Karen had a big surprise planned for Ashley in Prague. Karen had
contacted me to take her and Ashley on a 'photo tour' of Prague's most beautiful sites. I am already the perfect Prague tour guide, since I have photographed hundreds of happy people on the streets of Prague.
The planning went on via email for months before the Big Day. We wanted everything to be perfect. Even the big Prague flood waters of the week before had subsided just in time, just for us.
The same torrential rains which had caused the Prague flood were threatening to rain on our parade. I assured them that in more than 10 years of doing photography in Prague, I have never had it rain on me and my clients. As the rain clouds moved in and a few drops started to test my boast, I began staring at the sky and busting those clouds with my mind. Y'know, cloud busting. Like Clooney in that movie.
It seemed to work; the rain was held at bay. Contrary to popular belief, bright sun is NOT the best lighting for portraits, as you get squinty eyes, hard shadows and washed out backdrops.
We began our 'photo tour' at
Vrtbovska Zahrada (Vrtba Gardens) in
Mala Strana, the Castle quarter of Prague. These hidden gardens are a must see for anyone wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Prague tourist season--almost nobody knows about these beautiful gardens. You can literally walk right by the small stone archway which enters the park.
Inside the terraced gardens, we climbed the steps to experience one of the most incredible views of Prague. Often the best kept secrets of Prague are just off the beaten path.
John Lennon holds special meaning to Karen and Ashley; so much so that they had applied a piece of poster art to the
John Lennon Wall in the middle of the night. The next day as we strolled by for photos, we noticed that it had become the centerpiece of the wall and a big attraction for tourists. They were lining up for photos.
Next we took some photos around the
Charles Bridge. Rather than spending too much time walking on the crowded bridge, we took some fun and playful shots on the steps and along the river front.
As we were taking our photos, a string quartet began playing beneath the bridge and it was time for the Big Surprise: Karen popped the question. On bended knee with a beautiful musical backdrop, Karen proposed to Ashley.
It was simply the most romantic moment I have ever witnessed.
Instructor:
Students meet for a short introductory lecture, than proceed outdoors to photograph in various exciting locations in Prague. Each student will receive individual instruction and guidance during the workshop. After shooting, we review and critique the photos on a laptop. I have taught these courses for 5 years in Prague and 4 years in Berlin. My students have reported rapid improvement in a very short time.
