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A romantic sunrise engagement photo session in Prague

A sunrise engagement photo session in Prague with Christie & Michael (USA)

Not only is Prague one of the most visited places in Europe it is also one of the most romantic. With it being in the top 10 places to visit, it is packed with people in the summer months which can be very frustrating for couples who wish to have a peaceful, intimate engagement session. Truth is, if you do mind having many people in your photos (and of course the photo bombing) you really need to consider having a very early sunrise session.

Why a sunrise session? Well lets face it, if you have not been to Prague – especially along the bridge, the riverside or even on the Charles Bridge – you are really missing out on something. Literally at sunset the entire river downtown is ringed with tourists with their phones, cameras and tablets all trying to get a picture of the sunset. And forget about creating beautiful, intimate images on the Charles Bridge as it is so packed with people you can at times barely move. The days where we could creates sunset and night time portraits on the Charles Bridge are over. Sad but true. This is why the only way to truly experience the beauty of this city (and nearly every tourists city in Europe) is to get up very, very early. May of our Asian pre-wedding sessions start at 4 am now as they want the romance of the city but with no people…

Christie & Micheal are one of our couples who braved the early morning wake up to have their pre sunrise session. They came over from the US for their European vacation and they liked the idea of starting at Prague Castle where you can watch the sunrise breaking above the City of 100 Spires and so on a cool summer morning as the sky flared above us we met for the first time and immediately hit it off. After a few moments of getting to know each other better it was time to take our journey. The idea, just walking around and enjoying yourself in a natural laid back way. Some couples wish to have some posed images while others are more interested in being naturally photographed – truth is, it is up to each couple as it is their session.

As Christie & Michael made their way down the steps you can tell that they loved the peace and quiet and having one of the most beautiful cities in Europe as their backdrop made it all the more exciting and yes, romantic. When we did arrive to the Charles Bridge the other end was already filling up with couples and many photographers but on our end it was still very peaceful and quiet and that is where some of their favorite images were captured. Truth is you can spend several hours on the Charles Bridge as it offers so much or you can try to explore more places but these two were very happy with the very laid back pace and wanted to really take it all in.

People often ask, how long should our session take, when should we start and how do we get around? Truth is, you can devote as much time as you wish (90 minutes, 3 hours and even 6 hours), but if you are looking for something truly magical, without feeling rushed and without having people interrupt those wonderful moments – having a sunrise session is one of the most unforgettable moments you will have. You can also enjoy the most creative and artistic time which we lovingly call the Golden Light Hour (my personal fave) and then top it all off at a garden or a different location as time allows. And yes, we walk, it is the only way to enjoy this city, to explore its cobblestone alleys, or spend an hour on one of the most famous bridges in the world. Truth is, these sessions are designed to move you, impress you and blow you away.

Creating these beautiful sessions that will be looked upon many years later is one of the reasons why I gave up photojournalism. Hearing the wonderful feedback from clients and how much they love these sessions is a nice bonus too.

Pictured here are Christie & Michael’s favorite images from that morning where the world seemingly stopped and allowed them to be the center of it all.

{Prague wedding photographer / lifestyle photographer / pre wedding photographer available worldwide}

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To have us capture your beautiful wedding day or your fabulous pre wedding or E-session simply contact us here for our latest brochure and info.

American photographer Kurt Vinion has been providing the very best in couple photography in Prague since 2008. Widely experience and well known for his creative & artistic use of light he can create beautiful, intimate and authentic images that will blow away your family & friends and will be enjoyed for a lifetime. Kurt does not just take a picture he captures beautiful moments that will be cherished. Our Natural Light Lifestyle Engagement Sessions (pictured above) start out at a cool 5000 CZK.

Tina & Mike – Unforgettable Prague Engagement

A Prague love story engagement photo session with Tina & Mike. Two fantastic people exploring Prague with lots of laughter, fun, and dancing in their wonderful love story & engagement photos.

If you really wish to experience this incredible city in a relaxing calm way and without the massive tourists you should really consider getting up early to explore the medieval streets before the tourists invade. If you do, you will be greatly rewarded as there is no better way to experience the incredible atmosphere that Prague in the early morning hours can deliver.

Tina & Mike are one of our latest couples who did just that. They already had the crazy, all day & exhaustive 3 wedding dress pre-wedding photo shoot in Taiwan and decided that the next time they did this they would do it differently. They contacted me and after a few emails everything was arranged. On a cool recent morning after their hair & makeup prep – we met up, quickly hit it off and began our journey

Their idea was to keep it very relaxed, no posing (though they did appreciate being pointed to the best locations) and walking to some of the most wonderful locations and the results: authentic, captivating and lively colorful images that truly capture the fun and that special morning in Prague. The bonus, when the sun finally did make its appearance we created some of the most beautiful images and one of their favorites images (of them dancing under the Castle) was inspired by their favorite movie: La La Land.

The lovely Tina had this to say about her experience:

We had such a fun time in Prague, the highlight of our trip was our photoshoot with Kurt! We are so excited to see the photos once they are done 🙂

Please help us thank Kurt for his time, he made the whole experience so enjoyable and fun!

{Prague wedding & pre wedding photographer / lifestyle photographer / Engagement photographer available worldwide}

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To have us capture your beautiful wedding day or your fabulous pre wedding or E-session simply contact us here for our latest brochure and info.

winter pre-sunrise session with J+T

A winter pre-sunrise photo session in Prague with Joyce & Timmy.

It was not exactly great weather, in fact, it was freezing when Joyce & Timmy flew over from Hong Kong to have the first of 5 pre-wedding photo sessions captured in Europe. The first location on their wonderful adventure: Prague. When we met up with them they were very excited about their session and we were especially looking forward to creating something very special for them. We decided on a very early morning start to create some artistic images.

We were all hoping for snow but it was not to be. On a winter morning we met up with them at the very cold and very quiet Prague Castle where no one else but a few castle guards were around. As Joyce is a very sexy young lady we wanted to create some very stylish & elegant photos of her and Timmy before heading to the riverside. With a video crew and two lighting people we were ready for everything – but the cold weather. Truth be told there is nothing more wonderful than having a winter themed session in Prague when we have lots of snow. But when there is not snow, well, it is what it is.

As cold as it was Timmy being the good guy that he is was doing his best to keep Joyce warm and while we were on the Charles Bridge he was more than happy to pick her up and spin her around making for some incredible Golden Light portraits. After a few hour our session ended at the roof top terrace of the U Prince Hotel overlooking the Old Town Square. By that time the city was really waking up and as we timed this session accordingly it was time for us to say our adieu’s.

One of my favorite images of them: the two of them taking in the Charles Bridge before sunrise when the water reflected the lights. It was truly an unforgettable image and it was also beautifully captured by our wonderful video crew led by Cary Hubbs.

We heard back from Joyce a few days later, her weather in Hallstadt for their second winter themed session? Only 0-5 degrees. Brr…

Presented here is a small sample of the many images captured during their session.

And the lovely bride to be left us a wonderful review on Google:

I definitely love the pre wedding pictures taken by Kurt. It’s full of art. We have chosen the two hours before and after the golden hours. The sunlight is surely taken at right position. It’s the best photos we have taken along the five pre wedding places We have been. Despite the cold weather, Kurt is so kind to serve us hot tea and bread. The makeup by Linda is also professional, she makes me like a pop star.

Thank you Joyce again for selecting my team – it was a real pleasure creating this beautiful session for you.

The deep blue sky and the night time peace of the Charles Bridge provides the magical background as J+T embrace during their photo session. — c

{Prague wedding & pre wedding photographer / lifestyle photographer / Engagement photographer available worldwide}

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To have us capture your beautiful wedding day or your fabulous pre wedding or E-session simply contact us here for our latest brochure and info.

Hair & Makeup: Linda Chudmilova Video Crew: Cary Hubbs Video lighting Assistant Martina Photography: Kurt Vinion Lighting assistant: Stefan

Photo shooting locations: Prague Castle, Riverside, Charles Bridge, Maly Namesti, U Prince (Old Town Square)

intimate pre-sunrise / sunrise / Golden Hour portrait session in Prague

An intimate pre-sunrise / sunrise / Golden Hour portrait session with Tiffany & Kiu captured at Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square.

When Tiffany contacted me she was not a happy lady. She already had a pre-wedding session and instead of capturing natural styled images that captured her and her fiancee Kiu’s personality the photographer instead posed them with a series of boring portraits. As Tiffany stated, ‘we deserve better than this‘ and then asked if I could do better.

To be honest, I was a bit worried as they were already feeling crushed by their bad experience and truth be told – there are some people you really can not make happy… After spending time listening to her and discussing what was important to them, their backgrounds, their styles and their previous experience here, I decided to give them a try. Sometimes you really do pay for what you get here in Prague…

Experiencing the magical atmosphere of Prague Castle in the very early am before the city awakes is something I will never tire of. The history, the grandeur, the peaceful oasis of calm it offers is truly worth experiencing. By starting their session up there and before sunrise I felt it was a laid back way to get them comfortable again in front of the camera. Yes, there was some posing involved – as you must direct a bit, but the look and feel of those images were what she really wanted.

After our portraits at the castle we headed to the Charles Bridge where the light was starting to break across the City of 100 spires. Sometimes you just get lucky and the flaring imagery was something I wanted to work more with. Tiffany being a West Coast girl – knew exactly what I was going for and was all smiles when I showed her some of those stunning flare shots.

As we were on the Charles Bridge I pointed to them the playground down below and the look in her eyes was all I needed. It was truly magical.

When we hit our 4th hour it was time to say our goodbyes but before we left I showed them a few more images on the back of the camera and then I asked Tiffany what she thought about her session and she responded with a huge smile: ‘everything is awesome!’

Presented here is a small collection of their images captured on that beautiful summer day in Prague with two wonderful people.

For photographers: If you are looking to take your photos up a notch, shooting during the golden hour can make a big difference to your outdoor photography. Here’s another resource on golden hour photography to read.

Portrait Locations: Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town

{pre wedding photo Prague / Lifestyle & Engagement photographer / pre wedding photographer available worldwide}

婚纱摄影海外婚紗攝影布拉格布拉格婚纱摄影

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To have us capture your beautiful wedding day or your fabulous pre wedding or E-session simply contact us here for our latest brochure and info.

a sunrise & sunset pre-wedding portrait session in Prague with K+R

Kennis & Ripple are two really sweet people who will be marrying in Hong Kong in a few months. But before they exchange their ‘I do’s’ they decided to travel to Prague for their sunrise & sunset pre-wedding portrait session with yours truly.

They decided on a sunrise start on top of the Charles Bridge. Truth be told the Charles Bridge at sunrise feels more like Disneyland than the once peaceful oasis of calm it used to provide. On this particular morning before the sun came up it was already quite busy so we decided to back away from the crowds and take it all in from a different location. Thankfully the bridge is large enough to accommodate everyone. Not only did we capture them during the pre-dawn we also backed up to give them time to stop, look around and take it all in. It is not often that you get a chance to view such a beautiful sunrise from Prague’s Charles Bridge.

Mother nature did her part by providing them with blueish purple sky that flared a deep Orange and it was truly unforgettable. As we work with a full lighting crew capturing these beautiful colors at night is not a problem. Kennis & Ripple clearly enjoyed the experience and were quite happy to exchange a warm hello to the other couples who were also being photographed as we made our way to the Old Town Square.

Sadly the Astronomical clock was covered in scaffolding so we simply took in the square’s architecture and especially the sunlight breaking over it which created a wonderful atmosphere for these two. My only regret was not having a long veil for Kennis to use to create some very stylish images of the bride-to-be. But truth be told, this is a couples portrait session and ultimately that is what they want: couples portraits.

After taking a walk around and seeing more sights we headed back to the already very busy Charles Bridge to capture more unique portraits at some of my favorite locations. One thing I enjoyed (and they absolutely loved it as well) were the many sun flare shots we were able to create during the Golden Light hour here. To complete our morning session we headed to the riverside. Some of their favorite images are of them simply sitting and taking it all in.

As this was a Sunrise and Sunset session we had a much needed break in the afternoon, and with a new hair & makeup look and a stunning red dress it was time to head out and capture more unique locations. For a late afternoon start there is no better location than the peaceful oasis of the Vrtba Garden. We were not the only photographers there during that time but nevertheless we were able to create some beautiful & stylish lit portraits overlooking the city below. Prague Castle was our next stop before heading down to the Charles Bridge after the sunset.

Though we did not have an amazing sunset we did have one of those incredible mornings where the golden light bathed us in its warmth and created some unique images. One of the nicest things I will remember from this session is when Ripple (or as I like to call him Mr. Ripple) finally let go and just laughed and laughed and laughed. His smile and laughter are really infectious and Kennis being the sweetheart that she is lights up when he does as well. As a photographer I am very happy I met these two and were able to create something quite unique for them and about them as they really are a sweet couple.

The following collection of images are some of their chosen ones that they will be showing proudly to their family & friends during their upcoming wedding in Hong Kong. To Kennis & Ripple, I wish you both much luck, happiness and success in your new lives together as husband and wife.

Portrait Locations: Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, Riverside, Vrtba Garden, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge

{pre wedding photo Prague / Lifestyle & Engagement photographer / pre wedding photographer available worldwide}

婚纱摄影海外婚紗攝影布拉格布拉格婚纱摄影

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To have us capture your beautiful wedding day or your fabulous pre wedding or E-session simply contact us here for our latest brochure and info.

P&H (Hong Kong) Sunrise & Sunset Photo Session in Prague

Peggy & Han traveled over from Hong Kong to Prague for their gorgeous Sunrise & Sunset photo session. With three outfits (red, white and blue), our kick ass crew and a fun couple we visited many locations and simply had a great time!

Truth be told, the weather was frustrating as it was an unusually cold morning when we started. But when you have two fun people who traveled from half way around the world for a kick ass portrait session, a bit of rain is not going to stop them – especially since our hair & makeup crew ensured that they looked flawless. No bad hair or messy makeup allowed here.

Prague Castle provided the solitude with the empty gas lit lamps reflecting in the wet streets creating a very ‘Old Europe’ turn of the century feel.

As the first sunlight started to break free we walked down to the very busy Charles Bridge (must have been about 10 other couples having their pre wedding sessions captured) to await the sunrise that was – well, a complete bumer. In fact, it was simply grey, boring and well – uneventful. This is a situation where having a light crew helped as we were able to create many looks and natural styled as well as a few posed looks. Of course our team had to do some serous retouching to remove the many many people but that is ok when you have a couple who demands the very best.

Afterwards we decided to beat the queue and headed to the Astronomical Clock where we worked our magic before the skies decided it was time for more rain. Peggy & Han who are so chilled took it in stride and even whipped out one of their Hong Kong teddy bears who quickly decided it was time to go back in the warm & dry bag. A few moments later we were having a laugh over cappuccinos at a warm cafe – the one that let us in as it was still quite early.

I have to say that I really enjoyed working with Peggy & Han; besides being extremely chilled, laid back and not stressed about the weather we simply had a great time creating these beautiful images. As you can see, they love being the center of attention and especially having a more ‘posed look’ and that is fine by us as every couple is unique. Though they ended up with around 500 beautiful photos in their collection – we are showcasing around 60 of their chosen favorites here. And yes, the peacocks very much enjoyed photo bombing their pictures.

Prague wedding & pre wedding photographers / lifestyle photographer / engagement photographers available worldwide}

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To have us capture your beautiful wedding day or your fabulous pre wedding or E-session simply contact us here for our latest brochure and info.

K+M (UK) Vrtba Garden wedding

What a whirlwind of a wedding! When I first Katie & Michael a year prior to their wedding I knew they were planing a wonderful wedding day for their family & friends from around the world. As they live in the UK they are used to being pampered and having only the best, so when I listened to them speak excitably about their wedding day I could only smile. First, Katie is a gorgeous lady and though she opted not to have the bridal preparation covered (she is also very shy) she did mention that she would like to have a few single portraits. The one thing they really stressed was they wanted a reportage / natural style set of images from their Prague wedding. And so it was settled.

Their wedding venue: the incredible Vrtba Garden – a personal favorite. The wedding planners were Tim from Royal Wedding who is well known for crafting stunning weddings here in Prague and throughout the Czech Republic. For their very short portrait session (the evening party and events was of paramount importance) we decided on the Royal Garden which is stunning when in bloom offering incredible vistas. The evening dinner & party was to take place at the Alchymist Grand Hotel – a venerable Prague institution that I have always enjoyed.

What follows is a small sampling (they had about 600 beautiful images from their wedding day) of that very special day when Katie & Michael and their family & friends joined them in celebrating their union here in Prague.