Festival Photographer 2012

Each year the Festival and The Morton Charitable Trust recruit an aspiring photographer as the official Festival Photographer.

The role is an exciting opportunity for an up-and-coming photographer to develop his or her craft and contact book while capturing the dynamic, lively character of the Edinburgh International Festival in a reportage style over three weeks.

The winning photographer is given the opportunity to explore the Festival behind the scenes, attending rehearsals, recording social events, capturing artists in the city, and witnessing up close the work that goes on backstage to make the Festival possible. The results of their work will be showcased in an exhibition at The Hub in autumn 2012. Take a look at highlights from the exhibition by Eoin Carey, the 2011 Festival Photographer.

Speaking about his role as Festival Photographer Eoin said: ‘As the official photographer it allowed me a unique perspective on the mechanics of such a huge operation. While I was able to capture images of the performances for media and archive purposes, my proximity to all the technical and administrative facets of the festival led me to witness it as a performance in itself. I was provided with access to the venues and theatres, and given carte blanche to document the development of the festival as I saw it. It was both a monumental experience and a tremendous privilege.

‘On a level of professional development, this placement has been unparalleled. It offered front line experience working with the media and has acted as an incomparable opportunity with which to build my portfolio and build my career.'

Jackie Westbrook, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Edinburgh International Festival said: ‘The talented photographers we've been lucky enough to work with over the last few years have made this an invaluable addition to the Festival's rich archive and made a huge contribution to a more holistic and dynamic view of the Festival's work for everyone. It is still possible to see our 2011 photographer Eoin's exhibition throughout the ground floor of The Hub.

‘It is of course a very demanding post with the photographer constantly crossing the city, filing photos immediately to press and social media channels, having to work around the clock and with great diplomacy and charm with artists and audiences. But we believe it really does offer an incredible opportunity to anyone looking to make photography their career. We are delighted The Morton Charitable Trust has the vision to support a position which benefits so many.'

Hear from Eoin Carey talk about his experiences as 2011 Festival Photographer in this podcast: