Guild houses of Zurich, a unique and memorable way to get married in Switzerland // Civil registration venues in Zurich

If you are looking for some one-of-a-kind wedding venue in Zurich and would like to say "I do" in unique Swiss style and create memories that will last a lifetime, I would recommend to consider the picturesque “Guild houses" that hold a significant place in the city's rich tapestry of history and culture. Getting married in one of these guild houses not only offers stunning visuals but also adds a touch of historical significance to the wedding celebration. The houses, known for their architectural splendor and rich cultural background, have served as the cornerstone of Zurich's social life for centuries. This historical context will make the wedding more special and memorable compared to traditional civil registration offices as the “Zunfthauses” stand as testaments to Zurich's rich heritage and its ability to blend the historical with the modern.

These buildings were originally established as headquarters for the various guilds that played important roles in Zurich's social, economic, and political life, particularly during the Middle Ages and the early modern period. Guilds were associations of tradesmen and craftsmen organized by profession, and they exerted considerable influence over trade practices, quality standards, and training of apprentices, as well as participating in the governance of the city. Zurich's guilds were instrumental in shaping the city's development. They were not just economic entities but also social and political ones. Each guild was responsible for a specific trade or group of related trades, and membership was essential for anyone wishing to practice a trade in the city. The guilds ensured the quality of goods and services, regulated prices, and looked after their members' welfare. They also played a significant role in Zurich's civic affairs, with guild members holding various positions of power within the city government.

Each guild had its own guild house, known as a "Zunfthaus" in German, which served as the central meeting point for its members. These buildings were often grandly designed and richly decorated, reflecting the wealth and status of the guild. They hosted meetings, banquets, and other social events, serving as key venues for networking and decision-making among the city's elite.

The grandeur of the Zunfthaus zur Meisen, with its opulent Baroque architecture and breathtaking interior décor, provides an ideal backdrop for the wedding ceremony in Zurich. Built in 1757, the building is considered one of the most beautiful guild houses in Zurich. Its design features a small cour d’honneur and a stately facade that captures the architectural sophistication of its time. Inside, the Zunfthaus zur Meisen boasts exquisite Baroque stucco ceilings, creating an atmosphere of opulence and grandeur. It also houses tiled tower stoves by Leonhard Locher and Hans Jakob Hofmann, as well as frescoes by Johann Balthasar Bullinger, adding to its artistic and historical value. Historically, the Zunfthaus zur Meisen served as a meeting place for the Meisen guild, which included vintners, tavern owners, saddlers, and painters. Today, the Zunfthaus zur Meisen is home to one of the Swiss National Museum's six branches, dedicated to porcelain and ceramics. Beyond its historical and architectural merits, the Zunfthaus zur Meisen serves as an enchanting venue for various events. Its rococo palace ambience makes it an ideal setting for weddings, birthday parties, conferences, and other celebrations. The venue is renowned for its excellent cuisine and service, offering a perfect blend of tradition and elegance for memorable occasions.

The Zunfthaus zur Waage is a historic building that once served as the meeting place for the city's scales guild, which was associated with merchants and tradesmen dealing in goods that needed weighing. Like other historic buildings, the guild house has multiple rooms that can cater to different sizes of wedding parties, from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations.

The Zunfthaus zur Zimmerleuten, located on the Limmat river, has served as the meeting place for the Zimmerleute guild, which represents carpenters and builders, crucial trades in a growing medieval city. The building's facade and interior have been carefully preserved and restored over the years to maintain its historical integrity. It embodies the typical style of Zurich's guild houses, with ornate decorations, historical artifacts, and traditional Swiss architecture, making it a visual landmark in the city. Today, the Zunfthaus zur Zimmerleuten serves multiple purposes. It continues to be a gathering place for the carpenters' guild but has also evolved to accommodate modern uses. The building is often used for events, including corporate functions, cultural gatherings, and private celebrations like weddings. The combination of the most stunning views of the Limmat river and the building's interiors, adorned with woodwork and artifacts, will make the wedding celebration unforgettable.

The Zunfthaus zur Saffran is another one of Zurich's historic guild houses, known for its association with the guild of the same name, which traditionally represented the city's merchants of spices, silks, and other luxury goods, which were highly valued in medieval Europe for their rarity and cost. The guild's members were among the city's wealthiest and most powerful citizens, and their guild house reflects this status. The Zunfthaus zur Saffran is notable for its architectural elegance.

The Haus zum Rüden has served as the meeting place for the Gesellschaft zur Constaffel, one of the historic guilds of Zurich, Switzerland, but it stands out from the other guilds in a few key ways. Unlike the traditional craft or trade guilds that represented specific professions (such as bakers, blacksmiths, or merchants), the Gesellschaft zur Constaffel was more of an association of the nobility and the patrician class of the city. Its members typically included the city's leading families, aristocrats, and other influential figures who played significant roles in the governance and economic life of Zurich. Located on the Limmatquai, the Haus zum Rüden faces the Limmat River and is part of the picturesque setting of Zurich's old town. The building's architecture reflects the Gothic style, common in many of Zurich's medieval structures, but it also incorporates elements from later periods due to renovations and restorations over the centuries.

To celebrate a wedding at one of the Zunfthauses, couples should contact the venue directly for information on availability, pricing, and packages. Early booking is advisable, as historic venues in Zurich are in high demand.

Embracing Timelessness with a Modern Aesthetic

When it comes to planning a wedding, the essence of chic bridal style lies in the balance between timeless elegance and contemporary design. It's about creating a look that has a timeless, modern aesthetic that draws admiration, ensuring that the bridal style remains as captivating in photographs decades from now as it does today. Whether you're planning an intimate city hall wedding or envisioning a grand ceremony, the key to achieving a chic bridal look is in the details.

Pictures from Pinterest

Simplistic Elegance

Chic bridal style often embraces a simple design that is glamorous without being ostentatious. This approach to bridal fashion is perfect for the bride who seeks to marry tradition with modernity. A sleek, fitted gown with minimal embellishments or a beautifully tailored suit can exemplify how timelessness comes from classic silhouettes and high-quality fabrics. The beauty of such pieces is their ability to make a statement through their understated elegance, proving that sometimes, less truly is more.

Elevated Details

The chicness of a bridal style often resides in the thoughtful details that immediately elevate the style of the wedding. Accessories play a very special role in this, from delicate jewelry that adds just the right amount of sparkle to heirloom pieces that carry sentimental value. However, chicness extends beyond attire, influencing other aspects of the wedding design.

For instance, blind embossing on stationery - including wedding invitations, place cards, and menu cards - introduces an element of sophistication that guests will notice and appreciate. This subtle yet impactful technique can convey a sense of luxury and attention to detail that sets the tone for the event.

Moreover, opting for traditional letterpress stationery on luxurious paper stock in dreamy textures invites guests to intimately engage with every detail of your wedding theme. Such tactile experiences not only add a layer of richness to your wedding but also reflect a discerning taste that values craftsmanship and design.

Architectural Elegance

For the lover of modern minimalist architecture, selecting a venue becomes an extension of the wedding's chic style. A modern wedding inside an architectural gem, amongst the gardens of a manor, or on the grounds of a historic castle can serve as a breathtaking backdrop that complements the bridal aesthetic. These venues provide a unique setting that merges history with contemporary design, offering endless possibilities for stunning photographs and unforgettable moments.

Choosing such a venue speaks to a couple's appreciation for design and their desire to incorporate architectural beauty into their special day. It's about creating a cohesive experience where the location, decor, and bridal style are harmoniously intertwined, each element enhancing the other to create a truly chic wedding.

A fresh take on classic chic is not just about selecting the right dress or venue; it's about crafting an experience that exudes elegance and modernity in every detail. From the choice of stationery to the selection of a venue that resonates with modern minimalist architecture, each decision contributes to a timeless, modern aesthetic that will be admired for years to come. In the end, it is about celebrating love in the most beautiful and personalized way possible, creating memories that are as stylish as they are enduring.

How can we make wedding pictures look nicer ... // a piece of advice for the bride and groom

pictures are from Pinterest

Wedding photography is a mixture of documentary and editorial approaches, when most pictures are taken spontaneously (except for the formal portraits) but in the most beautiful reality. Even if you don't hire wedding designers and stylists, lots of thought will be put into every little detail on how to make your wedding a beautiful and, at the same time, meaningful event that will reflect who you are as a couple. There are still some things, often overlooked, that can, from my point of view, either spoil or make the pictures outstanding. First of all, let's think, what do we love about pictures?

Composition

This is the task of the wedding photographer, who will frame the pictures nicely and intuitively, as everything will happen quickly with no time to think how to apply the composition rules. Trust your photographer (and hire the one whose style and aesthetic views inspire you).

Location

Every wedding location, be it a historic church or a villa at the lake, the garden of an ancient castle, or a farmhouse with olive trees, has its own special beautiful features. Make them present in the whole concept of your wedding, and use them. While selecting the venues, think also of the wedding timeline, and make sure that the open-air ceremony is not held at midday when the sun is at its highest point, thus creating strong contrast and shadows.

Details

Weddings are all about details, it might be a veil or antique brooch that has been in the family for generations, elements of the cake decor, or flower girl accessories - there is always something special. And this is what transforms a nice event into an unforgettable one.  Add special touches to show your own personal wedding style. Pick songs for the ceremony that are meaningful for you, write your own wedding vows, and make the menu based on your favourite food. Rent a beautiful oldtimer or a boat and decorate with flowers (and a "Just Married" sign! ). Decorate your exit from the church (civil registration office, etc) with flower confetti - there is no more beautiful way to make your ceremony pictures unforgettable than the shower of gorgeous flower petals, they are extremely photogenic! Repetition is key to creating a cohesive design. Even a few properly placed items in perfectly repetitive harmony can make a huge visual impact. Bring contrast to the chosen style. It could be a minimalist modern wedding with bold opulent silhouettes and wildly feminine details. Whether walking down the aisle in draped satin or layers of ruffles, embrace the elegant side of your personal style and give it a modern twist.

Stationary

When it comes to invitations and other wedding paper goods, less is really more, don't make it look complicated, try to not incorporate too many details into the design. I can highly recommend you Letterpress Manufaktur MiliaInk https://www.instagram.com/milia_ink/

Milia Ink Design http://miliaink.com

Please, please don't forget to indicate in your invitations the dress-code: "white-tie", "black-tie", "festive attire", "festlich elegant". Don't be shy to ask your guests to dress up, it's just a formality (though tuxedos, floor-length evening gowns or festive cocktail dresses will definitely do give a nice flair to the pictures!)

https://www.instagram.com/whiteveils/

Flowers

Add personal touches to your flowers - whether it's the feeling of your childhood home or a place you stayed and loved - jasmine vines, garden roses, the lilac in your schoolyard or clematis in the grandmother's garden. Loose shapes and soft feminine colours tied with velvet ribbon for a soft touch.

Getting ready 

The most important thing is you look like yourself, let the beauty you possess shine through by highlighting your best features. Avoid trying a completely different look or heavier makeup, keep it simple. Some muah artists think of weddings as long hours performances and prepare the brides like actresses for the stage - lots of long holding hairsprays, several layers of waterproof foundations and heavy eyelashes - so that a person sitting in the last raw in the church will be able to see you ... what about the person who will spend this Day closest to you, will he enjoy this dramatic appearnce? :)

Bride's dressing room can be a part of the hotel or your home. It certainly always helps if the room is beautiful in terms of interior and light, but in any case I would recommend to remove everything that clutters the space - unnecessary pieces of furniture, clothes and hangers, empty bags etc. The wedding dress deserves its own portrait as well as the shoes, the rings and the flowers (ask the florist to send all your wedding flowers to you in the morning), put aside the wedding invitations. I will take pictures of these beautiful details, have some shots of you and your bridesmaids doing your hair and makeup and document the whole atmosphere of the getting ready time, with all the family and close friends, who either with you in the room the whole time or visit you from time to time in anticipation of the coming ceremony.

During the preparation, there should be also some time dedicated just for you alone. How often do you hire a hair stylist, a makeup artist and a photographer? Even if you are shy in front of the camera, just trust the professionals and you will see beautiful portraits of yourself afterwards. For the boudoir shots I would recommend to have an "in-between" version of hair and makeup.

pictures are taken from Pinterest

After taking boudoir shots, I will go to the Groom's dressing room and then come back to the Bride to document the moment of putting on the dress. I would recommend to ask your mom or bridesmaids (with the hair done and dressed beforehand) to participate in this shot.

Civil wedding ceremony

Choose an alternative place to register your marriage, there are lots of stunning authentic locations that will make you feel a part of Swiss history. 

The Zunfthaus zur Waag (the guild house of linen weavers) built in 1287 is one of four licensed wedding venues in Zurich. You can set your wedding date and make a booking at the Registry Office, Zurich Town Hall. 

Portraitsaal in Rathaus of Lucerne is one of the most beautiful places to register the marriage in the whole Switzerland. 

Outdoor celebration

pictures are taken from Pinterest

Outdoor weddings always have a very special ambience. They are beautifully intimate with warm and welcoming feel, they are about bringing your favourite people, sharing your favourite food and celebrating till the dawn under fabulous lanterns. Think of a big farm table adorned with rustic benches, beautiful fabric, antique cutlery, a handwritten or letter-pressed menu, timeless place-card holders that will rise the style.

Indoor celebration

Sometimes you hardly have freedom to express yourself celebrating indoors, you can do something about flower arrangements, chairs perhaps and paper goods (menus and escort cards), the chairs can transform the whole look of the space into something elegant and refined. Match your chair treatments to your wedding style. Consider decorating hairbacks with flowers.

to be continued ...

2021 wedding trends

This year we may be living through unprecedented times that have turned the wedding world upside down and caused lots of cancellations and postponements. Those couples who were willing, and more important, able to go on with their weddings, had to make heartbreaking decisions on who can be there for their special day. Choosing between friends and family can be incredibly difficult, though elopements were a big trend for some years already. After having been forced to self-isolate and not to see your family members and friends for months, the possibility toto celebrate the special day with the loved ones became even more precious. The definition of the “most nearest and dearest” vary greatly on couples in normal time. For some it meant inviting hundreds of relatives, colleagues and acquaintances, some preferred to celebrate in a cosy circle of intimate friends. Anyway, determining the guest list was always overwhelming and not that pleasant as wedding cake tasting. Traditionally the couple got half the guest list, and each set of parents ga quarter of the guest list (the most drama-free approach is to suggest the parents to split the list evenly three ways). Shrinking the event down to a cozy, intimate size will open possibility of having a venue that was not an option before, hiring a wedding photographer that was out of your budget or anything else you couldn’t afford before, you might be able to indulge now. Moreover you will have tons of memories of spending more time with every single guest.

If you feel a low-key version of your dream day just isn’t enough, you could always sign the marriage documents now and plan a larger celebration once restrictions have eased. Anyway, we want to stay optimistic and go on with planning. While the current restrictions are really challenging, there are still options to create a truly special wedding.

Other trends for 2021 weddings

• smaller, more intimate weddings,

• understated, cleaner, more minimal style,

• going big on the little details,

• elopements at “local destinations” (venues that are near the couple's home area but may require having guests stay overnight without having to get on the plane)

• cityhall weddings and outdoor celebrations with romantic ambiance,

• eco-friendly and sustainable,

• interactive food experiences, using  local produce from organic farms

• showing more of your personal style - colour, non-traditional wedding dresses, one-of-a-kind wedding stationary

Social media to inspire

You want your wedding day to be perfect: an exciting, romantic, beautiful event that you and your guests will remember for years to come. Your wedding is your day to shine, and you wouldn't want to look anything less than sensational. Which dress to choose, flowers, shoes, what kind of make up and hair style... Finding answers to these questions can be exciting but daunting at the same time. There are tons of fashion magazines, Instagram and Pinterest accounts. You will enjoy the fun of looking through the latest magazines, watching fashion channels, searching wedding and fashion blogs. You can be inspired by old Hollywood movies or celebrity weddings.

Here, I made a selection of my favourite social media things, some of which might be new and interesting for you.

I'll start with Instagram accounts (every name is clickable)

Instagram of my favourite blog

The Lane

My favourite photographers (they work with the best existing wedding stylists, designers and planners, and therefore great for finding inspiration not only because of their exceptional photography skills! I also want to attract your attention that both of them are film photographers)

Jose Villa

Elizabeth Messina

Two Spanish Instagram accounts that I discovered recently (I wish that all the guests that will be attending your wedding took their outfits inspiration here, totally "picture perfect" dress-code!)

https://www.instagram.com/whiteveils/

https://www.instagram.com/buganviliaevents/

Wedding designer

Joy Proctor

and the classics of wedding blogs

Style Me Pretty

Wedding style inspiration blogs 

https://www.oncewed.com

http://thelane.com

(they are both great, Oncewed is more about natural, quiet and organic beauty, The Lane is more edgy, raw and wilder elegance)

Pinterest

https://www.pinterest.com/oksanabernold/weddings/

https://www.pinterest.com/oksanabernold/allthingsbeautiful/

Huge collection of everything wedding  - wedding dresses, rings, food & drinks, veils & hairpieces, bridal jewelry, bouquets &  boutonnieres

https://www.pinterest.com/oncewed/

https://www.pinterest.com/the_lane

10 interessante Orte für ein Familienfotoshooting

Im Laufe der Jahre verändern und entwickeln sich alle Familienmitglieder, aber besonders die Kinder, sehr schnell. Viele Eltern wollen also so viele Momente wie möglich mit Fotos oder Fotoshootings verewigen, und fragen sich vielleicht, was die besten Orte dafür sind. 

In Zusammenarbeit mit der Babysitter-Plattform Babysits haben wir für euch eine Liste von Orten erstellt, an denen ihr schöne und vor allem natürliche Familienfotos machen könnt. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Ausprobieren!

Im Haus

Es gibt keinen besseren Ort, um schöne Erinnerungen mit eurer Familie zu verewigen, als euer Zuhause. Da ihr den Ort gut kennt und viele Freiheiten in der Gestaltung der Fotos habt, können tolle, natürliche Bilder entstehen. Ihr könnt zum Beispiel eine Szene aus eurem Alltag nachstellen, in der eure Kinder die Aufgaben der Eltern übernehmen und umgekehrt.

Wenn euer Babysitter oder eure Nanny zu Hause ist, könnt ihr sie/ihn zum Beispiel bitten, die Bilder zu machen.. Wer weiss, vielleicht entdeckt ihr ja ein verstecktes Talent! Außerdem werden sich die Kinder wohl fühlen, wenn sie sie/ihn gut kennen.

Im Café

Vielleicht gibt es ein Café oder ein Restaurant, das euch und den Kindern besonders gut gefällt und ihr regelmässig besucht. Dieses eignet sich gut für ein Familienfotoshooting, bei dem jede*r mit seinem/ihrem Lieblingsgetränk posiert. Wenn ihr den/die Besitzer*in gut kennt, dürft ihr vielleicht sogar auf die andere Seite der Bar gehen, und ein bisschen "Familienbetrieb" spielen.

MAÎTRE CHOCOLATIER Erfahrung bei Lindt

 Eine Bibliothek

Bibliotheken haben eine besondere Energie und einen besonderen Charme, die mit Sicherheit schöne Bilder hervorbringen werden. Ihr könnt zum Beispiel nebeneinandersitzen und Bücher lesen, die dem Alter der Person entsprechen. So haltet ihr auch automatisch gleich fest, wie alt die Kinder zu dem Zeitpunkt ungefähr waren. Wenn ihr euch nicht unbedingt im Ruhebereich der Bibliothek befindet, könnt ihr euch auch in den Gängen und hinter den Büchern verstecken.

 In den Strassen eurer Stadt

Wenn ihr eher eine moderne, urbane Familie seid, macht doch einen Spaziergang durch die Strassen eurer Stadt und lasst euch von dem inspirieren, was ihr auf dem Weg seht. Noch ein Tipp: die bunten Graffitis an den Wänden der Skateparks können auch eine tolle Dekoration oder ein toller Hintergrund für eure Fotos sein.

 Auf einem Dach

Wenn ihr in einem Gebäude mit Zugang zum Dach wohnt, könnt ihr bei Sonnenuntergang einen Aufstieg wagen. Die orangen und rosafarbenen Farben der Sonne und der Wolken, die die Stadt überragen, werden euch ein tolles Licht und tolle Schatten für eure Fotos bieten. Seid bei dieser Idee jedoch sehr vorsichtig und probiert es nur aus, wenn euer Dach gross und vor allem sicher genug ist.

 Auf dem Weg zu einem Denkmal

Ihr habt in eurer Stadt sicherlich ein mehr oder weniger bekanntes Denkmal oder einen symbolträchtigen Ort, der bei den Tourist*innen sehr beliebt ist. Jetzt ist es an der Zeit, damit schöne Bilder zu machen! Es macht wirklich viel Spass, eine Szene nachzustellen, in der man selbst in die Rolle der Tourist*innen schlüpft und stolz neben einem Denkmal posiert, das man jeden Tag sieht.

In einem Park

Ein Muss für jedes Fotoshooting draussen: der Park! Einer der grossen Vorteile ist, dass es zu jeder Jahreszeit eine schöne Umgebung ist. Es gibt viele Fotomöglichkeiten: auf Fahrrädern, auf einer Brücke, unter blühenden, herbstlichen oder verschneiten Bäumen, beim Picknick, etc. Wenn ihr die Augen offenhält, werdet ihr zweifellos Inspiration finden.

Familienshooting im Belvoirpark, Zürich (Baby, Newborn & Familien Fotoshooting)

In der Mitte eines Feldes

Ob Weizen-, Sonnenblumen-, Mais- oder andere Felder, wenn niemand in eurer Familie an Heuschnupfen leidet, könnt ihr in einem Feld viel Spass haben und dabei tolle, stimmungsvolle Bilder machen. Versteckt euch zwischen den hohen Pflanzen, zeigt nur eure Gesichter oder spielt Fangen. Passt aber auf, dass ihr dabei die Pflanzen nicht beschädigt und den Bauer/die Bäuerin nicht verärgert.

Die allerschönste Aussicht auf dem Berg

Ihr liebt die frische Bergluft und lange Wanderungen? Dann sind die Berge der beste Ort für eure Familienfotos. Mit den Rucksäcken, den Wanderschuhen und der wunderschönen Kulisse lassen sich tolle Ergebnisse erzielen. Ihr könnt zum Beispiel die Wanderschuhe im Vordergrund aufreihen und im Hintergrund neben dem Gipfelkreuz posieren oder in die Luft springen. Nutzt die frische Luft und werdet kreativ!

An der Küste oder am See

Was könnte romantischer und ästhetischer sein als eine Meeresküste als Fotokulisse? Die sogenannte “Golden Hour”, also die Zeit während die Sonne langsam untergeht, wird euren Fotos ein sehr stimmungsvolles Licht verleihen. Ihr könnt auch die Einrichtungen am Strand, wie zum Beispiel Strandkörbe, für eure Fotos nutzen. Um eure Kinder bei Laune zu halten, könnt ihr sie mit einer Kugel Eis belohnen. Die bunten Farben des leckeren Snacks machen sich auch wunderbar auf Fotos.

Egal ob ihr die Fotos selbst macht oder von einer/einem professionellen Fotograf*in machen lässt, an diesen Orten werdet ihr bestimmt mit schönen Familienfotos und lustigen Erinnerungen belohnt werden. Falls ihr für euren Ausflug noch gesunde Snacks oder Aktivitäten braucht, um eure Kinder bei Laune zu halten, schaut doch mal bei den Community-Themen der Babysitting-Gemeinschaft Babysits vorbei. Auf Babysits treten Babysitter und Eltern miteinander in Kontakt und finden so die perfekte Kinderbetreuung oder einen Babysitter Job. 

10 interesting and creative places for a family photo shoot

Over time, family members and especially children, change and develop very quickly. Many parents use photo shoots to create and capture as many moments and memories as possible. However, coming up with new and creative settings for your next photoshoot can be difficult.

In cooperation with the babysitter platform Babysits, we have created a list of places where you can take beautiful and natural family photos. Have fun reading and trying them out!

At home

There is no better place to experience and capture beautiful memories with your family than your home. Because you know the place so well and have a lot of freedom in the design of the setting, very natural pictures can be created. You can, for example, recreate a scene from your everyday life in which your children take over the tasks of their parents and vice versa.

If your babysitter or nanny is around, you can ask him/her to participate in the photo session, the children will feel comfortable in their presence.

In a café

Perhaps there is a café or restaurant that you and the children particularly like and that you visit regularly. This is a good place for a family photo shoot where everyone poses with their favourite drink. If you know the owner well, you might even be allowed to go to the other side of the bar and photograph your own "family business".

 A library

Libraries have a special energy and charm that will surely provide you with a beautiful setting for your pictures. For example, you can sit next to each other and read books that are appropriate to the age of the person. This way you also capture how old the children were at that time. If you are not photographing in the silent area of the library, you can also hide in the corridors and pose behind the books.

 In the streets of your city

If you are more of a modern, urban family, why not take a walk through the streets of your city and be inspired by what you see along the way. Another tip: the colorful graffiti on the walls of skate parks can also be a great decoration or background for your photos.

 On a roof

If you live in a building with access to the roof, you can try climbing up there at sunset. The orange and pink colours of the sun and the clouds that cover the city will provide you with great light and shadows for your photos. Attention: be very careful with this idea and only try it if your roof is big and safe enough.

 At a monument

You certainly have a more or less well-known monument or an important place in your city that is very popular with tourists. Now is the time to take beautiful pictures with it! It is really a lot of fun to reenact a scene in which you slip into the role of the tourist and proudly pose next to a monument that you see every day.

In a park

A must for every outdoor photo shoot: the park! One of the big advantages is that it is a beautiful environment at any time of the year. There are many photo opportunities: on bicycles, on a bridge, under blossoming, orange or snowy trees, at a picnic, etc. If you keep your eyes open, you will certainly find inspiration.

 In the middle of a field

Whether wheat, sunflower, corn or other fields, if no one in your family suffers from hay fever, you can have a lot of fun in a field and take great, atmospheric pictures. Hide among the tall plants, just show your faces or play catch. Be careful not to damage the plants and not to bother the farmer.

 The most beautiful view on the mountain

You love the fresh mountain air and long walks and hikes? Then the mountains are the best place for your family photos. With the backpacks, the hiking boots and the beautiful scenery you can achieve great results. For example, you can line up your hiking boots in the foreground and pose in the background next to the summit cross or jump into the air. Use the fresh breath of air and get creative!

On the coast or at the lake

What could be more romantic and aesthetic than a sea coast as a photo background? The so-called “golden hour", the time when the sun slowly starts to set, will give your photos a very atmospheric light. You can also use the beach facilities, such as beach chairs, for your photos. To keep your children happy, you can reward them with a scoop of ice cream. The bright colours of this delicious snack are also great for photos.

Whether you take the photos yourself or have them taken by a professional photographer, these are some places where you will be rewarded with beautiful family photos and fun memories. If you need some healthy snacks or activities to keep your kids happy and entertained on your photoshoot, check out the community resources of the babysitting community Babysits. Via Babysits, babysitters and parents get in touch with each other and find the perfect childcare or babysitting job.

Trendy and Minimalist weddings

Despite some kind of traditions, not every couple strives for inviting dozens of guests or only intimate friends to an over-the-top wedding show. In case you are a bride who dreams of a careless wedding planning which doesn`t take a lot of time (though the celebration will be elegant, up-to-date and chic), it makes sense reflecting on the minimalist trend.

The minimalist way of life is all about living a clutter-free life, possessing only those things which are significant and useful to you. That is the major reason why the minimalist weddings we may know and actually desire are described as modest, with clean decor and an impeccable atmosphere which concentrates on plainness. For you to be prepared, we’ve assembled 5 ideas for a minimalist wedding which will cover the majority of the details of the whole wedding theme styling.

1. Wedding Invitations

Every couple is aware of that wedding cards are of utmost importance for the earliest positive emotions you`ll get from the guests. There is no necessity for a pretentious presentation. First and foremost, introduce guests to the wedding theme by persisting in being classic. For instance, use only a handwritten stationery suite of one colour.

2. Natural Table Settings

Remember that the minimalist way of living suggests us making good use of space. Thereby make it possible for guests to sit at longer tables so that you will avoid a constrained atmosphere. Neatly decorate tables with white linen and geometrical crockery.

3. Industrial Minimalist Centrepieces

Designers recommend couples to try out different themes. For example, industrial minimalism lets out gentle country accents, while still caring for the modernity of your minimalist wedding.

4. Wedding Cake

Although several years ago a classic all-white wedding cake may seem too plain and even old-fashioned, nowadays it`s a great trend in the minimalistic wedding world. New techniques and cake-decoration stuff are exquisite. What is more, for styling purposes, concentrate on where and how the cake stands instead of trying your best to find lots of unnecessary decorations. One can just attach several dried leaves for a tone of colour.

5. Food and drink stations

You`d better focus on the presentation of the dishes you`d chosen rather than the decor. Uncomplicated adornments such as plants are the ideal organic embellishment.

Insider information on family activities in Zurich, Switzerland // Destination Family photographer in Zurich, Switzerland

Switzerland is such a nice place for unforgettable family vacations. The country is like a giant fairytale playground surrounded by snow mountain tops and blue lakes. With its numerous museums, parks, water-based attractions, themed trails educating in a playful way, toboggan runs and hanging bridges for outdoor thrills, Switzerland is a perfect place to spend your family holiday. 

Travelling is the time of joy. Everybody wants to have wonderful photos of the journeys in order to remember this precious time forever, that's why consider investing in a family photo session with a professional family photographer. Family photographer in Zurich will catch the most loveliest moments of your holiday. Happy smiles, spontaneous actions, stunning places, and loving eyes - all of these moments will be captured by the professional photographer. All you will need to do - is just to remain yourself and to spend the best days of your life at ease. As I always say, the best way to take pictures is spontaneously but in a prepared reality. When your children are happy and enjoy themselves, the backdrop is stunning, then everything is ideal for the successful photo shoot.

Here are my favourite places to spend time with children and take awesome pictures:

Summer

Old town is perfect for a nice walk combined with the photo session. Your Switzerland based family photographer will show you most interesting and photogenic places. The local photographer will be happy to recommend you the best route. Zurich Lake is great for swimming, there are a lot of beautiful and nicely equipped public swimming areas, called Badis. If you travel with children, you must visit Strandbad Mythenquai. It's forbidden to take pictures in public swimming recreation zones, but if we just step outside to for a mini photo session, we will enjoy the best natural background!

Another favourite activity of mine and my children's is renting a "pedalo" (water bike), what could be better than a little adventure and a swim in a refreshing water!

Take a boat trip of the Lake of Zurich or rent a bike (Zurich offers free bikes to rent by the way) to explore the city.

Autumn

Autumn in Zurich is usually a mild season with beautiful light and colours of the trees. It's a wonderful time to go to the mountains. If you don't have much time, just visit Jucker Farm in Jona to see pumpkins of all possible sizes and colours, or hike to Uetliberg.

Winter

Exploring Zurich during Christmas time is an unforgettable experience! I would recommend to start the morning with a merry-go-round at Christmas Village in Sechseläutenplatz near the Opera House, while there are not so many people (this place is so great for the family photo session as well!), and finish the day enjoying Christmas atmosphere of Conelli Circus at Bürkliplatz.

What else you need to do:

• Take a ride on Märlitram or Honold Chocolate Tram

• Visit Lindt chocolate factory (it's advisable to buy the tickets beforehand)

• Go to the Zurich Opera

• Go ice-skating

• Watch the lighting of the Lucy lights on the Bahnhofstrasse

• Eat lots of fondue and drink hot chocolate!

getting Christmas tree at the local Christmas tree market? :)

Spring

Zurich is incredibly beautiful in Spring. The cherry trees are blossoming, then come magnolias... The one-of-a-kind to see in Switzerland is to go to Kids' parade during Sechseläuten, a traditional Spring holiday in Zürich. You will see lots of cutest costumes and beautiful flowers. Take a boat trip, visit China Garden and Rietberg Museum, buy the tickets to Zirkus Knie at Sechseläutenplatz.

Visit Lindt chocolate factory to make your own chocolate Easter bunnies (it's advisable to buy the tickets beforehand)

All-year-around activities

Explore local museums and art galleries - Kunsthaus, Landesmuseum, Rietberg Museum (the parks around the last two ones are great for taking pictures!), FIFA museum, Zurich Zoo (don't forget to visit Masoala, the Zurich Jungle in the Zoo), go to Rapperswil and visit Knie Zoo.

Pre-wedding pictures in Switzerland // Love story in Switzerland // anniversary portraits in Switzerland

The great thing about being a photographer is the possibility to meet people from the whole world and tell the story of their love. This year I had a pleasure to photograph couples and families with children from Asia, Australia, Middle East, Russia and the USA. If you are planning to have a destination wedding or an elopement in beautiful Switzerland wonderland, don't hesitate to write me! I love the idea of a romantic couple photo session -  pre-wedding pictures, portraits taken during your honeymoon or just a walk in the stunning Swiss Alps ... anything, I am at your disposal!

Minnie and William live in Hong Kong and love to travel, it was so nice to explore Switzerland together and visit these romantic locations - Château Gütsch, Meggenhorn Castle, Interlaken and around.

Anniversary photo shootings and pre-wedding photo sessions in Switzerland are getting more and more popular. Couples from Asia, USA, Australia come to Switzerland attracted by its stunning scenery. There are so many wonderful places, where your photo shoot can happen - Lucerne area, Interlaken, Thun, Grindelwald, the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Engadin to mention just a few. As your destination Switzerland based photographer, I will help you to plan your visit, will give recommendations regarding hotels, hair and make up artist, will arrange flowers and lovely details that will make our pre wedding or anniversary pictures more special and will even drive you, if several locations are planned for the photo shoot. 

Your destination photographer in Switzerland

Switzerland may seem to be a small country, but its wonderful mountains and lakes, fabulous old castles, great Alpine courses, rattling waterfalls, well-preserved medieval towns, and the highest quality hotel complexes attract visitors from all over the world, millions of people travel to Switzerland to enjoy its beauty and attractions. 

Some people collect souvenirs while they are travelling, but still, most of us or even each and every one of us prefers to collect photos of the places where we have been. Photos are like the freezing memories which enable us to take a time machine and come back to some magnificent places we will never forget.

Thus and so, how to make amazing photos when you travel around Switzerland? How to preserve your memorable moments for the whole life?

Choose a Photographer

Nowadays most people have cameras or phones with cameras. Taking a photo seems to be an easy thing. But it is absolutely not true. Catching the light, emotions and gestures in that one important moment is a difficult task which requires the help of a professional. The proficient photographer in Switzerland will help you to save your memories with no additional efforts from your side. Just choose a place you want to remember and call a photographer who will do all creative work for you.

Choose a Place

Since Switzerland has one of the best public transportation systems in the world, you can travel freely in the country and see as many places as you desire. The country is full of nature and architecture treasures. Just in Zurich alone, you can find numerous art galleries and museums, eye-catching architecture that combines both the old and new styles. If you prefer something more active than just enjoying the beauty of the city, you can swim in the clean waters of Lake Zurich or hike through nearby Uetliberg Mountain. There are also many other beautiful places such as Minster of Our Lady church, Old Town, Great Minster church, Bahnhofstrasse (if you want to go shopping) and the Zoo Zurich with rare animals.

Anniversary and pre-wedding portraits in Switzerland

Anniversary photo shootings and pre-wedding photo sessions in Switzerland are getting more and more popular. Couples from Asia, USA, Australia come to Switzerland attracted by its stunning scenery. There are so many wonderful places, where your photo shoot can happen - Lucerne area, Interlaken, Thun, Grindelwald, the Lauterbrunnen Valley, Engadin to mention just a few. As your destination Switzerland based photographer, I will help you to plan your visit, will give recommendations regarding hotels, hair and make up artist, will arrange flowers and lovely details that will make our pre wedding or anniversary pictures more special and will even drive you, if several locations are planned for the photo shoot.

Photographer in Zurich

Photographer in Zurich will solve your problems and save your time by taking photos of you and your family while you are having fun. Don't hesitate to tell what you really want, what kind of photos you would like to get, and what you expect to see as the final result. Your photographer in Zurich and the whole Switzerland is the perfect insider information source, who will help you to plan and implement unforgettable experience (plus you will get tangible memories once you are back home).

You will be pleasantly surprised to see that all your wishes will be totally fulfilled.

How to Choose the Size of Your Wedding Guest List

The good thing is that smaller, more intimate weddings are getting more and more popular. Micro weddings are larger than a traditional elopement but do not include every single person you’ve known since kindergarten. Due to the size, a lot of unique destinations and venues become available options to celebrate the experience with your nearest and dearest." Every couple wants their wedding to be memorable and unique. Although for some of them it means to invite hundreds of relatives, colleagues and acquaintances, there are a lot of those who would prefer to celebrate in a cosy circle of intimate friends. In any case, the process of choosing, almost sorting out, people to be invited is quite crucial and rather challenging. We would like to share several ideas how to make your guest list shorter. Determine your guest list might be overwhelming and not that pleasant as wedding cake tasting. Traditionally the couple gets half the guest list, and each set of parents gets a quarter of the guest list. The most drama-free approach is to suggest the parents to split the list evenly three ways. Be realistic about your guest list count.

10 – 50 Guests : Intimate Weddings with must-have invites - people you simply can’t imagine not having at your wedding, like family and close friends

Shrinking the event down to a cozy, intimate size guarantees you’ll love where your money goes and have tons of memories with every single guest. Those who are invited will feel chosen ones as they see the day of your union for themselves. This amount of guests gives you a chance to mingle with family members and intimate friends a little longer. Your beloved people will have time to say the most important words. Intimate affairs will let you spend money on the things you actually care about.

50 – 150 Guests: Medium Wedding

Speaking about a medium-sized wedding, it can fit you in case you are not going to throw the party of the year. Inviting 50 to 150 guests you keep the occasion large enough in order to indeed feel like fun all night long party though it lowers stress and wedding anxiety. Beyond doubt, exactly a medium sized wedding gives you an opportunity to invite all your “musts” and don`t get lost in the fuss. Moreover, you`ll get more time for the photo shoot from a professional wedding photographer in Switzerland.

200+ Guests: Huge Wedding    

Generally, one of the most indispensable point to take into consideration with a huge wedding guest list is the budget you may involve in the celebration. The couple should pay for the food and beverages of each guest. Depending on the place you`ve chosen, the menu bill may vary, so check it out to not be surprised.

One should also be aware that a great number of guests will bring about the need to socializing. You should ascertain each guest is satisfied and welcomed. 

Plus Ones

If you determined the number of guests, you would want everything to go as planned. Here you should decide whether you add a plus one option to your single friends' invitations which is able to enlarge your wedding guest list or not. For instance, your friends who aren’t engaged or married shouldn’t suppose receiving an invitation with a plus one.

Some thoughts on photography services available in Switzerland

You may spent months preparing for your wedding, but the day itself will pass in a heartbeat. You will be able to re-live the joy and romance of it by looking through your wedding album. So don't take chances with your wedding photographer. You need a professional, whose work you admire, who understands your vision and whose style reflects your own. 

·       Expertise & style

 You may be searching for a wedding photographer for your wedding that will take place in Switzerland or a professional in destination weddings that will come to the place of your choice, or if you are looking for a family in-home session or for a studio staged photo shoot – in any case, I would recommend to choose a photographer, who is experienced in the area and, what is even more important, whose style resonates with your personality. Photographer’s portfolio speaks better than all the words about the style and expertise, so spend some significant time looking through the pictures. Photographers are creative people and happy to experiment, but even trying something new we will stay true to our personal taste and style. 

·       Packages & hidden costs

Most photographers offer a selection of packages. Packages may vary in coverage, number of photos edited, number of images printed, quality of printed pictures and photo albums, etc. So, before making a decision, be sure to find out what is included in a package and which services are available at extra cost. Check for hidden costs, you may be surprised, but sometimes family and portrait photo packages don’t include digital images, the price of a photo session covers just time and talent of the photographer, while products, either digital files or prints, are purchased separately. It's important that right from the beginning you are absolutely clear on how you are being charged, ask your prospective photographer what their policy is. All my collections include full-resolution digital images with a release for personal use (sharing, printing and posting on social media). If you need the pictures for commercial use, please contact me first. Photographers often use password-protected online galleries that are very convenient for displaying  pictures from the wedding celebration/photo shoot. I would also recommend to check, if you or your guests will have to pay additionally to be able to download the pictures and how much. The nice thing about the online galleries is that you as a wedding couple or family on the portraits can regulate who may have the access to the pictures as well as which exactly pictures you want to have accessible.  

·       Duration of a photo session & coverage

The duration of time when the pictures are taken is certainly a very important factor. Don’t fall for longer coverage all other things being equal, except price, while choosing a family photographer – you don’t need 3 hours of a family photo shoot, since your children will be not willing to cooperate after certain time. At the same time, don't expect a variety of pictures, if you book a one hour photo shoot at one location. As my experience shows, 2 hours is the ideal time, we will be able to change the outfits as well as locations. Regarding wedding photography, you do need at least 6-hour coverage for a wedding session and even more, if you want to have the memories of the different stages of the day. We are all different, think what will have more value for you - portraits of you while getting ready, pictures of your dress, shoes, rings and flower bouquet or rather shots from the dancing floor? Formal portraits of the guests are regarded to be essential part of the wedding photo coverage, but are these pictures really so necessary? Why not to limit the formal group pictures to maximum 1-2 and better assign one hour to couple portraits? If you plan your photographer to be present at the Apero, ask her (or ok, him :) to make portraits of the guests (couples, separate small groups of friends), this will be a nicer memory from the artistic point of view! :)

You can’t get what you want until you know exactly what you are searching for, right? :) So be specific. Also, be prepared to ask right questions for getting comprehensive answers that will help you choose the best photographer for your needs.

Family Photo Shoot in Switzerland: How to Get Prepared?

What do you feel when looking through family photo albums? A blend of sweet nostalgia, gentle sadness and warmth of memories... Family photos seal the most important moments, significant events and small life pleasures in our memory. That’s why family photography is one of the most vibrant types of sessions though featuring some peculiarities. When being with close people, we experience the most sincere and warm emotions, which can turn the pictures to real magic – and a professional family photographer in Switzerland just has to create an appropriate atmosphere, add some entourage and capture right moments.

But how to achieve this in the real world? Any family photographer in Zurich will tell you that a successful photo shoot is a result of photographer and models’ joint work. The process begins long before a photo shoot, when you discuss and search for places, ideas, clothes and other details. But when the big day comes, try to follow these simple recommendations:

Have a good sleep, relax and eat well. These are the key factors for matching with "a sound mind in a sound body" rule, which is especially true for families with small children. Even if you plan to arrange a kind of picnic in the process of shooting, have a snack prior to the photo session.

If your family photographer in Zurich offers to choose morning or evening time for your photo session, consider his opinion - natural light is the most favorable during these hours for shooting outdoor. Besides, your younger kids will be full of energy after a night sleep or nap.

Manage your time. Often, mothers are so engaged in getting the whole family ready for a session, that they have no time left for their own hairstyle and makeup. Don’t try to put this away for later, as at the last moment some emergencies may happen preventing mother from brushing up. Make sure that you have enough time for yourself, since mother is usually the glue of the family.

Take some time to cheer up a daddy. As an experienced family photographer in Switzerland, I learnt that in most cases the initiative of arranging a family photo shoot belongs to a wife and mother, while men tend to take such ideas with suspicion. Do try to convince your spouse and father that for a successful family photo shoot you need more that just his presence, but his love, support and an ingenuous smile :)

Best Wedding Invitation Ideas

Best Wedding Invitation Ideas

A wedding is considered to be one of the most intense days during the whole life for a couple. It consists of many details. The wedding stationery sets the stage for a lot of components of the couple`s great day. First of all, these are style and the theme. In this context, it’s indispensable to ascertain that such elements are as remarkable as possible.

After nailing the impeccable invitation phrasing, it’s time to assure you have the appropriate design to fit. Beyond doubt, remember the theme you`d chosen, however, try to think outside the box and select a styling which expresses your inner world ideally. Eventually, there is only one chance to make the first impression. Surprise the guests with one of the marvellous wedding invitation ideas below.

1. Stay minimalistic

Both a trend and a comfortable way of arranging the wedding is elegant minimalism in everything. No need to overreach your wedding invitations with deliberate details. Keep it minimalistic and simple by concentrating on a monochrome design that provides you with charming typography.

2. Draw Your Love

One of the most delightful things for guests to receive is an individual illustration of you and your partner on your wedding invitations. This way the quests may feel cohesion with the couple. From plain vectors to hand-drawn sketches, pick an illustration design which portrays you as a future family.

3. Express it with flowers

It cannot be denied that flowers are an element of the wedding decoration which never goes out of style, regardless of the season you`re becoming a husband and a wife. Anytime a classy choice, adorn the invitation cards with sophisticated floral ornaments.

4. Share a feeling of tropical vibes

Impart your wedding stationery the tropic spirit of the rainforest. This way is perfect for those brides who strives a seaside or outdoor reception. Think of including different rather minimalistic greens and plants in the design to make it clear for the guests what your wedding theme is going to look like.

5. ‘Tag’ your guests

Instead of sending out invites that will just end off getting kept in reserve or thrown away, attempt to create the invitation your family members and intimate friends will be able to reuse. These may be luggage tags or other exciting interpretation of typical invitations.

Wedding Trends in Switzerland

Switzerland is an exceptional country with stunning nature and charming architecture. Every couple would be really happy to arrange a marriage in this land. What are the most popular wedding trends in Switzerland? This article will give you all the necessary information you need to know before getting married in Switzerland.

Most wedding trends come to Switzerland from Europe

Marry Outside

The venue of the wedding can be just a garden near your house as well as it can be the place high in the mountains or by the lake. Beautiful landscapes of Switzerland offer you the great variety of choice where to spend the big day. Magnificent views will be looked amazing on your photos, and they will create the atmosphere of closeness with nature and with all the living things around you.

Off-The-Shoulder Wedding Dresses

Nowadays almost every shirt in the shops is off-the-shoulder but this trend has got to the wedding dresses as well. Brides should be elegant and sophisticated, and off-the-shoulder wedding dresses fulfil this idea absolutely.

Big Statement Earrings

If you have saved your grandmother's pearl earrings, pull them out. In 2017 statement earrings are trendy and up to date. They are considered to suit perfectly with a boho or beach style.

Live Entertainment and Furry Friends

Every couple should remember that they arrange marriage not only for themselves but also for their relatives and friends. The important part of every ceremony is the entertaining of the guests. In 2017 all of the live performances like acrobats, aerialists, and even live choirs will be effective addition to the entertainment list on the big day.

And don't forget about our four-legged friends that play an important role in a marriage day. If you want to have the rustic style of your wedding you may need farm animals. Furthermore, bunnies, donkeys, llamas, puppies, and pigs are significant atmosphere creators.

Wedding Photographer

Zurich is the city of romance and architecture. Many couples dream to marry in Zurich. It's high time to remember about the professional photographer for your marriage.

Wedding photographer in Zurich will catch the most beautiful moments of your marriage and help you to remember your big day forever. Make your wedding a fantastic dream and save memories about this event for your children and grandchildren. Your sweet and romantic characters will look amazing in the photos due to the help of the photo master.

Zürich in einem gezielten Fotografenobjektiv

Waren Sie schon mal in Zürich? Wenn nicht, dann ist es wert die Scharte auszuwetzen und schon in naher Zukunft diese wunderschöne und wirklich attraktive Stadt zu besuchen. Im Nordosten der Schweiz gelegen, ist es der Ort, an dem Sie als Urlauber und gleichzeitig Fotograf arbeiten können. Aber die Hauptsache ist, dass man hier nicht nur einzigartige Fotos machen kann, sondern diese Fähigkeit auch auf höchstem Niveau schärfen kann. In den Augen der Besucher wirkt Zürich wie eine Perle auf dem Hintergrund der niedrigen Berge und des Zürichsees, die nicht ohne Aufmerksamkeit zurückgelassen werden kann und die man nicht vergessen kann.

Dieser Aussage wird auch jeder Fotograf in Zürich, der aus erster Hand von seinen unvergleichlichen Ansichten und atemberaubenden Aussichten weiß, zustimmen. In der Tat gibt es neben dem Weltzentrum für Finanzen und Bankwesen viele malerische und magische Orte, die selbst nach Filmen „fragen“. Was wert sind nur der Fluss Limmat, Altstadt und St. Peter Kirche, die fähig sind, luxuriöse und unvorstellbare Aufnahmen für jede Sammlung zu geben. Nicht umsonst assoziieren viele Fotografen Zürich mit magischem Mekka, wo solche Handwerker immer ein Geschäft haben.

Die richtige Zeit für geschickte Experimente mit Technik

Und in solchen „Übungen“ ist es nicht so wichtig, welche Art von Kameras Sie verwenden, ob modern oder etwas veraltet. Fast jede Optik wird das Ergebnis liefern, worauf die fotografierende Person hofft. Und wenn Sie die relevanten Fähigkeiten des Meisters hinzufügen, dann wird die resultierende Symbiose mit Sicherheit die Erwartungen übertreffen. Für den Fotografen bleibt das Credo des Berufs unverändert: sich nach der höchsten Qualität der Aufnahme zu streben und deshalb nach einzigartigen und schönen Bildern, die fähig sind, neue Gipfel in dem gewählten Gebiet zu „erobern“. Komfortables Zürich wie kein Zweiter bietet alle Möglichkeiten, mit Zeichnungen zu improvisieren, mehr Details zu erzielen und den Schärfenbereich zu reduzieren. Eine ganze Menge von historischen und kulturellen Sehenswürdigkeiten, ergänzt durch natürliche Gebiete, wird helfen, die Fähigkeiten eines echten Profis zu verbessern. Für Liebhaber von Panoramaaufnahmen sind der Utliberg und der Aussichtspunkt Lindenhof genau richtig. Von diesen Orten aus haben Sie eine atemberaubende Aussicht auf die Umgebung, die dem Objektiv jedes Fotografen würdig ist.

On creative photography

Easy uncommon ways to make your photos creative

The majority of photographers become the victims of a boring routine because of difficult winter conditions or predicaments at work. On the other hand, there are those who get ready for the push to set new goals full of intention and determination to become better. So, they make every effort to reach a new level of excellence.

It`s necessary to always keep moving forward and trying unknown techniques. Even if one is working as a photographer in Bern, he cannot just take shoots at the same location endlessly. There should be new thoughts, places and ideas.

Search for extraordinary items to shoot through

In case one intends to diversify the photos, he should implement different objects in numerous forms. It`s considered that craving for challenging ideas and uncommon experiments is beneficial for the development of creativity. However, one cannot deny the fact that sometimes everyone fails in a pursuit for the variety of creation.

This technique suggests using objects from different spheres of life to take photos through them. The hidden capacity of your images will unfold in an unusual manner.

Take a look at these possibilities:

·     Glass cube,

·     Prism,

·     Colourful glass (you may pour water on it),

·     Bubble wrap,

·     Flicker lights.

The number of such objects and their use can only be restricted by your mind and creativity.

Free-lensing

The first thing that is to be said, big chances are never small stakes. It`s high time to leave the comfort zone and use free-lensing.

It is a method when the lens is disconnected from the camera and the photographer uses the viewfinder and manual focus in order to take a photo.

One must concede that the dependence on the weight and size of your lens influences the sophistication of the manoeuvre. The best way of trying this technique will be the reliance of a lightweight or older lens. 

Free-lensing indeed assists photographers to relinquish the absolute perfection and start appreciating the beauty in simplicity. This method is truly appropriate for those who keen on fanciful images, telling marvellous stories.

Anyway, both professional and amateur photographers should think outside the box and take new challenges daily. 

The style of your own

The first thing that is to be said is that the leading photographers all over the world are always in search of uncommon photo decisions. There should always be something special which determines the style of photographer. This may concern the background, the clothing, colours and props. 

Details in colour

One should take into consideration the details because they matter in case one wants to get pleasure looking at the result he got. An amusing and successful photo contains not only of perfect lighting. A photographer should also decide on what tones and colour schemes he wants to see in his images. While creating the whole plan of a future photoshoot, one may consider its main direction, for instance, contemporary, vintage, bold, busy, maximal or simple.

Moreover, it is acknowledged to be a great idea, when a photographer tries to feel the spirit of the season. Either spring and summer or fall and winter, it affects the shoot`s styling a lot. Possessing information about these aspects will help you to get rid of the thoughts which don`t befit the situation. It`s also a possibility to effectively narrow them down to the several “golden” ones.

It is of utmost importance to remember: a professional photographer should always pay respect to the client`s wish. A photographer creates aesthetics around the passions and desires of the customer. 

Props as the main atmosphere`s attribute

Props is not a necessity and an integral part of the shoot, but it can be rather useful.

Although a lot of photographers just deny the existence of props, they may be essential items during the photo shoot rather than tools to be indispensable in the shoot directly.

Speaking about engagement shoots, the couple may point at two or three props which keep a deep meaning for them. For example, these are bicycles, picnic baskets, sketchbooks, guitars, presents and things like that. Furthermore, the photo shoot can be taken somewhere in the first date restaurant or even the city, so that the couple should take with or find the photographer in Zurich or any other part of the world. 

Furthermore, one can imagine this kind of situation. The photographer is taking photos of kids and strives for catching their attention. He could explain to parents this need and ask them to grab with a pocket of favourite dolls and cars not saying anything to the kids. Entertainment and pleasure are guaranteed.

Fewer Efforts, More Elegance: Minimalist Wedding of Your Dream

Fewer Efforts, More Elegance: Minimalist Wedding of Your Dream

Every couple going through wedding preparation knows that planning is likely to be tense as there are so many details and decor elements. However, why not make it simple? Nowadays, minimalism is well-known as a major wedding trend. The secret of its fame: there is beauty in simplicity. In spite of every bride may think that for one of the most significant days of her life she needs overloaded centrepieces and lots of layers of linens for the appropriate table settings, one can find out so much to be mentioned about the minimal touch.

Undoubtedly, during the ceremony, a minimalist style draws the attention of the guests just where it should be — on the bride and groom. In reception, it provides a possibility for the natural beauty and amazing light of the venue to shine as never. Regrettably, the minimalistic style is frequently interpreted as removing all the details. Nevertheless, the major purpose makes it clear that they can seem intentional and ostentatious. Without the fuss, there is nothing to divert from the details that do stay, allowing them to stand out as central elements and making them more valuable. 

To make the wedding minimalistic but still diverse one should use:

Geometrical plate ware to enjoy the dishes not only because of the taste but due to the fact how the whole thing looks like;

A hexagon-shaped two-tiered cake with stylish contemporary marble print on it;

One type of flower. It`s eye-catching and fashionable.

It`s also worth mentioning that a minimalist wedding is usually being represented in several common styles. It`s advised by designers not to combine them without the recommendations of specialists. Firstly, there is organic minimalism, focusing attention on a lot of white with accents of juicy greenness, and there is also industrial minimalism, where urban design meets rural. Furthermore, designers pop out modern minimalism which is keen on playing up shapes and geometry. Romantic minimalism, with airy linen or refined calligraphy, befits genuine romantics. One should admit, the minimalist style tends toward a neutral palette for a mild and aerial look.

On location

Location influences the photoshoot success

Both beginner and professional photographers should know that the location where they take their photos defines the photoshoot success crucially.

One cannot deny the fact, sometimes we enjoy the days when everything works out perfectly and an improvised photoshoot takes place aptly. However, this kind of situation is usually the exception. The photographer`s experience shows a lot of detailed planning turns into a prosperous photoshoot. Whether you are casual, portrait or wedding photographer in Switzerlandor wherever in the world, there will always be conventional components which are necessary to the photoshoot`s success. Today we`re discussing the importance of location you choose.

Firstly, your search for the location. Secondly, you pick up equipment

It is pretty indispensable to decide on the location because this information determines the facilities you'll require. In case you`re taking photos in a studio, you should think over the lenses you would use for the amount of area accessible in that place. For instance, in a tiny studio, you will require 35mm or a 50mm lens for portraits. 

Speaking about questionable natural light indoors, you should take into consideration the time of day and the approachable ambient and natural light at those part of the day to provide you with sufficient lighting. Furthermore, it is usually a perfect notion to possess a reflector convenient for both kinds of shoots (indoors and outdoors), particularly for indoor photoshoots. There is a diversity of kinds of reflectors which are able to make real various effects.

Backdrops

It is of utmost importance to pay attention to your background while planning the photo shoot. In casing one is coming to a customer`s place, one should explain everything and request him to send photos of possible future locations. These may be walls, windows, ladders and something like that. If you are taking photos at home or in the studio of your own, there you have more time and opportunities and are able to arrange the space previously. Moreover, there are situations when you may need to remove unnecessary items so that the remain unnoticed in the shot.

Golden time of the day

Last but not least, the photographer should remember the breathtaking golden hour. It`s the only one which can give a marvellous cosy glow to the images. All the client will be happy and satisfied.

Travel photography

What are distinctive features of travel photography, allowing marking it out from other genres? First of all, let’s define travel photography as a genre that tells about a country through describing its nature, people, way of life, traditions, history, culture and other things associated with the country. So, according to the definition, travel photography can’t be separated from many other genres, since it comprises their features. Sometimes travel photography is landscape photography, sometimes it is a portrait or street photography. That is, travel photos can be taken in almost any genre, except for staged, studio and advertising photography. You may not believe it, but even wedding photographer in Switzerland can take travel photos, when shooting a destination wedding!

Let’s delve into peculiarities of travel photography genres.

• Landscape photography covers views of nature and, as a rule, avoids getting people into the frame. Rural and urban landscapes are the options, showing static, both day and night life of a city or a village. The key word is "static", since dynamic urban life is a focus of street photography.

• Street photography is usually a dynamic photo showing scenes of people’s life in their urban environment. Sometimes, street photography touches on architectural photography (in its aesthetical aspect), though it doesn’t limited to taking pictures of only architectural scenes. Often, street photography tries to deliver rhythm of a city: in some cities it is steady, while in others it is just flying. And yes, street photos are often night photos (night photography deals with outdoor photo shoots between dusk and dawn).

• Portrait is an integral part of travel photography, showing personalities of people living in a country and often delivering other important information, like features of social life, customs and so on. But this is more typical of scenic photography that is focused on people’s lifestyle and activities.

As you can see, travel photography really embraces many genres and one of them to mention is lifestyle photography. If you are a lifestyle photographer in Switzerland, you can create travel photos during your regular sessions taking pictures of people, surrounding landscapes or daily life scenes.