you’re getting personalized, professional photos that are hard to beat compared to casual selfies.
A Deep Dive into the Edinburgh Old Town Photoshoot Experience

Ready to capture more memories? More photo tours we recommend in Edinburgh
Entering the World of Professional Photos in Edinburgh’s Old Town
When it comes to making memories in Edinburgh, few things capture the city’s charm like a set of well-composed photos in front of its most recognizable sights. This tour by Smiler offers just that — a 15-minute professional photoshoot in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, with the added benefit of expert guidance and quick turnaround on edited images.
You’ll meet your photographer at the India Buildings on Victoria Street, a street famous for its vibrant, rainbow-colored buildings. These buildings alone make for stunning backdrops, and the photographer will help you use the surrounding scenery effectively. The session ends back at the starting point, making it convenient whether you’re on a tight schedule or want to continue exploring after.
Why the Guided Photoshoot Stands Out
One of the biggest draws here is the local expertise of the guides and photographers. Reviewers like Pooja praise Xulkarnain for his excellent choice of locations and patience, especially when working with children. She mentions that he was “extremely patient and accommodating,” highlighting how a good guide can turn a brief session into a relaxed, fun experience.
Another reviewer, Rana, emphasizes that her photographer, Aaqib, was “so nice and amazing with my kids,” which shows how much attention is given to making the session comfortable for all participants. You’re not just getting a photographer; you’re getting someone who understands how to capture the right moments, using their local knowledge to pick the best spots.
The Iconic Stops and Hidden Gems
The tour’s itinerary naturally includes “the most iconic spots of Edinburgh’s Old Town,” such as the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, and Victoria Street. These are the classics for a reason — their charm and character lend a timeless quality to photos. The colorful buildings on Victoria Street are particularly photogenic, providing a vibrant, lively backdrop.
Beyond the obvious landmarks, your guide/photographer will likely guide you to lesser-known spots that reveal the city’s secret gems, adding depth and authenticity to your photos. The ability to visit these areas, while having a professional guide point out the best angles and compositions, makes the experience all the more valuable.
The Practicalities and What to Expect
Booking is straightforward, with most travelers booking about three weeks in advance. The cost of $188.56 per group (up to 8 people) offers good value considering the professional quality and quick turnaround. Remember, this is a private experience, so your group gets personalized attention, which makes for a more relaxed and customized shoot.
Timing-wise, the session lasts around 15 minutes. That might seem brief, but with a skilled photographer guiding you efficiently, it’s enough to get a variety of shots. It’s best to arrive punctually because the session ends at the scheduled time, even if you’re running late — the photographer may have another booking after yours.
The meeting point at India Buildings is accessible via public transportation, making it easy to fit into your day. The experience also allows service animals, which is helpful for travelers with pets.
- The Potter Trail Private Tour
- Small Group Ghostly Underground Vaults Tour in Edinburgh
- St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife Small-Group Day Tour From Edinburgh
- The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh
- The Scotch Whisky Experience Guided Whisky Tour – An Introduction to Whisky
- Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour From Edinburgh
The Photos and Delivery Process
After your shoot, images will be edited professionally and delivered within 48 hours via a digital gallery link. This swift turnaround means you’ll be able to relive your Edinburgh memories almost immediately and share your photos with friends and family.
This quick delivery is a highlight, especially when compared to other photo services that might take weeks or require additional payment for edits. The reviews indicate that the final images are of high quality and capture the city’s vibrancy well.
Who Will Love This Experience?
This photoshoot experience is perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends wanting high-quality photos in a short time. It’s especially suitable if you’d like a professional set of images to commemorate your trip without dedicating hours to a studio shoot.
It’s also great for those catching a quick trip or attending the Edinburgh Fringe, where timing is tight. If you’re a solo traveler who wants some professional shots, this could work too, as long as your group size is within the limit.
The Cost-Quality Balance
At just under $200 for a private session for up to 8 people, this experience delivers excellent value. You’re paying for the expertise of a knowledgeable photographer and the convenience of quick, edited images you won’t get from a casual selfie. Compared to the cost of professional photos in a city like Edinburgh, especially with edited images included, this is quite a reasonable option.
Who Should Consider This Photoshoot?

If you’re someone who values capturing your trip with authentic, high-quality images, this experience is a smart add-on. It’s particularly suited for families with children, couples celebrating a special occasion, or friends wanting a fun activity with lasting results.
Travelers on a tight schedule will appreciate the short duration and quick delivery, while those craving a personalized touch will enjoy the expert guidance on location choices. If you’re looking for a unique souvenir that goes beyond typical postcards, this is an excellent way to get it.
Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the photoshoot last?
The session is approximately 15 minutes, providing enough time to capture a variety of shots at different locations.
Where do I meet the photographer?
You meet at India Buildings on Victoria Street, a well-known, easily accessible location in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Will I receive my photos quickly?
Yes, your edited photos will be available in a digital gallery link within 48 hours after the shoot.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely. You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled session for a full refund.
Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, reviews specifically mention guides being accommodating and patient with children, making it ideal for families.
What if I’m running late?
If you’re late, the session will still end at the scheduled time. It’s best to arrive promptly to maximize your session.
Does this tour include visits to specific landmarks?
While the session takes place around key spots like the Royal Mile and Victoria Street, the focus is on capturing the city’s vibrant atmosphere rather than a structured tour of sites.
In essence, this Edinburgh Old Town professional photoshoot offers a practical way to create lasting memories with high-quality images against the backdrop of one of Scotland’s most beautiful cities. It’s a streamlined, personalized experience that combines local knowledge with professional photography, making it ideal for travelers who want to preserve their trip with snaps that truly stand out.
More Photography Tours in Edinburgh
- Romantic Photoshoot Experience for Couples in Edinburgh
- Private Photoshoot with Views of Famous Edinburgh Castle
- Harry Potter Portraiture Tour with a Personal Photographer
- Edinburgh’s Best Bar Crawl: Free Shots, Discounts, Photos
- Edinburgh: Private Professional Photoshoot
- Elegant Professional Private Photoshoot Tour in Edinburgh
More Tour Reviews in Edinburgh
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Edinburgh we have recnetly reviewed
- Magic and Legends in Edinburgh: walking tour in French
- From Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct & The Highlands Day Trip
- From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands Tour
- Tour of Outlander In Edinburgh
- Edinburgh: Harry Potter and English Castles Tour in Spanish
- Edinburgh: 7 Bar Pub Crawl with 7 Shots & Discounts
- Skip-the-line Edinburgh Castle with Old Town Walking Tour
- Outlander’s Scotland Tour
- Edinburgh: Castle, Holyrood & Royal Mile Guided Tour
- Ghost Tour in Edinburgh
- From Edinburgh: Isle of Skye & Highlands 3-Day Guided Tour
- Islander® Harris Tweed® Mini Satchel Canongate Workshop
