*This post was originally written for Inkport, published April 1, 2017. *
Well, after seven cities and countless memories, we’ve made it. I just want to thank all of you who have kept up with this series. I’ve never done anything quite like this, and for the most part I’ve been figuring it out along the way, often unsure of what the hell to do. I guess in some way that’s the beauty of photography--it’s a medium without rules, where you are the creator and the storyteller and responsible for the success or failure of your presentation.
I’ve had tremendous help by visiting cities that transcend time and showcase the best and worst humanity has to offer. I’ve visited Cinderella’s Castle as Prince Charming (but a little tanner and more handsome), accompanied Van Gogh through his art, and walked through the cold, steel gates of Auschwitz.
These individual experiences create a greater story for the city, which ultimately determine its atmosphere and the vibe one experiences. Prague was no different than the rest. The fascination overtakes people in Prague starts with its architecture. At first glance it seems extremely similar to Budapest, but the city center of Prague is indicative of a much stronger and dominant past. The architecture is complex and the colors are vibrant, exuding a unique golden aura of beauty all while walking the fine line between classy and arrogant in a “My shit is better than yours” sort of way.
But Prague gets away with it. It continues to captivate you with its flare for street food, most notably the Trdelník (the dough on a stick with either ice cream or Nutella filling). Prague’s sweet delight is a delectable treat that fuels the magical feeling in the air. Now that I think about it, maybe that’s why everyone seemed so happy.
More than anything, Prague left a lasting impression on me because I got to see it at its quietest. Two mornings in a row, I got up early to photograph the Charles Bridge. I was hoping for a colorful sunrise, but both times I was met with clouds. Initially disappointed, I realized that the true beauty of a city is found in its most natural moment, the moment where you find yourself a part of it. For some that is amidst the tourist filled streets, but for myself it’s when it’s the most peaceful. The smaller, hidden details pop and take on a new form, becoming the focal point rather sinking into the background.
The flow of the photos should help explain that. So I hope you enjoy them as much as I did and I’m excited to see what our next series will entail (maybe with a new camera too?).
All the best,
Sina
This picture captures all of what I think of Prague and its atmosphere. You have the fun, light-hearted nature of it with the bubbles, the bustling tourists, and the beautiful architecture and colors that paint the scene.
The main square of Prague is a stunning site to see. Beautiful, complex, and rich in color, the plaza is a perfect place to grab a drink and appreciate the moment. With how it’s designed, you feel fully enclosed and surrounded, almost like you’re trapped. But let’s be honest, there are worse places to be stuck.
Just to further emphasize the point above, it’s hard to tell where the plaza begins and ends. Even on a gray day like this one, the building colors provide sufficient vibrancy to compensate for the lack of sun, creating a lively mood.
I’ve been adamant that sunsets are prettier the more complex they become. The more clouds, structures, and buildings that add depth, the less the sunset begins to stand out, and instead, it compliments the rest of the photo. A good sunset or sunrise photo is one that has a central focal point other than the light itself. In this one, the rolling green hills and the shimmering buildings of gold take on that role.
Photos are all about timing, light, and post processing. In this case, I got lucky with all 3. First, the sun was obscured by the clouds. Second, it was a golden hour, and with Prague’s colors, you just can’t go wrong. Third, the first two allowed for a good edit of the photo, helping me replicate what my eyes saw. The Charles Bridge was much less crowded than what I expected for a sunset scene but hey, I’m not complaining.
Just reemphasizing the previous two captions. How could you possibly take a bad photo?
The one, the only, Trdelník. My only regret is not having more.
A rainbow of colors. I usually try to frame my photos with instances of curvature towards the back. This helps draw the viewer’s eye out, helping add depth to the image while also provoking the feeling of wanting more.
The Castle District of Prague is the top right corner of the image. It’s obvious that the District helped underline the message of the empire’s power and strength at its height. Visitors and constituents would see the castle kissed by sunlight, glowing in gold on a daily basis. Hard to argue against divine right with a picture like that.
I love this image for the how the shadows contrast with the white and colorful buildings. The sunlight gets lost as it makes its way to the cobblestone streets but the tops of the buildings absorb it all and reflect proudly.
I highly recommend seeing the city in the morning. This image and the next three were all from the second morning I woke up early (around 5 am, sunrise was extremely early). This perspective makes you further appreciate the beauty of the city. The statues become more provocative, indicative that they are the focal point of the bridge. The gothic and dark style of the bridge is contrasted with the light colors in the back, but this only draws you further into the mystery of the statues.
Seriously. Stay up after a night out or just set your alarm early one morning.
Do it.
Have I convinced you yet?
The backside of Prague (the camera's vantage point) is beautiful– much quieter and more serene, It provides a higher vantage point of the city. Less dense with tourists, this part of Prague is a chance to escape and immerse yourself with the architecture – to really feel it and appreciate it.
Here’re two of my best friends. Just wanted to give them a shoutout for being a part of the journey and making Europe so incredibly fun. And yeah, I guess the backdrop is cool too.
Forever wishing I had a better camera for this shot/a little more light, but this is what I got. A gorgeous and stunning view that is enticing enough to make me come back.