Before & After Post Processing
Doug will be your photography leader on the Czechia, Prague, Bohemian Switzerland Photo Tour. With nearly 20 years photography experience and extensive local knowledge of the Czech Republic, Doug is well place to take you on a photographic journey you will remember for years to come.
Having relocated to Prague 5 years ago, he has explored most areas in this fascinating country, and knows well the best photographic spots and the optimum times of day for shooting.
Born and raised in the south of the United Kingdom, Doug studied photography formally in London. He then learned the tricks of the trade in an editorial photography studio, working on a wide range of shoots.
He now spends his time organising and tutoring photography tours in Prague and the Czech Republic. His easy going personality goes down well with photo tour guests, and he has to-date organised more than 140 highly-rated tours.
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive in Prague
Evening: Check-in and Meet & Greet
You’ll be picked up from the airport and taken to our 4 star hotel accommodation to check-in. We’ll meet in the evening to get to know each other, and go over the week’s itinerary.
In case everyone arrives early enough, there maybe some time for a nighttime photo shoot in Prague.
Day 2. Explore Prague’s Old Town, Lesser Town & Castle areas
Morning: Early morning shooting at Malostrana
We’ll wake up early to see the sunrise across the city and explore two stunning panoramic views of Prague from hill-top vantage points, the famous red-roofed houses of Malostrana, the baroque Strahov monastery and the best views of Charles Bridge and Prague Castle in the morning light.
You’ll have free time for a few hours, so you can relax back at the hotel or explore this beautiful city solo.
Afternoon: Vysehrad castle & Naplavka
As the sun starts to drop, we’ll meet and head to the ancient castle complex of Vysehrad and it’s haunting cemetery. Some striking communist era architecture will provide great dynamic shots, perfect for honing your composition skills. Prague’s bohemian Naplavka, a riverside walk, is a great place for some street photography.
Evening
After a break for dinner and a rest you’ll get to practice your night photography skills on a night photo tour, where we’ll photograph Prague’s best sights spectacularly lit up against the night sky. You’ll be actively using ISO, shutter speed and aperture, and you’ll need a tripod (we can lend you a small tripod if you do not bring your own). Along the way we will try out long exposure techniques, like light-trails.
Day 3. Kutna Hora UNESCO site
Morning
We’ll head one hour east out of Prague to the UNESCO world heritage site of Kutna Hora, where there are an abundance of photographic gems in this historic city. We’ll get up close to the gargantuan gothic Cathedral of St. Barbara, so a wide angle lens will come in handy.
After lunch we’ll explore the picturesque nooks and crannies of this charming Bohemian city, and finally head to the not-to-be-missed Sedlec Ossury, a gothic church whose interior is bedecked with the bones of 40,000 people.
Evening: Post Processing Session
Back in Prague we will review our photos together and have a Post-Processing Session where you’ll learn some basic techniques to make your photos shine in Lightroom and Photoshop.
Day 4. Bohemian Switzerland (the Limestone Mountains of Czechia)
The amazing limestone mountains of Bohemian Switzerland, a mystical landscape of pine forests and deep valleys is a must-see in the Czech Republic, and a landscape photographer’s dream.
We’ll travel 1st class on the stunning train journey along the winding Vltava and Elbe rivers, passing picturesque village hamlets hugging valley hillsides.
We will take a boat ride through the natural phenomenon of the Kamenice River Gorge. A spectacular ravine carved deep in the limestone valley provides for some superb atmospheric shots, with its thundering waterfalls, interwoven trail and tunnels through a lush pine tree forest.
From the border town of Hrensko, we’ll hike uphill ***(see note below) to the spectacular panoramic views at Pravcicka Brana, the largest sandstone arch in Europe. This amazing site was the location for the filming of the movie ‘Narnia’, and offers a wealth of photo opportunities as the sun begins to set.
*** note: the hike uphill to Pravicka Brana is optional and requires a level of fitness to walk an uphill trail unassisted for about 1 hour while carrying your bag with camera gear. This trail is successfully walked by many seniors. However, if you have mobility concerns, we can discuss this in advance.
Day 5. Cesky Krumlov
This morning we’ll be travelling by air-conditioned express bus to extraordinary architectural jewel of Cesky Krumlov, with it’s beautifully preserved historic centre. We’ll be photographing the colourful narrow medieval streets, crooked houses leaning up against each other, and incredible city views from the surrounding hills.
St Vitus Church, the Barber’s Bridge, the Cloak Bridge, and the Bear Moat are among the living gallery of elegant Renaissance-era buildings.
Cesky Krumlov Castle, the second largest in Bohemia and a UNESCO heritage site, with its beautiful ornate gardens is an impressive photographic subject. We’ll take advantage of the fading sun for some great golden hour shots before heading back to base in Prague.
Evening
Time permitting we may have a second photo review and Post-Processing session.
Day 6. Prague & Home
Now our memory cards will be full of great shots, it will be time to head home. You’ll have a private transfer to Prague airport included.
Price and Payment
The price of this 6 day – 5 night photo tour is €1950 EURO (that’s approximately $2200 USD/£1700 GBP)
Note: unlike competitor photo tours, there is no extra single person supplement. You will have an en-suite hotel room to yourself.
On booking you will pay a deposit of €450. The full balance is due no less than 90 days before the start of the tour.
How to Pay
The deposit of €450 EURO can be paid by bank transfer or credit card at the time of booking.
The remaining balance should be paid by bank transfer (in EURO’s) to the bank account we will provide after receiving your booking request.
Please carefully read the Terms & Conditions which specify what happens if you wish to cancel, or if the tour is cancelled by us.
What gear should I pack for the photo tours?
For the optimum experience is recommended to bring the items on the list. **It is not essential to bring all lenses, although a standard zoom is recommended as a minimum.
- DSLR or Mirrorless camera
- Standard Zoom lens eg. 24-70mm (16-50mm APS)
- Telephoto Zoom Lens eg. 70-300mm (50 – 200mm APS)**
- A lightweight tripod
which you are able to carry all day in or on a backpack. A tripod is essential for nighttime and blue hour/sunrise shooting. For daytime shooting you may opt to leave it at the hotel.
- Spare batteries, memory cards, charger
- A small backpack/camera backpack
In case of wet weather it is advisable to have some waterproofing or at least be prepared with plastic bags for gear rain protection - Waterproof clothing and shoes/boots
The weather can be cold, especially at higher altitudes. Bring warm clothing, preferably layers. - Mobile phone
Other items you might like to bring are:
- Wide angle Zoom Lens eg. 16-28mm (11-18mm APS)**
- Cable release or remote control app
- Circular polarizing filter
- ND filters
- Laptop with Adobe Lightroom/Photoshop (useful for post-processing sessions)
How many participants will there be on the tour?
Our multi-day photo tours will have a maximum of 5 people attending. This ensures that your photography leader has enough time to dedicate to each participant’s needs throughout the tour.
This is also a good size to make the tour experience a bit more social for participants.
Is there a minimum number of participants on the tour?
Yes, we require a minimum of 4 people to make the tour viable. In case this number is not reached, we will let you know before you make your travel arrangements.
Important: Please do not book any flights or travel until we have confirmed by email that the minimum number has been reached, and the tour is running.
What will I learn on a photo tour?
In addition to taking you to some amazing photographic spots at the right time of day, you will have an expert photography leader to provide you and your group with photography tuition out in the field.
You will certainly gain some knowledge and practice in:
- Creative photography composition (eg. leading lines, perspective, golden triangle)
- Optimum camera settings for different lighting situations
- When & how to use aperture priority, shutter priority, manual, program
- Night photography with a tripod
- Long exposure techniques
- What lenses and filters to use and when
- Post production with Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop and NIK software make your photos pop
Why should I book a photo tour vacation and not just a local photography class?
On our small-group multi-day photo tour you will receive nearly 5 days of photography guidance from an expert photographer, while practising what you learn out in the field. Compared to classroom based courses the price compares very favourably, especially when you see that accommodation, breakfasts, local transportation and entry fees are included. You’ll have some great memories, see some amazing places and maybe make some new friends.
What is an ECO photo tour?
ECO photo tours are designed to be Ecological & Economical, helping in a small way to reduce our carbon footprint while saving you money! On an ECO tour your hotel accommodation is based in one city, and we venture on day trips to picture perfect locations elsewhere. Where practical, our point to point local transportation is by train or high quality bus. All local transportation costs are included.
By avoiding the use of a small private minivan, we can pass considerable cost savings on to you.
Is an ECO tour for me? See a comparison to help you decide. Click here
What kind of accommodation will we stay in?
Where practical we arrange quality 4 star hotel accommodation, always with en-suite bathrooms.
If the tour stay is in rural areas, the available accommodation may be simpler.
Are meals included?
Usually breakfasts at the hotel are included. Other meals are not included, so you are free to choose where you eat. Of course we may all choose to eat together as a group. It is up to you.
How fit do I need to be?
Our photo tours are designed to be enjoyed by anyone who is reasonably fit. However some photo locations are in remote areas and may require some hiking, or uphill walking over rough terrain. If this is the case you will be informed in advance, so that you can decide if you wish to skip that portion of the tour.
In all cases, you should be fit enough to:
- carry your camera equipment in a small backpack for a whole day
- walk unassisted for long walks, at a reasonable pace
- walk unassisted over cobbled streets, climb steps, and walk uphill
- climb into trains, buses etc with your bags
Are there any age limits?
The minimum age is 18. We do not specify a maximum age, but expect that your fitness level at least matches the minimum requirements to participate in the tour.
How far in advance should I book?
Booking sooner is better, so that you can ensure a place is reserved for you.
How do I reserve a place and make payment?
To reserve a place on a photo tour a non-refundable deposit of €450 EURO is required at the time of booking. You can pay the deposit by credit card, Bank Transfer or Paypal.
The full balance must be paid no later than 90 days before the start date of the photo tour by Bank Transfer only. In case you do not pay the full balance in time, we reserve the right to cancel your booking.
What are the cancellation charges?
We will miss you if you cancel. To ensure our other customers can continue to enjoy their tour, the following cancellation policy applies:
91 days or more prior to start date. Cancellation fee = the non-refundable deposit (per booked person)
90 – 61 days prior to start date cancellation fee = 50% of the full tour price (per booked person)
31 – 60 days prior to start date cancellation fee = 75% of the full tour price (per booked person)
30 days or less prior to start date cancellation fee = 100% of the full tour price (per booked person)
When should I book my flights or transport to Czech Republic?
It is important you wait until we confirm that the minimum number of tour participants has been reached. We will email you to confirm when you should make travel arrangements. Please read the Booking Information T&C’s tab before booking.
Can a non-photographer attend the tour?
You are welcome to bring a spouse, partner or friend along, if they are a fully paid participant.
In very limited cases on some city based tours, a non-participating spouse, partner or friend who doesn’t attend or participate in any trips or shoots might be able to stay in the hotel if space is available. There would be an administrative fee to pay to arrange this. Please message us to enquire.
What clothing should I pack for the photo tour?
The clothing you will need will depend greatly on the destination you are travelling to. Our general recommendation is to dress in layers and bring some waterproof outer clothing and walking shoes/boots.
Pack as lightly as possible.
What is the most appropriate type of luggage to bring?
We recommend bringing one medium size suitcase for your clothing and personal items, and a day size backpack for your camera gear. You will need to carry your carry your camera gear (backpack) around all day.
How much free time is there?
A lot of photography is packed into each day to make sure that our participants have the most memorable trip possible. There will be some free time to relax, and you can always opt out of specific shoots if you wish.
Is the photo tour only in English?
Yes, we are speaking English, so it will be necessary that you have a good understanding of it.
What is included and excluded in the price?
Please check the tour page, it will show what things are included.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, this is mandatory. Please see the Booking Conditions tab on the tour page for the insurance you will need to obtain.
Is Czech Republic a safe place? What are the standards compared to the U.S. and Western Europe?
Yes, Czech Republic is generally a very safe place. In Prague, hotel and restaurant standards are similar to what you might expect. Room sizes might be smaller, and the service level might be slower.
Public hospital treatment is technically of a high standard, but is often in old fashioned buildings.
You are less likely to hear ‘Have a nice day’, but everyone greets each other with ‘Dobry Den’ (Good day).
Still have a question?
Fill out the enquiry form here
Booking Information, please read before booking
Itinerary
Itineraries on the website are an approximation of the actual itinerary of the photo tour. Bad weather conditions and other events may affect the planned itinerary. Your tour guide will aim to maximise the photography experience with the conditions at the time, and may adjust the tour itinerary as necessary. This may include visiting alternate locations to those listed or skipping some locations entirely.
Booking & Payment
To reserve a place on a photo tour a non-refundable deposit of €450 EURO is required at the time of booking.
The full balance must be paid no later than 90 days before the start date of the photo tour.
LATE SIGN UPS – If you’d like to reserve your trip less than 90 days before departure, you must pay the tour’s full balance with your reservation request.
You can pay the deposit by bank transfer. Once we have received the deposit payment we’ll send you an email to inform that a place is reserved for you, along with a basic itinerary and other useful pre-trip information.
Please note that a minimum number or 4 participants is required to run the tour. We will notify you no later that 30 days before a tour is due to take place to confirm if the tour is operating or it is not viable.
IMPORTANT: Please do not arrange flights or transportation to the Czech Republic until you have received written confirmation from us that the minimum number of participants has been reached and that the tour is running.
Cancellation Policy
We will miss you if you cancel. To ensure our other customers can continue to enjoy their tour, the following cancellation policy applies:
91 days or more prior to start date. Cancellation fee = the non-refundable deposit (per booked person)
90 – 61 days prior to start date cancellation fee = 50% of the full tour price (per booked person)
31 – 60 days prior to start date cancellation fee = 75% of the full tour price (per booked person)
30 days or less prior to start date cancellation fee = 100% of the full tour price (per booked person)
Cancellation by us
We reserve the right to cancel any tour at any time for any reason determined in our sole discretion, including if there are too few participants, or other unforeseen reasons. In such a case, a refund of all payments received shall constitute full and final settlement. Notice of such cancellation shall be sent by email.
In the event of cancellation, we are not responsible for any loss incurred on account of your travel arrangements, including flights or other unrecoverable travel costs. It is mandatory that you obtain adequate travel and cancellation insurance.
Travel Insurance
To participate in the photo tour it is mandatory that you obtain adequate travel insurance in the destination country. Your policy must cover medical costs in case of hospitalisation, emergency travel and repatriation.
- Accident & Sickness Medical Expense Coverage
- Tour Cancellation Coverage including airfare and all other costs
- Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
- Personal liability
Once you have paid your deposit or full payment, certain fees will apply if you cancel. Therefore we require you take out insurance at the time of booking to protect yourself against cancellation and unforeseen circumstances. In addition you are strongly advised to take out insurance that also covers loss or theft of personal effects, baggage and camera equipment.
A recommended travel insurance company is https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance/
Passport and Visas
You must be in possession of a valid passport (and required visas if applicable) required for the whole of the journey. There must be at least 6 months remaining in your passport at the time of the tour.
Terms and Conditions
When you book a photo tour with us, you’ll need to agree to the standard Terms and Conditions for multi-day tours, which can be viewed here
Reserve your place on the
Czechia, Prague & Bohemian Switzerland Photo Tour
now
Reserve your place now with a deposit (of €450 Euro) and pay the balance later.
Pay securely online by credit card, Paypal or bank transfer. We use the secure payment service of
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| "Doug was very kind to teach me as many things as possible and maximise my time understanding the features of my camera. All the pictures look stunning according to my friends. I can’t believe it myself!" | "The views were amazing. Doug was patient and very helpful as I am an amateur photographer who takes pride in pictures I have taken. A not-to-be-missed experience." | "I learned a lot about my camera and some of the principals and techniques for night photography. Doug was fantastic, easy going and extremely informative and helpful." |
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| "Great experience! I barely knew how to use my camera before, and in the 3 hours I learned a lot about my camera and how to choose a great location for a picture." | "Scouting is crucial for photography and Doug has already taken the time to scout great locations around the city with a well planned route as well. Highly recommended." | "Doug is very knowledgeable with many handy hints, and is also quite patient, and explained things in a way even a total novice like me could understand! I came away with some great photos." |
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