Business Details
Emergency
services
Professional Photography Services in Edinburgh
Established over six decades ago, PHOTO express has consistently delivered high-quality photographic services to individuals, families, and businesses in Edinburgh and beyond. Our expertise spans passport and ID photography, wedding documentation, commercial portraiture, and product advertising, all executed with a commitment to technical precision and artistic flair. We utilise modern imaging techniques while maintaining a personal approach, ensuring each client receives tailored attention. Our in-house printing guarantees meticulous quality control, and our wheelchair-accessible studio is conveniently located at the east end of the Meadows. With flexible service options including same-day passport photos, professional business portraits, and comprehensive wedding coverage, we cater to diverse photographic needs. Our team's dedication to customer satisfaction is evident in our 24/7 availability for urgent requests and our meticulous retouching processes. We accept multiple payment methods including contactless cards, ensuring accessibility for all clients. Regularly updating our techniques to align with industry advancements, we maintain our reputation as Edinburgh's trusted photography specialists.
Services
Passport Photos
Wedding Photography
Commercial Portraiture
Product Advertising
Architectural Photography
Film Scanning
Photo Retouching
CV Portraits
Wedding Albums
Legal Photography
Served areas
- Edinburgh and Lothians
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of photographic experience in Edinburgh
- Our team uses the latest imaging techniques for superior quality
- We offer wheelchair-accessible studio facilities
- All printing is completed in-house with quality control
- We provide same-day passport photo services
Services
Passport Photos
Professional passport and visa photographs meeting international specifications. Our studio lighting ensures flattering images while maintaining compliance with strict documentation requirements. Digital copies provided for online applications alongside printed sets.
Wedding Photography
Comprehensive wedding documentation from preparations to reception. Includes professional retouching, album design options, and flexible coverage packages. Available for intimate ceremonies and large celebrations alike.
Commercial Portraiture
Corporate headshots and staff photography enhancing professional branding. Offers multiple backdrop options and retouching services. Suitable for LinkedIn profiles, company websites, and marketing materials.
Product Advertising
High-quality product and architectural photography for marketing use. Utilises controlled lighting and precise composition to highlight product features and spatial details for commercial clients.
Photo Restoration
Digital retouching and restoration services for damaged photographs. Specialises in preserving family memories and historical images while maintaining original character and detail.
Questions
What types of photography services do you offer?
We provide passport photos, wedding photography, commercial portraiture, product advertising, architectural imaging, and photo restoration services.
Can I get same-day passport photos?
Yes, our Edinburgh studio offers same-day passport and visa photo services with digital copies available immediately.
Do you cater for wheelchair users?
Our studio is wheelchair accessible with designated parking available nearby.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit/debit cards including contactless payments, Apple Pay, and Android Pay.
How long have you been in business?
We have been serving Edinburgh and surrounding areas with professional photography services for over 60 years.
Can I book an appointment online?
While we recommend calling directly for bookings, our contact form allows communication through our website.
Reviews (26)
Aliya Darko
Jun 09, 2022
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I had a 1st class experience at this studio for the visa picture taken! Very professional approach, the photographer knew all the specific photo requirements of the particular visa centre I was going to apply to. Very quick, within 5 min already had my pictures printed.
Aliya Darko
Jun 08, 2022
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I had a 1st class experience at this studio for the visa picture taken! Very professional approach, the photographer knew all the specific photo requirements of the particular visa centre I was going to apply to. Very quick, within 5 min already had my pictures printed.
Heather McAdam
May 07, 2022
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Brilliant service and really easy for getting a passport photo in multiple formats (including international sizes) at short notice. Toby was extremely helpful, kind and professional.
John Adibpour
Apr 17, 2022
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Went in for a passport photo without booking, service was efficient and professional, Toby was extremely friendly and the entire process took 5 minutes. Thanks to him, very much recommended to anyone with similar needs.
John Adibpour
Apr 10, 2022
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Went in for a passport photo without booking, service was efficient and professional, Toby was extremely friendly and the entire process took 5 minutes. Thanks to him, very much recommended to anyone with similar needs.
Hamish Service
Apr 03, 2022
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Turned up to the business and no one was around. Had to wait a couple minutes for what appeared to be the owner to come out. From the get go he was weird and sketchy. Had to clarify twice that I wasn't with the family behind me and was made to feel guilty I hadn't booked an appointment and that I was inconveniencing him by being there. Was ushered into the studio and told 'you're not listening' in a very condescending tone when I misheard him and sat on the wrong stool. Did not proceed with the visit and made it clear I would take my custom elsewhere to which I was told if I was wearing a mask none of the above would have happened. If this had been made visible or requested from the start I would have obliged. Overall weird and obnoxious service offered here 1/5.
James Peat
Feb 15, 2022
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Nice premises and a friendly welcome. Toby gave expert advice on the right facial expression for passport photos and the results were very pleasing. All done in 15 minutes
M. Senturk
Nov 24, 2021
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I have used the services of PHOTO express several times, and I have always been very happy with all my experiences. I will sure be going there for any photo shoot requirements.
Naveen Ramakrishna
Nov 09, 2021
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The studio with a small entrance is pretty big when you enter. Have been there mostly to get my passport photos done. Service is fast and you will get printed / digital photographs very soon. Toby, the photographer is friendly, very accommodative and flexible with appointment timings.
Lena Linortner
Oct 25, 2021
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Usually I do not write reviews, but I got my picture taken for my US visa application at Photo express and it was really professional & quick!
Chris Hay
Sep 19, 2021
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Excellent service provided by Tony. I cannot rate Photo Express highly enough. They have been swift and responsive to email, turn around of photo prints was exceptional and the quality of print, second to none. Tony was also able to provide a photo editing service which is absolutely brilliant. 5 stars are simply not enough.
Joanna Mitrushi
Sep 17, 2021
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Delightful and very helpful service, highly professional, good value. I have used this place for 40 years, from Grad photo to kids passports. Highly recommended.
Simon Wilson
Jul 30, 2021
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Edinburgh Arts recommended Photo Express for a photo that was needed to complete a framed Scotland shirt. It was very last minute but they managed to fit me in. The finish was exceptional and far superior what I got from the supermarket photo booth, highly recommended
Shelita Talbot
Jul 01, 2021
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Ive had several family photo session done by Toby. He does a great job, especially with my disabled grandson.
Laetitia Butler
Jun 07, 2021
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Would highly recommend Toby for any tricky passport photo apps. He is very meticulous and thanks to him my photo was approved (after several denials from previous photo services). Efficient, professional, and very covid-safe.
John MacDonald
May 24, 2021
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I required a new photograph for a passport application. I did not want to use a supermarket photo booth due to a previous experience of not quite achieving an acceptable photograph. I made an appointment with Photo Express in Melville Drive. Very quickly the photographer produced an extremely professional looking passport style photograph for me. Which was then emailed to me. Later that evening I uploaded the photograph to my passport online application.
My photograph was self checked by the passport software and was given an excellent rating. Overall very satisfied with my experience at Photo Express Melville Drive. Plus the cost of the photographic session was very reasonable.
My photograph was self checked by the passport software and was given an excellent rating. Overall very satisfied with my experience at Photo Express Melville Drive. Plus the cost of the photographic session was very reasonable.
Zoe Hansen
May 01, 2019
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*fantastic photos* we wanted our 3 children under 5 photographed all together and separate portraits. Toby was very quick, no fussing around, kids comfortable and relaxed... maybe that was the monkey on the head but they thoroughly enjoyed there time in the studio and we are extremely happy with the outcome. lovely quality and reasonably priced. we will be back again and definatley recommended to anyone.
Holly Gibb
Apr 07, 2019
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Really great service. Ive had our passport photos taken here for years but recently had a large family portrait taken. Toby is really funny, professional, has loads of patience and I cant wait to see the results!
Tim D.
Sep 19, 2016
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Great service for our US visa photos. The family was in and out quickly and the photos are quality. Easy to get scheduled on the same day. Friendly service put us at ease.
Natasha D.
Sep 19, 2016
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Passports or family portraits? I recommend Photo Express for both! While traveling through Edinburgh, we found out our lawyers needed passport/visa photos from us "toute suite". We found Photo Express online and Toby had great reviews. Now we know why! Service was top-notch with a genuine care for the finished result. He even used a light reflector screen (placed beneath you) to get a beautiful sheen to your skin!
Nice touch. I also loved that he took multiple shots and showed them to you (for approval) before you even leave the chair. I also was impressed with how Toby was able to make us smile naturally with his quick wit and disarming charm. Judging by the fabulous family portraits on the walls, it's clear that he is a talented photographer. It's no small thing to get an entire family smiling naturally but he seems to do it easily! We experienced that without even posing for a family portrait. Passport photos are already dreadful but Photo Express was a pleasure!
Nice touch. I also loved that he took multiple shots and showed them to you (for approval) before you even leave the chair. I also was impressed with how Toby was able to make us smile naturally with his quick wit and disarming charm. Judging by the fabulous family portraits on the walls, it's clear that he is a talented photographer. It's no small thing to get an entire family smiling naturally but he seems to do it easily! We experienced that without even posing for a family portrait. Passport photos are already dreadful but Photo Express was a pleasure!
Mick M.
Jul 02, 2016
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I have been coming to this photographer for passport pics: he has specs for lots and lots of countries : I got pics for Greece and GB, and was very pleased from the outcome, price wise too. He has a nice collection of family pics on the wall, from ceremonies too, I would definitely consider him for family portraits :- Very professional, efficient and attentive at his work! Highly recommended!
Julie Port
Had my graduation photos done with my family. He was great, put everyone at ease and provided excellent direction to get fantastic photos. So happy with the end product. Would definitely recommend.
Aline Reydon
Very professional. Great photos of me and of my babies for Dutch passports, which have quite specific guidelines.
Mike Fortin
Stopped in for a US passport photo. He is as knowledgeable about the US requirements. In and out in under five minutes.
Nadine
Took 5 minutes to get a digital Passport photo done which passed with the Passport office straight away after 2 failed attempts with photographs from elsewhere! Very knowledgeable on the specifications required. Thank you!
Sarah Malek
I went in for my Canadian passport photos a while ago and my partner went in for some USA passport photos done today. The photographer is really knowledgeable about all the specifications and provided service that was quick and friendly. Definitely recommend for passport photos (he's probably also very good at other photos, but I haven't had any other photos done there, unfortunately).