View to Fettes

This is a long-lens study of the majestic Fettes College building in Inverleith. Sir William Fettes, a prominent Edinburgh businessman and former Lord Provost of the city, bequeathed the funds that later built the school when he died in 1836. The school was incorporated in 1870 with the main building, known as the Bryce building, designed by Edinburgh born architect David Bryce. Today the school is an exclusive private school that is included in the 150 top schools in the world. Shot from the rise of Learmonth Avenue just before Learmonth Steps, this shot frames Fettes square-on with a crisp blue sky behind.

An all-seasons building, though clear spring days when fresh foliage frames the base are hard to beat. A long lens around 250mm compresses the frame nicely, and taking the shot from the distant viewpoint up the gently sloping Learmonth Avenue means level shooting to the centre of the building, thus reducing any perspective distortion. A polarising filter will deepen blue skies and cut glare from the shot, and a fast shutter speed ensures a sharp image.