Stephen’s Journey Capturing The
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Behind the Lens: Stephen’s Journey Capturing The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

For photographer Stephen, the sound of bagpipes echoing off the stone walls of Edinburgh Castle isn’t just the start of another night at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo — it’s a call back to a lifelong love of live performance, storytelling, and the magic of spectacle.

With roots in theatre lighting design and early career days spent working on productions in London’s iconic West End, Stephen has always been drawn to the drama of the stage. Back then, he lived in the shadows behind the scenes, working to light actors, dancers, and musicians in a way that helped bring stories to life. Fast forward a few decades, and although the tools have changed — with a camera replacing the lighting desk — the goal remains the same: to capture moments of beauty, emotion, and artistry in live performance.

Stephen has called Edinburgh home for the past 27 years, and each August the city undergoes its own remarkable transformation. Streets swell with visitors, the skies light up with fireworks, and the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle becomes a grand stage. For Stephen, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is more than just a highlight of the city’s summer — it’s a source of creative energy, inspiration, and familiarity.

A Rare Opportunity: 8 Years Behind the Scenes

For the past eight years, Stephen has had the privilege of photographing the Tattoo with special media access — a coveted pass that allows him to move beyond the usual audience viewpoint and step into the world behind the curtain. This access has given him a front-row seat to the emotion, discipline, and artistry that go into every performance.

While most visitors view the Tattoo from the stands, Stephen is often found at the edge of the esplanade, quietly observing, moving through the shadows, or capturing moments high above from the vantage point near the VIP boxes. His lens doesn’t just frame the performers — it captures the full scale of the event: the powerful massed pipes and drums, the sweeping formations of marching bands, and the quiet, human moments between performers just before they step into the spotlight.

The Global Stage Comes to Edinburgh

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Tattoo is its international reach. While deeply rooted in Scottish military tradition, it has long been a global celebration of culture and performance. Stephen has photographed military bands and cultural groups from all over the world — each bringing their own unique energy and flair.

From the hauntingly beautiful presence of Ukrainian military musicians to the razor-sharp precision of the United States Air Force Honour Guard Drill Team, the variety is both staggering and deeply moving. He recalls being mesmerised by the Top Secret Drum Corps from Switzerland, whose intensity, timing, and lighting effects created a show within a show — a visual symphony that’s a dream for any photographer to capture.

And then there’s the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra, whose infectious rhythm and joyful presence contrast perfectly with the pageantry and ceremony. For Stephen, it’s these contrasts — solemnity and celebration, tradition and innovation — that make the Tattoo such a rewarding subject year after year.

The Unpredictable Stage: Scotland’s Weather

Of course, shooting an outdoor show in Scotland comes with its challenges. August in Edinburgh doesn’t always mean summer sunshine. Stephen has weathered it all — fine mist that slowly soaks through camera gear, torrential downpours that test both patience and equipment, and fierce winds that whip through the castle’s stone walls.

Yet even these challenges bring opportunity. A band standing tall under the rain, kilts swaying and instruments glinting in the spotlights, can produce some of the most striking and emotional images. The unpredictable skies become part of the story — adding texture, mood, and drama to each shot.

There’s also the practical challenge of timing and movement. With a constantly changing sequence of performers, lighting cues, and fireworks, Stephen needs to be in the right place at the right moment. Years of experience in live theatre have honed his instincts for this — he can anticipate where the key moment will unfold, how the light will fall, and when to press the shutter to freeze a fleeting second in time.

More Than a Show — A Personal Connection

For Stephen, the Tattoo isn’t just another assignment — it’s a meaningful connection to his creative roots. Being surrounded by the buzz of live performance, the backstage preparation, the nervous energy before showtime — it brings back fond memories of his days in theatre, of lighting cues and tech rehearsals, of problem-solving under pressure and the unmatched thrill of live collaboration.

There’s also a deep sense of pride in being part of something that celebrates heritage, culture, and unity. Each year, he returns not just to document the show, but to share it with others — through images that travel far beyond Edinburgh, giving people around the world a glimpse into this extraordinary event.

Looking Ahead

As Stephen prepares for yet another Tattoo season, he knows there will be new challenges, new faces, and new stories to capture. Each year brings fresh performers and evolving themes, but the core remains the same: a celebration of discipline, diversity, and the joy of performance under the open Scottish sky.

Through his lens, Stephen doesn’t just photograph a show — he preserves memories, celebrates excellence, and tells the story of a city and its global stage. And in doing so, he reconnects with his own journey — from the footlights of the West End to the ancient stones of Edinburgh Castle, from backstage to behind the camera.