A Big Puff

Well, if you saw the Blip Blog at all today then you'll know why I found myself at the Edinburgh Tattoo tonight. This was the prizewinning photo. But not just at the Tattoo. Oh no.

Caution, the following entry contains more than a few image links, and a couple of videos...

Chaperoned in I was ushered 'backstage' behind the walls of the Castle to see the 'Big Bla' - basically all of the bands getting ready to perform, or milling and taking in the views while having a fag and taking photos with mobile phones. The concentration, though, was intense, as soundchecks were carried out, before a load of the bands joined forces to limber up. From here, back through the esplanade as the grandstands started to fill, and up to where the VIPs live, inadvertently bumping into a partner at a law firm I used to work for occasionally, and becoming an impromptu portrait photographer.

Back down and the first hour of the show was taken in at ground level, in front of the grandstands, with nothing obscuring the view. From the dreich first entrance and shows of tartan; to Dutch military bicycle music (yes... really...). As they left the Brazilians swung (quite literally) into rhythm, only to be replaced by some brute force gun running, then some unexpected German humour with dancing; giant horns; and lederhosen.

There were motorbikes (celebrating 90 years of the Scottish branch of the British Legion I think, and, of course, big-hatted drummers.

With 25 minutes or so left it was time for a higher vantage point. And while this meant missing out on the detail of the spectacle, it meant I could play with some long shutter speeds to get the motion of the performers, and the fantastic image overlaying going on right on the surface of the Castle. So musicians filed in; while the Castle became red, white and blue; then patriotic; then rampant. Oh, and I quite like the fact that only the dancers are moving in this shot.

Phew.

Now, I would say thank goodness it's the weekend, but tomorrow morning it's farmers market; then mortgage advisor meetings; then a wedding photoshoot. 'Aint half let myself in for it this weekend...

(still not sure which shot I should have gone with, but I liked this guy's face)

p.s. thanks Blipfoto! Cracking night, and the folk who look after you are lovely (thank you Fiona!); here's hoping the next winner has as good a night (and as dry a night!).

p.p.s. I can safely say the photos got better the darker it got and the spotlights had more of an effect.