FAQ About Your Portrait Session
Locations & Timelines
Got a dream spot in mind, or happy to let us work some magic? Either way, we’re here to craft a session that’s all you. In vibrant cities like Prague, we’ve got the insider scoop on secret havens—those breathtaking, tucked-away gems known only to seasoned locals. Think serene vibes, stunning charm, and locations picked to make the most of your time.
Heads up: we’re all about capturing your story with zero downtime. Our sessions move fast—no pauses for hair, makeup switches, or coffee breaks. It’s full-on focus to freeze every moment in its raw, beautiful glory.
When’s the Best Time for a Pre-Wedding Portrait Session in Europe?
For jaw-dropping shots with weather that plays nice, aim for April (hello, cherry blossoms!) through early October. That’s when Europe glows with perfect conditions. But if I’m spilling favorites, September steals the show—think vibrant fall foliage begging for garden visits. Bonus: shorter days mean late sunrises and early sunsets, making your session slick, swift, and spectacular.
Early mornings are your golden ticket—empty streets, pristine scenes, and a city just waking up. For our Asian couples, we love kicking off pre-wedding shoots 1-2 hours before sunrise. Nighttime vibes, sweeping cityscapes, and artsy portraits? Yes, please!
Do We Need a Car to Get Around?
Want wheels? We can hook you up with a van for an extra fee—smooth sailing, no stress.
What About Trips Outside The City Center?
Heading beyond the city? You’ll need transport, but don’t sweat it—we’ve got your back. Most day trips run around 200 EUR with a driver (up to 8 hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off). Easy, right?
Are Some Days Better for Booking?
Oh, absolutely! Sunday to Thursday is your sweet spot—fewer crowds, more calm. Just note: some gardens snooze on Mondays. Weekends? They’re a tourist frenzy, and sunrise at Charles Bridge can turn into a party with club-goers ready to photobomb your big moment.
When Should We Lock in Our Session?
Summer’s a hot ticket, so the earlier you book, the better! We snag 50% upfront to reserve your slot, with the rest due on the day. Don’t wait—those prime dates vanish fast!
Attire Recommendations
Rock your outfits for a vibe that’s you—we’re all for it! But if lugging clothes isn’t your thing, you can always find the latest European fashions at boutique ateliers.
Loads more options await online—your perfect fit is just a click away!
A Frosty Fairytale Awaits
Dreaming of a winter wonderland for your pre-wedding shoot? December through February is your golden window—think snowy scenes and crisp, magical air. Fair warning: Mother Nature’s a bit of a wild card, so we can’t promise perfect weather, but when it works, oh, it’s stunning. Just know the cold might slow us down a tad—bundle up and let’s make it epic!
What to Wear
Nighttime shoots call for a little strategy—skip the dark outfits, as those details can vanish into the shadows. Red’s a knockout hue, but it steals the spotlight, so use it as a pop, not the whole show. Black dresses? They might hide your finesse, and loud patterns can scream louder than you do. Wedding style is your playground, though—go with what feels like you. Oh, and those Prague cobblestones, especially on Charles Bridge? High heels will test your grit. For longer sessions, comfy walking shoes are your BFF.
For the Groom: What to Wear
Grooms, let’s keep it timeless—beige, blue, gray—they’re classics for a reason. Flashy patterns or neon vibes? They’ll date faster than you can say “I do.” Want to own the frame? A matte black tux, crisp white shirt, and a sleek black bow tie scream sophistication. Stick to matte textures—glossy’s too loud—and watch that elegance shine.
How Many Outfits?
Your shoot’s length sets the pace—figure one outfit swap every three hours. Most couples rock their white wedding gear plus a sleek evening look, but some go wild with three or four changes. Heads up: each switch means travel, changing, and maybe a hair-and-makeup tweak, so plan smart. Here’s how to nail it:
A) Central Hotel Vibes: Book a spot near hotspots like Charles Bridge—quick access, max comfort.
B) Van Life: Rent a van for on-the-go changes—some wrinkles, less privacy, but it’s a Paris fave for a reason.
C) Suitcase Hustle: The budget pick, but tricky—someone’s gotta guard your stuff, wrinkles sneak in, and public restrooms? Not glam.
Truth bomb: lugging suitcases around Prague’s busy streets is a buzzkill. Unlike some Asian cities where bags can chill unattended, Europe’s pickpocket game is real—most couples ditch this hassle for good reason.
Hair & Makeup Artists
We team up with the best—certified pros who speak English and slay the glam game. Want a hair and makeup wizard? We’ve got three faves to recommend—no shady referral fees here, just pure talent. Flawless photos are the goal, so having an artist stick around all session? Game-changer (not required, but oh-so-worth-it). These are your forever memories—invest a little extra for that peace of mind!
How it works: Pick your artist, and hit them up ASAP with outfit pics and style inspo. Got skin quirks? Spill the tea early so they bring the right magic. Want a trial run? We can set it up for a fee—nail that look before the big day.
The Night Before Your Session
Prep like a pro: sleep is non-negotiable—our early starts hit hard, especially if you’re jet-lagged from Asia. Hydrate like it’s your job—water’s your glow-up secret before and during the shoot.
Night-before hack: hang your outfits (bye, wrinkles), lay out accessories on a table, and clear a well-lit space for your stylist. Ladies, shower before they arrive—hair and makeup take about 2.5 hours, and we’re on a clock. Gents, grab breakfast while they work—no need to hover, just fuel up and suit up!
Accessories
Make it yours—we’re all about personal touches! Want a standout vibe? Request props like candles, lanterns, champagne flutes, parasols—whatever sparks your story. This is your session—dream big, and chat with our team to bring those ideas to life!
Flowers, Balloons, Musicians
Fancy a bouquet that pops, a string quartet strumming romance, or an editorial edge with champagne and candles? We’ve got you! Our network of creative vendors can turn your vision into reality—just say the word.
Accommodation
Stay in Mala Strana, steps from Charles Bridge—it’s the heart of our shoot zones and a lifesaver for outfit swaps. Watch out: some hotels toss “Mala Strana” in their name (looking at you, IBIS Mala Strana in Andel) but aren’t the real deal. Not sure? Hit us up for recs!
Additional Fees - for Prague, other cities and locations may be higher
Boat Rentals: 20-25 EUR per 45 minutes—river vibes, anyone?
Horse & Carriage Rides: 75-90 EUR per 45 minutes—old-school romance.
Old Timer Cars: Vintage rides, prices vary by model—pure class.
Gardens: Many charge 30-50 EUR for “wedding photography” permits.
New Spot Alert: A weathered palace for old-world portraits—100 EUR for 30 minutes.
Interiors: Churches are off-limits inside due to services, but chateaus and castles? Grounds are free, interiors may cost extra.
Symbolic Ceremonies
Want a heartfelt “I do” moment? We can make it happen! Reach out for packages and options—let’s craft something unforgettable.
Rain Policy
Rain’s a gamble—we can’t always reschedule (staff costs, bookings, travel plans), but we might pause if it’s doable. Extra crew time? We’ll hash out fees upfront. No sweat—we’ve got Prague’s coolest indoor spots as a backup. Fun fact: we’ve only bumped a shoot twice here, and we made it work. (Sorry, Paris fans—summer rain killed that spot for us!)
Booking Policy
Lock it in with a signed contract and 50% upfront—the balance is due on shoot day. We’re legit, so you’ll get an official receipt when it’s all done.
Consultation
Free consults are the goal, but peak season or travel might nix that. No worries—Skype or WhatsApp chats with Martina or Dorota have you covered. We’ll nail every detail pre-arrival and keep the shoot chill so you can soak it all in.
Lighting Crew
Flawless shots are my obsession, so for big sessions, I roll with 1-2 lighting pros who tame any weather or scene. Natural light’s cool, but we mix it with artificial magic for night shots and tricky spots—think dreamy, ethereal vibes that stand out. You’re investing big—our crew ensures every frame’s a keeper!
Personal Assistants
Need an extra hand? A personal assistant for 100 EUR per 4 hours can haul your gear (photogs and lighting crew are maxed out with theirs). Do VIPs want shopping buddies or more? We’ve got pros—some even run wedding agencies—for that next-level support.
What’s Our Basic Retouching?
We’ve leveled up to Capture One Pro and 5K monitors—top-tier editing for pro results. Think color balance, contrast pops, and density tweaks—not just “Photoshop.” Proofs take 4-6 weeks in peak season—we deliver polished gems, not raw snaps. Once you pick your faves, we refine: natural skin touch-ups, blemish zaps, eye/teeth boosts, and fixes for straps or shadows. Glamour glow? Ask for pricing. No body reshaping or object removal—those cost extra if we greenlight ‘em.
When Do We Get Our Files?
Editing takes 2-3 weeks, then another 2-3 after you choose—express options available for a fee. Quality takes time, and we don’t rush perfection!
RAW Files
We don’t shoot RAW by default—hit us up for rates if you want ‘em.
How Many Shots Per Hour?
Quality’s king—I snap 30-50 pics per hour, tailored to your vibe and the moment. Every click counts!
Digital File Creation
Capture One Pro v.23, iMac Pros, dual 5K monitors, and DataColor calibration—our tech’s elite. Gear? Sony A7iii, Canon EOS 1dsMarkIII, 5dMarkIV, DJI Mavic drones, and sometimes a Mamiya RZ67 with Phase One back. Your lab gets a full file guide for spot-on prints.
Copyright
Shared copyright’s yours—print away! Each file comes with a notice and info sheet for perfect reproduction.
Routes, Itineraries, Hair & Makeup
Sign the contract, drop the deposit, and we’ll send routes, plans, and stylist details—easy peasy!
Prague Insider Tips
For real-deal advice on Prague—where to go, what to skip, and dodging tourist traps—dive into Honest Guide by Janek & Honza. Their videos spill the tea on currency hacks, must-sees, and more. Trust us, it’s gold for travelers!
Additional useful resources for a more informed and pleasant stay in Prague!
Prague's specialist in on-location portraits
pre weddings I engagements I post weddings I lifestyle I portraits I Love Stories I couples
Address (appointment only)
Petřinska 41/4
P-5 Mala Strana
150 00 Czech Republic
the studio in Mala Strana is by appointment only