Margaret Mitchell (@margaret.mitchell)

Now Open! PHOTO Dalkeith opens today - the magnificent Dalkeith Palace once again hosts the evocative exhibition of contemporary Scottish photography, this year curated by Julie Lawson and centred around the compelling themes of Nature and Nurture. PhotoDalkeith will be running from 30th August - 5th October Friday - Sunday The exhibition brings together work from 17 leading photographers, many of whom are unveiling previously unseen pieces. Set within the grandeur of Dalkeith Palace and the surrounding estate, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the enduring relationship between people, place and the natural world. Selection of images from @margaret.mitchell @robingillanders Jane Brettle & @normanmcbeath

Behind the scenes footage, preparing for our wonderful Exhibition at Dalkeith Palace 📸 Here’s our wonderful curator Julie Lawson and a sneak preview of our team hanging work by Ron O’Donnell and Margaret Mitchell. Running from 30th August to 5th October, PHOTO Dalkeith brings together work from seventeen leading Scottish photographers, many of whom are unveiling previously unseen pieces, created specifically in response to this year’s dual themes. Set within the grandeur of Dalkeith Palace and the surrounding estate, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the enduring relationship between people, place and the natural world. A special exhibition in the pop-up café will show the work by members of Midlothian Camera Club. @dalkeith_country_park @charlotterostek @studies.in.photography @ronodonnell1 @margaret.mitchell

On Goodness contd. __ About 30 years ago, I was in Bristol working on a couple projects. One was a personal work commission and the other was working with some kids on a theme of inclusion. They took photos on throwaway cameras, I ran various workshops and also taught them bookmaking. A really intense week but lots of fun. One girl was always offering to hold my cameras, or help me set up. She was full of curiosity and wonder. So yes, photos of the good in life. Children working together and talking about their lives, their hopes and their realities. All this early work I did with individuals and communities informed my wider personal work. How to talk with people, engage and really listen. The important stuff.

I’m going to write about goodness. About the good in the world and some of the amazing people I have had the privilege of knowing, meeting and photographing over the past 30+ years. Some close to me, others I met. In times of difficulty, it is important to hold on to good, on to gentleness, on to care and on to decency. This first photo is of my sister Andrea who died age 45, a most untimely death from cancer. She was six years older than me and very much protected me as a child. She had challenges in her own life but was always caring and loving to those around her. Photo 1 shows her in her kitchen in early 90’s. Photo 2 - me with her early 70’s.

Last post from this set. Thanks again to Dior for commissioning and championing the work of Scottish woman photographers - In print in Dior Magazine #48 I loved that this project allowed me to look outside my usual practice and offered a fresh challenge. Earlier this year, I had the fantastic opportunity of photographing for Dior on their #DiorCruise collection 2025 in Scotland. A wonderful experience with thanks to the team @Dior who are the best people to work with. Also thanks all @baronandbaron , @susie_hong_ @northsix and @digi_north and many others involved. A real delight to meet and photograph @laineyjhearn and @liubingbing7 within the Scottish countryside. Please look at the Dior Insta to see fabulous work by my five fellow Scottish women photographers also involved on this project. Set: 3 of 3

Some more from this work. I loved that this project allowed me to look outside my usual practice and offered a fresh challenge. Earlier this year, I had the fantastic opportunity of photographing for Dior on their #DiorCruise collection 2025 in Scotland. A wonderful experience with thanks to the team @Dior who are the best people to work with. Also thanks all @baronandbaron , @susie_hong_ @northsix and @digi_north and many others involved. A real delight to meet and photograph @laineyjhearn and @liubingbing7 within the Scottish countryside. Please look at the Dior Insta to see fabulous work by my five fellow Scottish women photographers also involved on this project. Set: 2 of 3

I loved that this project allowed me to look outside my usual practice and offered a fresh challenge. Earlier this year, I had the fantastic opportunity of photographing for Dior on their #DiorCruise collection 2025 in Scotland. A wonderful experience with thanks to the team @Dior who are the best people to work with. Also, thanks all @baronandbaron , @susie_hong_ @northsix and @digi_north and many others involved. A real delight to meet and photograph @laineyjhearn and @liubingbing7 within the Scottish countryside. Please look at the Dior Insta to see fabulous work by my five fellow Scottish women photographers also involved on this project. Set: 1 of 3

Looking at photos. Some images stay in my thoughts. Number 3 of 3. Two friends during lockdown.

Looking at photos. Some images stay in my thoughts. Number 2 of 3. Contemplating the universal need to belong, lay roots, and be connected to people and place. From ‘An Ordinary Eden’.

Looking at photos. Some images stay in my thoughts. Number 1 of 3. Chance and encounters. Of lives crossing over.

Now on show if you’re in the area…. The University of Stirling Art Collection acquired six of my images which tell a life story over 25 years of my nephew Steven. “Margaret Mitchell documented the lives of her sister Andrea’s children from childhood to adulthood across three bodies of work. This series of six works, acquired by the University’s Art Collection in 2023, focus on Mitchell’s nephew Steven, offering an insight into his life’s trajectory. Steven’s path in life reflects a universal issue; whilst this is a personal journey of one boy into man, versions of this story and situation are repeated across countless individuals and societies.” Thanks to the Art Collection curators for their commitment to showing diverse lives and working so respectfully with Steven’s story. Part of their Human Narratives exhibitions on until August 2025. Thanks for the pics: Pic 1: Exhibition install photo ©Julie Howden Pic 2: Talk on long term storytelling, photo by @janie_m_b @stirlingpf Pic 3: meta image by @janie_m_b @stirlingpf of Tom Astbury taking a photo of me 😊📸

‘As the Day Closes’ is one of the most poignant bodies of work I have made. Thanks to @rpswomeninphotography and @rachelnixon for this interview and feature which honours the memories of those no longer here. This month’s ‘We Are’ magazine is full of interesting, important and insightful projects and I’m honoured to be amongst them with this work. Please check out the mag on Issuu, it’s very special. Thanks to the team at RPS for handling my work and the stories of those it contains with such respect and sensitivity. Link in bio linktree