Small Wonder

June 7 (10/30)

This photo was taken in the quaint, yet charming town of Pilsen. Pilsen is located just Southwest of Prague. The town is famous because it is the home of Pilsner beer and brewery, one of the most famous and popular Czech beers (and my personal favorite). We toured the brewery factory and cellars and were more then excited to sample a fresh, unfiltered Pilsner before exploring town. Pilsen seemed to have all the same charms as Prague, but was much quieter.

This photo was taken in a courtyard near the city center. I couldn’t resist the beautifully bright red and pink roses that were growing in abundance around this courtyard. Not only did they smell amazing, but they were extremely picturesque. I was able to snap this shot, just as the subject looked up to make direct eye contact with me. During my afternoon in Pilsen I noticed how much more camera shy people are here, as opposed to the always-busy Prague. This posed as a challenge to try to snap sneaky pictures. Because the man is looking directly at the camera, I really loved this particular shot. I believe it embodies the true feeling of Pilsen.

Location Notation

June 6, 2019 (9/30)

As if there weren’t enough parks around Prague (there are nearly 200), children seem to make the city their jungle gym. Jokingly, my classmates and I have renamed Prague from “the city of spires”, to “the city of children”. It seems that everywhere we look a baby or small child can be found. So much so, that we have all begun to take notice. While the Czech Republic’s birth rate is shockingly low as a nation (one of the lowest in the world), the city of Prague’s is much stronger.

This photo was taken near the Viniční Altán winery. As we approached the scenic overlook, I came upon group of young girls perched on a stone railing, climbing and jumping off of it. Their parents were no where to be found (probably having a refreshing glass of local Czech or Moravian wine next door). Regardless of where you are in Prague, a similar scene will most likely be found. Children skipping through the metro, dancing in restaurants, climbing up trees, and playing tag in the squares. Simply put, they have truly turned the city into one big playground. And as an adult, you can’t help but feel a little bit jealous that you can’t join them. Or maybe you can 🙂

Noticed

June 5, 2019 (8/30)

This photo was taken at one of the many fountains in Prague, near Jiřího z Poděbrad metro station. It was a quaint afternoon, not as hot as days past. The evening sun was shining and a cool breeze whistled through the trees as people wandered throughout the park and farmers market. I stumbled upon this fountain and decided to try out the “deer blind method”. As I waited for what might be an interesting photo op, I was taken back by just how present my peers seemed to be. Women pushed sleeping toddlers in strollers, and men sat on park benches staring into the trees. Teenagers chatted on blankets in the grass, taking long drags from hand-rolled cigarettes. No one seemed to be distracted by their work, school, phone, or frankly, anything else.

Soon enough, a young boy took over the fountain. The boy danced and shrieked and smiled as he played in the water, his parents cautiously watching over him. He rested barely long enough for me to take the photo. This photo makes me really happy, not only because it reminds me of pleasant memories from my own childhood, but because it also brings me comfort to know that children today can still find joy in things besides their iPads or Xbox’s.

Noticed

June 4, 2019 (7/30)

Today we continued exploring the many nooks and crannies of Prague. Just as
I think I am finally learning my way around, I turn a corner and stumble upon a
new neighborhood, stunning sculpture, or quaint park. There really does
seem to be something for everyone here. And behind every new corner, is a story.

This photo was taken outside one of the many cafés that dot the streets
of Prague (on a much needed coffee break). As I approached this young man from
the front, he seemed to have a typical haircut. It was only after he turned that
I noticed the intricately designed tattoo across his skull. One can only wonder about the background significance of this choice. Quickly, I grabbed my camera and was able to capture the moment. It goes to show that you can’t ever judge a book by its cover. There is always much more to someone than what meets the eye.

In some ways this parallels what I have experienced in Prague. What first appears as an ornate clock, turns out to provide viewers with time, date, astronomical and zodiacal information. Similarly, what one might believe is just a beautiful building, turns out to be the oldest synagogue in all of Europe. There is deeper significance for nearly everything in this city. The challenge is being open and curious enough to be able to see it.

Morning Glories

June 3, 2019 (6/30)

This picture was taken near the John Lennon wall in another crowded, touristy area in Prague. There is intentionally a lot going on in this photo – people talking, people smiling, people observing, people running into one another. In a city of nearly 8 million tourists annually, it can get a bit crowded sometimes. And when it gets crowded, it can be overwhelming. Thousands of different people, setting out on a thousand different paths everyday. This photo displays just that.

While the frame is busy, it is meant to compliment and highlight the young boys expression. His eyes seem frightened and overwhelmed to say the least. This really resonated with me. It reminds me of how I feel getting on the crowded metro some mornings, or walking down Charles Bridge at sunset. Different people glaring at you, being pushed into other’s personal space, trying to protect your belongings.

But in the end, its the things like this that make it all a part of the experience. Sometimes you have to go out of your comfort zone to get the right angle for a photo or navigate the tram. I think everyone can relate to what this boy may be feeling on some level, in one way or another.

June 2, 2019

Weekend Miser (5/30)

This picture was taken after our scavenger hunt as we relaxed in a park close to Angelato, my favorite gelato shop. The city is noticeably calmer today and less crowded. For the most part, people seem to be moving at a slower pace. It is Sunday after all. I appreciated the opportunity to just sit in the sun for a while. It was nice to unwind and be able to reflect on our long week in this new place. Others seem to have had the same idea.

I love the way the sun can be seen shining down from the top of the photograph. It’s almost as if it is cascading a warm blanket over the subjects in the photo as they appear tranquil, sprawled out on the park bench. For me, this picture embodies an ideal Sunday afternoon, spent in good spirits, in good weather with good friends.

This photo was intentionally taken from a distance, as opposed to some of my other work. I choose to do this because I do not believe the viewer needs to be near the subjects to understand what they may be feeling. The photo is meant to portray serenity, and thoughtfulness. Sometimes after a long week, or even a long day, all you need is a little time and distance to reflect and prepare for the week ahead.

Not From These Parts

June 1, 2019 (4/30)

This photo was taken at the John Lennon wall, which has become an extremely popular place for tourists. The wall is covered in graffiti with a portrait of Lennon and the words “All You Need Is Love,” as well as many other’s work. The famous singer and activist actually never visited Prague.

I learned that the wall was named for Lennon after his death because “he was a hero to the pacifist youth of Central and Eastern Europe during the totalitarian era.” Lennon’s philosophies are said to have inspired many in Prague. As a result, some citizens began to graffiti the wall as a form of expression because they did not have many opportunities under the communist rule.

While people still graffiti the wall today, it’s probably safe to say that it has turned into more of a Instagram photo op than a place for voicing unique ideas and fostering change. Instead of pondering what is written on the wall, most seemed to be focused on getting the perfect Snapchat. I wonder what Lennon would think of that.

Small Wonder

May 31, 2019 (3/30)

This photograph was also taken near the whirl-wind of Old Town Square. Old Town Square is a nice place for beginner level photographers, like myself, because there is always much to be captured. It is easier to take photographs here because of the constant bustle.

In real life, this boy appeared to be happy, although he looks more curious in this photo. He was very intrigued by the idea that I may be taking a photo of him. This is a common expression I have received as I walk the streets with my camera. People are very confused as to if, and why I am taking their photo. Some do not want to have their photo taken and become angry and confrontational, while others will pose and smile when they realize my intentions.

The boy’s stained lips remind me of the simple pleasure of enjoying a cold treat on a warm summer day as a child. Sometimes it is the smallest things that can bring joy into ones day. I liked his intense, perplexed expression. It seems quite serious for someone of his age.

Around Here (2/30)

May 30, 2019

This photo was taken near our classroom. I thought this young man had a rather interesting and relaxed vibe. Perhaps he is taking the edge off of a stressful day or just enjoying some down time.

As I spend more time exploring the streets of Prague, I begin to notice more small differences between way of life here and back at home. One of the many differences my classmates and I have noticed is the prevalence of smoking cigarettes. On almost every street corner, people can be found smoking. Some take smoke breaks alone, while others huddle around and smoke together, casually talking and laughing. Smoking seems to be more of a social activity here. In restaurants and in the workplace it is common for people to excuse themselves to take smoke breaks outside.

In Austin, which is considered a rather progressive, clean, and healthy city, cigarettes have been on quite the downfall. Rarely do I see people smoking cigarettes. Here, it seems to be a much more common occurrence.

A Thousand Words (1/30)

May 29, 2019

People from all walks of life can be found amongst the streets of Prague. In a city of 1 million inhabitants, and 4 million tourists annually, everyone appears to be able to coexist. As a result, Prague is an ideal place to people watch. People of all different ages, ethnicities and economic statuses walk alongside each other. People dress differently, talk differently, and behave differently here. However, one of the biggest differences I have noticed is the pace at which people go about their day. Some appear to be on a mission, while others linger throughout the streets, head tilted towards the sky. Some keep to themselves and shove through the crowds, while others laugh and hold hands. Some look at the city through their camera lens, while others prefer taking in the sights directly.

This photograph was taken outside of Old Town Square. The family didn’t seem to be rushed or bothered. They smiled and joked with each other and hugged often. The parents laughed as their daughter made silly faces. I enjoyed watching this family interact with each other. Although I do not know where they are from, or anything about them, their familial love is easy to recognize. As different as many people in Prague are, the way in which this family interacted with each other seemed universal. One can’t help but wonder what is being said amongst them, the emotions they may be feeling, or the significance this day may have in their lives.