There are some photography jobs where you arrive with a camera and know immediately that ordinary portrait photography is going to go out the window. This was one of those. These photographs were created at Ross Fountain in Edinburgh for the Gosford House fantasy ball hosted by Mystic Fate, and honestly, it was the perfect excuse to disappear into another world for an afternoon.
Flowing gowns, elaborate styling, romantic poses, Edinburgh Castle rising dramatically behind the fountain and spring greenery everywhere you looked — it felt less like a photoshoot and more like we’d wandered into the opening scene of a fantasy film. For an Edinburgh medieval ball photographer, it doesn’t get much more magical than this.
Fantasy photography in the heart of Edinburgh
Ross Fountain is already one of those Edinburgh locations that feels made for photographs. Set within Princes Street Gardens with Edinburgh Castle towering above it, the fountain gives you that unmistakable Edinburgh backdrop while the surrounding gardens add softness and colour.
For this shoot, that combination worked beautifully with the medieval and fantasy-inspired styling. The first portraits were created around the fountain, with sweeping gowns catching the light and the castle appearing above the trees. The scale of the setting made the photographs feel grand and cinematic, while moving closer allowed us to create softer, more intimate portraits. It’s a reminder that you don’t necessarily need a medieval castle to create medieval-inspired photography in Scotland. Sometimes you just need the right dress, the right location and a little imagination.
A medieval-inspired photoshoot with Mystic Fate
Mystic Fate creates immersive fantasy events designed to let guests step into another world. Their events bring together fantasy lovers, performers, dancers, historical influences and elaborate costumes, creating experiences that go far beyond simply attending a themed party.
That spirit was exactly what made this shoot so much fun. Rather than photographing people simply standing and smiling at the camera, we could embrace the character and atmosphere of the styling. One moment felt like a formal portrait of a noblewoman. The next was playful and full of movement, with fabric swirling around her as she walked through the gardens. Then we disappeared beneath the trees for something softer and more secretive. The result is a gallery that feels like a collection of stills from a fairytale rather than traditional event photographs.
Romantic portraits beneath Edinburgh Castle
One of my favourite things about photographing in this part of Edinburgh is the way you can combine the grandeur of the city with the intimacy of the gardens. The photographs at Ross Fountain have that wonderful contrast. You have the enormous presence of Edinburgh Castle in the background, but the subject remains completely immersed in her own little world. The pastel gown, flowing fabric and delicate styling worked beautifully against the greenery, while the fountain added another layer of ornate detail.
Then, amongst the trees, everything became much more intimate. Soft light filtered through the leaves and the surrounding foliage created a natural frame around the portraits. The photographs still feel theatrical, but there is something much quieter about them too. This is the kind of fantasy portrait photography in Edinburgh that I could happily spend all day creating.
Photographing fantasy, medieval and cosplay events
One of the things I love about fantasy ball photography is that there are no rules saying your photographs have to look ordinary.
If someone has spent hours creating an incredible costume, why not make photographs that celebrate it?
The textures, the movement, the jewellery, the dramatic sleeves, the beautiful hair and makeup — all of those details become part of the story.
But it’s still important to photograph the person rather than just the costume.
That’s why I like mixing wide environmental portraits with closer photographs and little candid moments. You get the grandeur of the location alongside photographs where the personality of the person actually comes through.
Whether it’s a medieval ball, fantasy event, cosplay shoot or historical-inspired photoshoot, that balance is what makes the final gallery feel personal.
A little bit of magic in Edinburgh
Looking back at these photographs, I love how completely different they feel from a typical Edinburgh portrait session.
There is the fountain.
The castle.
The gardens.
The flowing gowns.
The dramatic poses.
And then there are all those little moments where the subject simply looks completely at home in the character she’s created.
That’s what makes fantasy photography so much fun.
You get to step outside normal life for a little while and make photographs that don’t just document what someone looked like — they capture the world they imagined themselves living in.
And if that’s what you want from your next Edinburgh fantasy ball or medieval-inspired photoshoot, I’m very much up for the adventure.
If you’re searching for a Scotland photographer who will help you feel relaxed and confident, capture candid and emotional moments, and bring years of experience and calm energy — I’d love to hear about your plans. Learn more about my stress free approach to Edinburgh photography here or email me your vision on my contact page.
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