It s a lovely wee photo gallery in the heart of Edinburgh, in the old town. They exhibit photos and offer courses. I ve visited several times and have had the honour of having a photo of mine exhibited digitally there. I recommend.
This photographic gem is, in my opinion, underappreciated and often passed by tourists.
Be brave, wander inside, enjoy the current exhibitions then go downstairs to the small library area which has a wealth of books, magazines and photographic resources (and free wifi!).
There are specialist facilities such as darkroom for hire too.
When I travel I like to check out photography exhibitions for entertainment and to energise. And Edinburgh has Stills. Stills is just a pure photography (free!) gallery hit on one of the most beautiful streets in the world, Cockburn street just off the Royal Mile. Right now there is two exhibitions on. One is Advertising photography from Margaret Watkins around a hundred years back, which I really liked. And Cyanotypes from Anna Atkins which look very scientific. If you love photography then definitely check out Stills whilst your in Edinburgh!
The staff are very friendly. They run all sorts of hands on photography, darkroom, lightroom, photoshop and other computer related courses. I hear the teachers are excellent!
A very interesting and ever changing photography exhibition venue. The themes and content are very inspiring and the presentation is always high quality.
The centre also boasts some well kitted out education rooms where courses on Photoshop and other industry standard software are taught.
It is worth checking in advance the upcoming exhibitions as there is generally something for everyone.
Stills is located on Cockburn street an area that has a lot of eclectic shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. Fans of Stills would also likley enjoy the Fruitmarket Gallery located on a market Street not far from the rear entrance to Edinburgh Waverly Train Station.
small gallery with interesting exhibitions. easily to miss but definitely to have a look
Excellent facilities for scanning prints and negatives. Very friendly, knowledgeable and extremely helpful staff.
Great gallery. Every exhibition is interesting, and very nice staff.
An Introduction to Photoshop by Luke
Thank you for a very useful weekend in which we were guided through the software and allowed to explore further afield as we needed. I'd go again, and warmly recommend others to try a course there.
Stills Gallery: A Hub for Photography Enthusiasts in Scotland
Stills Gallery is a renowned photography gallery located in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland. Established in 1977, the gallery has been at the forefront of promoting and supporting photography as an art form. With a long history of showcasing some of the most innovative and thought-provoking works by both established and emerging photographers, Stills Gallery has become a hub for photography enthusiasts across Scotland.
The gallery's mission is to advance, enjoy, explore and understand photography through exhibitions, workshops, talks and events. Stills Gallery believes that photography is not just about capturing images but also about telling stories that can inspire change. The gallery's exhibitions are curated to showcase diverse perspectives on contemporary issues such as identity politics, social justice and environmental concerns.
One of the unique features of Stills Gallery is its commitment to supporting emerging photographers through its residency program. The program provides artists with access to studio space, equipment and mentorship from experienced professionals in the field. This support enables artists to develop their skills and create new works that challenge conventional notions of what constitutes good photography.
In addition to its exhibition program, Stills Gallery offers a range of educational programs designed for people at all levels of experience with photography. These programs include workshops on technical aspects such as lighting techniques or post-processing software as well as more conceptual topics like visual storytelling or critical theory.
Stills Gallery also hosts regular talks by leading photographers from around the world who share their insights into their creative process or discuss current trends in contemporary photography. These events provide an opportunity for visitors to engage with experts in the field while gaining new perspectives on how they can improve their own practice.
As part of its commitment to making art accessible to everyone regardless of background or income level, Stills Gallery offers free admission to all exhibitions throughout the year. This policy ensures that everyone has access to high-quality art experiences without financial barriers.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a place where you can immerse yourself in contemporary photographic art while learning from some of today's leading practitioners then look no further than Stills Gallery! With its long history supporting Scottish photographers combined with cutting-edge programming designed for audiences at all levels - this institution truly stands out among other galleries across Europe!
stills.org
