Stills School (Stills: Centre for Photography)

Availability : Edinburgh Wide

Who is this for?

  • People aged between 16 to 25 year olds and who face barriers to accessing the arts

Description

Stills School is an alternative photography school for 16—25 year olds. Delivered in two distinct stages young people can develop photography skills at a pace and level that suits everyone.

The school is free of charge. All materials and equipment are provided, and we can cover travel expenses too.

Stage 1 | Contact

Contact is an introductory photography course that will teach you basic photography skills as well as encourage you to develop your own projects. You don’t need any experience in making photographs, just a passion for photography.

In a small group you will learn about different photographers and be supported to find your own style. Whether you prefer analogue or digital, we’ll make sure you feel confident using your new skills. Everyone will have prints to take home or download at the end of the course.

Stage 2 | Stills Academy 

Stills Academy is a programme designed to allow participants the time and space to develop their own photography project with support from Stills tutors. In a small group you will meet weekly, where you will develop existing photography skills and learn new ones in a relaxed and supportive environment.  The weekly sessions will include;

  • Access to Stills facilities and equipment
  • Group gallery and site visits
  • One-to-one tutor review sessions
  • Group discussions

At the end of the Academy you will have expanded your technical skills, learned more about historical and contemporary photographers and gained confidence in discussing your work with others. You will also be part of a large community of young people who share similar interests and enjoy ongoing support from Stills.

How do I access this?

  • Self referral
  • Referral by third party

Is there a cost?

Free

Location information

  • Public parking available
  • We are a 7 minute walk from Princes Street, where the nearest bus stops are Waverley Steps, Scott Monument, M&S and the Apple Store.
  • You can also get a bus to North Bridge, from where we are a 5 minute walk.
  • We are situated a five minute walk from Waverley Train Station. Leave by the Market Street exit.
  • There are bike racks located on Waverley Bridge, outside the Lothian Bus office if you want to lock your bike.
  • Cockburn Street is not accessible by car, unless with a Blue Badge, between the hours of 10.30am – 6pm.

Opening times

Stills School runs throughout the year. Check our website for upcoming dates: Stills School – Stills

Stills, Centre for Photography

Contact Details

23 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1BP

Social media:


Types of support on offer:

Support with others

Type of services on offer:

Learning, employability, volunteering

Share this page


Was this page helpful?


Other Suggested Services

Cedar Project (LinkLiving)

Keep Yourself Well Course – ‘The Salisbury Centre’ – November/December 2026 (Health in Mind)

7-week course helping participants create a personalised Keep Well plan and develop practical tools to support recovery, wellbeing and self-care.

Decider Skills Course – October/November 2026, In Person S Queensferry (Health In Mind)

5-week course developing practical skills to manage thoughts, emotions and mental wellbeing, including mindfulness, emotion regulation and distress tolerance.