New atmospheric shots of Edinburgh show deserted streets in midst of pandemic

A series of image taken by photographers Lynn and Paul Henni show the eerie and deserted streets of Edinburgh as residents stay home during the pandemic.
The usually bustling streets have been left empty as people stay at homeThe usually bustling streets have been left empty as people stay at home
The usually bustling streets have been left empty as people stay at home

The photographs, posted on their Twitter @HenniPhoto show usually bustling areas of the Old Town with few, or no people in sight.

The images were shot by the couple as they take advantage of their daily exercise, applying social distancing rules as they capture the city through their lenses.

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Paul Henni, who works four days a week as a seismologist for the British Geological Survey, and Lynn Henni, a former chief press officer who now works for Inspiring Scotland, took up photography as a hobby seriously around five years ago and fit it around their work.

Lone figures can be seen on their daily walks but groups of revellers have goneLone figures can be seen on their daily walks but groups of revellers have gone
Lone figures can be seen on their daily walks but groups of revellers have gone

“The key thing is it fits in around the day job,” said Paul, “A lot of the images are around commuting and at the moment making the most of getting out to exercise.

“We try and capture views of the city which are not the usual ones and some of that comes from interaction from people in the streets, which there isn’t at the moment.

“Lynn has done a series on Edinburgh Nights which captures positive portrayals of women out enjoying themselves and observing their actions and interactions, I do similar when observing what's going on but also do cityscapes, the up down and under of the city and some of the gritty behind the facade of Edinburgh.

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“One good thing is the weather and light are constantly changing which makes for great photographs.”

Photographers Lynne and Paul Henni's work has changed since lockdown, as they normally photograph people and interactionsPhotographers Lynne and Paul Henni's work has changed since lockdown, as they normally photograph people and interactions
Photographers Lynne and Paul Henni's work has changed since lockdown, as they normally photograph people and interactions

Paul added that the current challenges with the photography is the limited time people currently have outside and social distancing.

“I normally talk to people, and acknowledge people I enjoy all those interactions,” he added.

In their latest photographs, well trodden paths in the Capital, usually bustling with colour and life are seen in a completely different light, as almost a ghost town.