Photo shoot in the snow
The church in Ringgenberg
The church in Ringgenberg
The church and castle at Ringgenberg is an ideal location close to Interlaken, Switzerland. I have used it several times for photo shoots. I have also photographed weddings in the church. It’s a 15 minute bus ride or a 5 minute train ride from Interlaken Ost railway station. I live 5 minutes away from the castle.
It’s a great place to propose marriage to your girlfriend. I can help you plan the surprise with a map and detailed instructions.
It’s a beautiful 12th century castle and church. The composer, Mozart, has given a recital in the church.
There is a regular bus and train service to Ringgenberg. The ship on the Brienz lake stops close by and it’s a short walk up a steep hill.
Photo shoot at sunset
Photo shoot at sunset
We are at the second location. In the snow, in the mountains above Interlaken, Switzerland. An hor earlier Ruben had surprised Julia with a marriage proposal. She said yes.
Catching a sunset takes precise timing. The sun will quickly sink and disappear behind the mountain peaks. I have to plan the photo shoot to get the couple in the best location. In the winter time the sun is lower in its orbit and disappears earlier behind the mountains.
The winter sun can be a big problem. It is normally in the wrong position during the day time. I have to choose the locations carefully. Leave it to me! I have photographed a lot of couples and have the experience.
Maternity photo shoot
Maternity photo shoot
A pregnancy photo shoot with Tanya from Canada. We went to three different places in the Swiss lake side village. The tourist season was over and we had the place to ourselves. Very nice!
It’s November but not so cold. We were lucky with the weather and chose a day it didn’t rain.
I have a few more pictures to post when I get the opportunity.
Wedding in East Switzerland
Wedding in East Switzerland
Photographer for a wedding in the eastern part of Switzerland. Silvia and Christoph had chosen a 1930’s theme. The couple were recommended to contact me by Daniela and Richard. I photographed their wedding two years earlier.
Their wedding was blessed in a church in St. Gallen.
They had organized caterers for the “apero” afterwards in the church grounds.
We met before the ceremony in the Botanical Gardens, St. Gallen. We had a pre wedding photo shoot here the previous afternoon. This was the first time that Christoph had seen Silvia in her wedding dress.
“We are writing to thank you once again for your service as a photographer and DJ on our wedding! We have many wonderful memories from this unforgetable gorgeous day! The USB-Stick has arrived and we will create cards and an Album out of the choice on colourful photographs!” – Silvia & Christoph Brunner
Engagement photoshoot at Giessbach waterfall
Engagement photo shoot in Giessbach
An engagement photo shoot at the Giessbach waterfall with a couple living in the U.S.A.
Lauren is an American but Luke comes from Switzerland. He grew up in Ringgenberg, near Interlaken, Switzerland. His mother knows my hairdresser!
I took some photos with the couple on the left or right side of the picture. The space can be used for “save the date” invitation cards for their wedding.
Civil marriage on the Harder Kulm
Civil marriage on the Harder Kulm
Harder Kulm (elevation 1,322 m) is one of the ten places in the Berner Oberland (Bernese Alps) for an official civil marriage ceremony. An official from the des Zivilstandsamt Oberland Ost conducts the ceremony once a month.
The ceremony takes place on the second floor room of the old restaurant. There are spectacular views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains (on a clear day!)
Unfortunately we cannot hang around as there are 4-6 ceremonies that day. But I manage to take a few pictures of the couple from the balcony. But we have to be quick!
There are other locations for photographs. The viewing platform is popular. However, there are a lot of tourists getting in the way. Sometimes it’s best to wait until early evening.
I live only 8 minutes away from the furnicular railway and have a season ticket. I’m available to photograph your civil marriage, engagement or family event on the Harder Kulm
More Harder Kulm pictures here
Wedding Grand Hotel Giessbach
Wedding Grand Hotel Giessbach
Photographer for a civil marriage in the Grand Hotel, Giessbach. It is possible to be officially married in this Swiss historical hotel. But the ceremony is only held once a month. The dates are here: http://www.pom.be.ch/pom/de/index/zivilstand-pass-id/zivilstand/externe_zeremonielokale/grandhotel_giessbach.html It’s a very popular location and you must book early!
It was raining on the day that Nurcan and Simon “tied the knot”. However, it didn’t stop me taking some nice pictures. I have photographed several civil marriages at this hotel. I know the location and where to go for some great pictures on sunny or rainy days. I live near the hotel and I often visit the waterfall with couples for a photo shoot.
Surprise marriage proposal on the Harder Kulm
Surprise marriage proposal on the Harder Kulm
I had no control over the situation. The viewing platform was busy with tourists walking past. I had to be certain that nobody walked between the camera and the couple. I couldn’t ask them to wait. I couldn’t ask her to take off her sunglasses. But it worked out okay.
Afterwards we had a photo shoot on the Harder Kulm.
Surprise Wedding Proposal in Mürren
Surprise wedding proposal above Mürren
The location is popular with tourists. I had to ask a few people to move speaking in German and French. They gladly moved to another bench when I explained the situation.
Felix arrived with Wendy five minutes later. Everybody watched as they sat on the bench. Felix gave Wendy a book to read. It chronicled their life together with pictures and words. On the last page was the engagement ring!
We met at the furnicular railway in Mürren and traveled up to Allmendhubel. I was in another compartment keeping a low profile. On top, I quickly headed for the hill that overlooks the area.
Lots of work but very enjoyable. Afterwards we had a beer in the Allmendhubel restaurant. (Coffee and 3dl beer are nearly the same price.)
Surprise Wedding Proposal
Surprise Wedding Proposal
A surprise wedding proposal in the Hotel Villa Honegg 6373 Ennetbürgen, Switzerland. I can highly recommend this hotel for any special event in your life.
Bobby had booked me to secretly photographed the moment he proposed to Summer. It was difficult because he took her out into a large field in front of the hotel. I followed discreetly behind the couple with a long lens fitted to my camera.
The Bergregion bei Burgenstock is a beautiful place to visit. Afterwards we spent some time together with a photo shoot in the and around the hotel. We asked the hotel owner to use a hotel balcony. He was very helpful and gave us his best hotel room for 10 minutes.
Surprise engagement Murren
Surprise engagement Murren
A surprise engagement on the Allmendhubel, Mürren with Alex and Nathalie from Australia.
Once again I had to be invisible! Nathalie had no idea of what was going to happen. Alex had booked me over the Internet. He didn’t want Nathalie to know about me and I had to pretend to be a tourist. I had photographed several surprise engagements on this location and knew what to expect. The sun can be a big problem. Today it was cloudy. Would the clouds cover the tops of the mountains. So much to think about.
The Allmendhubel is 1907 meters (6257 feet) above sea level. We had to take trains, a cable car and a furnicular railway which only operates certain times of the year.
Milan Fashion Week 2017
Milan Fashion Week 2017
The Milan fashion Week is in February and September.
Outside the major fashion shows gather a few models hoping to be noticed. It’s a great opportunity to photograph international models in the street. Some of the photographers are also trendy and it’s fun to photograph them.
It’s an entirely different type of photography. Bringing me into contact with the fashion side of the business. Very enjoyable.
Milan is a three hour train ride from Interlaken. So why not?
Couple on their Honeymoon
Couple on their Honeymoon
It was very nice for me to spend the afternoon with Matthew und Vicky. They live in from California, U.S.A. and were visiting Interlaken on their honeymoon.
I am editing their pictures again during the winter months. It’s memories for them and for me. I am lucky to meet so many nice people.
You can see that Vicky and Matthew were a little uncomfortable at the beginning of the photo shoot. I had to be a little bit extra crazy than normal. They soon relaxed and forgot about me. I was able to photograph the love they have for each other. Thanks guys.
I’m British and have been entertaining people most of my life. Speaking perfect English is 100% necessary in my opinion. You can’t get a couple to relax speaking broken English. I also love being creative.
Engagement photo shoot Interlaken
Engagement photo shoot in Interlaken
A photo shoot with a couple in the mountains near Interlaken. We used my car to visit the mountains around Interlaken. It’s a 20 minute drive up the mountain. A ten minute walk along a private road from the car park. The cost of using my car is included in my price.
I normally take some pictures with the couple to the left or the right of the picture. These can be used as “save the date” cards afterwards.
It gets misty during the summer months. Impossible to get clear images of the mountains. This location cannot be used at certain times because the sun is directly over the mountains. In the spring, autumn and winter months the sun is lower. So much to think about. A good reason to book an experienced local photographer like myself.
The iconic three mountains in the background. Eiger Mönch and Jungfrau.
Engagement photo shoot Interlaken
Engagement photo shoot in Interlaken
Joe and Gina on vacation in Interlaken booked me for a photo shoot. They had got engaged and wanted some photos.
It was late afternoon when we met outside their hotel. The weather was not looking good. Rain was the forecast. I actually enjoy it when we have dark clouds. It adds more drama to the pictures.
We used my car for the 10 minute ride to lake Thun (Thunersee)
Gina and Joe were very relaxed in front of my camera. We got some great pictures. Some to be used for wedding invitation cards. We managed to visit a few locations by the lake before it started to rain.
Like most of the couples I photograph, we have become Facebook friends and follow each other.
Surprise engagement on the Harder Kulm
Surprise engagement on the Harder Kulm
A surprise wedding proposal on the viewing platform. She said, “Yes!” Mikey had contacted me by e-mail. His plan to ask Sarah to marry him on the Harder Kulm (elevation 1,322 m).
The middle of the day is not a good time to take photos on the Harder Kulm. The sun is high and shining in our faces as we look out to the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. However, we manage it by turning Mikey and Sarah’s back to the sun. Their faces are in the shadows but there are no harsh, ugly shadows from the sun on their faces.
I had mentioned the sun problem before to Mikey. This was a surprise proposal of marriage and I had to keep a low profile. Mikey and I had made eye contact at the Interlaken Ost railway station as he got in a taxi that took him and Sarah to his hotel. This gave me time to get to the top of the Harder Kulm.
They soon joined me on the top of the Harder Kulm, 1322 meters above sea level, overlooking Interlaken. I followed them on to the viewing ramp and we waited a few minutes for a space to appear. A lot of travel groups from Asia visit the Harder Kulm but they only stay for 10-15 minutes, take a few “selfies” before heading back to the Furnicular railway.
Mikey goes down on one knee to propose. It’s amazing how quiet it is. The tourists on the platform quickly spot that something special is happening! Mikey proposes marriage to Sarah. They hug and kiss and the other tourists on the platform break out in applause. It really is a magic moment in a person’s life!
I have photographed several “surprise proposal of marriage” scenarios and have the experience required to capture this special moment.
It’s nice when a couple put my pictures on Facebook. I will quickly return home and work on the pictures. I live close and I have a season ticket to the furnicular railway. Couples do not have to purchase a ticket for me to travel on the Harder Kulm furnicular railway.
Please tag me in any Facebook pictures.
Sarah wrote on Facebook: “Thank you so much, John!! All the pictures are wonderful!”
Harder Kulm Interlaken
Harder Kulm Interlaken
This is a popular place to be officially married or a surprise engagement.
I have photographed several civil marriages on the Harder Kulm. I have also photographed several surprise marriage proposals where I am unknown to the bride to be! It can be risky. I don’t have control. My experience counts in these situations. I shall not give too much information now.
It’s an 8 minute ride on the furnicular railway up to the Harder Kulm and it’s viewing platform 1,322 meters above sea level. Or its a two and half hour walk up the mountain.
Japanese pre wedding in Grindelwald
Japanese pre wedding in Grindelwald
Japanese pre wedding photo shoot in the clouds above Grindelwald, Switzerland. We were at the Grindelwald First – elevation 2163 m. A location chosen by the bride’s brother.
The couple could not speak English so the bride’s brother translated. They were delayed arriving. I watched as the clouds slowly rolling in and covering the mountains. My heart sank. The couple were well dressed. The bride had had her hair and make-up done by a stylist in Interlaken. We pressed on making the most of the weather.
We spent some time in the clouds but there were no spectacular views. They had to drive back to Interlaken and I proposed a short photo shoot by Thun Lake.
Surprise engagement Harder Kulm
Surprise engagement Harder Kulm
The Harder Kulm is becoming a popular place to propose marriage. It’s also a popular tourist destination! Kate and Mike were lucky with few tourists on the viewing platform.
As always with a surprise engagement, I have to act like a tourist. Ready to spring into action. There are ways around this. Where I have more control over the situation. Contact me for details.
Kate had noticed Mike behaving strangely all morning. Now she knew why.
The weather forecast was not good. But it can change quickly in the mountains. It is very hard to predict. I normally wait until the evening before the engagement. There can be problems on a sunny day. The sun is normally high over the mountains we want to use as a background. This is where the photographer’s experience counts.
Corporate event on Uto Kulm
Corporate event on Uto Kulm
The Uto Kulm is on the outskirts of Zurich. Check out their website with its view over Zurich. I was booked on the 29th March, 2017 to work for the SIX Securities Services AG in the Wintergarten, Uto Kulm.
Spectacular place to arrange an event. A little bit difficult to get to as cars are prohibited with driving up to the Uto Kulm.
The location has a modern restaurant called the “Wintergarten”. A beautiful place for a celebration or a corporate event.
Civil marriage for Australian couple
Civil marriage for Australian couple
Claudia and Darrin traveled from Sydney Australia to be officially married in Interlaken.
They celebrated afterwards in the Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel where we took the group photographs. We traveled afterwards to Wengen (minus 16º centigrade). They were enjoying a skiing holiday with their family and friends.
Pre-wedding photo shoot
Pre-wedding photo shoot
Pre-wedding photo shoot at the Türlersee (Türler lake). Afterwards at the Albispass Restaurant Patrizia and Felix were checking me out as a wedding photographer.
Civil Marriage on Harder Kulm
Civil Marriage on Harder Kulm
Karin and Leandro were officially married in October 2016.
We visited another location before the ceremony for a bridal photo shoot. It was at a school and I obtained permission beforehand. The picture above was taken on the viewing platform on the Harder Kulm.
More information on the Harder Kulm
Wedding celebration on the Harder Kulm
Wedding celebration on the Harder Kulm
Andrea and Gregor live in Holland and traveled Interlaken in Switzerland to be married. They invited family and friends to their official wedding in the Registry Office in Interlaken (Zivilstandtamt)
After the official ceremony they walked the short distance to the Harderbahn furnicular railway. This took them up to the Harder Kulm in 8 minutes for the celebration.
An international wedding with Andrea’s family traveling from Peru. Gregor was kept busy with the guests. He was speaking four different languages fluently. They employed a translator for the wedding. He translated the entire ceremony into Spanish.
Wedding in Hotel Jean Jacques Rousseau
Wedding in Hotel Jean Jacques Rousseau
The wedding of Aurelia und Oscar was celebrated with family and friends. The ceremony and celebration was in the Hôtel Jean-Jacques Rousseau, La Neuveville . A picturesque lake side hotel. Wedding planner: CM Weddings
„Vielen Dank für deine Nachricht und die ersten wirklich sehr tollen Fotos. Du hast wirklich einen super Job als Fotograf sowie als DJ gemacht. Wir sind wirklich beeindruckt und sehr glücklich darüber für dich entschieden zu haben. Thank you very much!“ – Aurelia und Oscar
Wedding in Switzerland
Wedding in Eastern Switzerland
A Swiss wedding in eastern Switzerland with Daniela and Richard. The bridal photo shoot was in the Stadtweiher Wil. The celebration inthe Hotel Rössli Tufertschwil, a beautiful hotel in Lütisberg (St. Gallen canton).
It was a hot day in the park. I brought my large flash unit to compensate for the sun. The couple later recommended me to their friends. Thanks guys!
Civil wedding in Grand Hotel Giessbach
Civil wedding in Grand Hotel Giessbach
Andrea und Karsten’s civil wedding in the Grand Hotel, Giessbach. After the ceremony, the couple celebrated with family and friends in the hotel.
Once a month the official civil ceremony is conducted in this beautiful hotel. An official comes from Interlaken. The dates are here: http://www.pom.be.ch/pom/de/index/zivilstand-pass-id/zivilstand/externe_zeremonielokale/grandhotel_giessbach.html
I have photographed several weddings at this hotel. I only live 20 minutes away from the hotel.
Another wedding in the Grand Hotel, Giessbach.
Surprise engagement in Murren
Ein überraschender Heiratsantrag in der Bergregion bei Mürren. Steffi war völlig überrascht. Ich musste äusserst behutsam vorgehen und Paparazzifotos schiessen. Wir hatten im Vorhinein ein Zeichen ausgemacht, und ich war bereit, diesen besonderen Moment ihres Lebens einzufangen.
Es ist einfacher, wenn es während eines Fotoshootings geschieht. Dabei kann ich Nahaufnahmen beim Anstecken der Ringe machen.
Family Vacation Photo Shoot
Family Vacation Photo Shoot
A very enjoyable late afternoon family photo shoot in Interlaken. Pat, Jeff and Carson are from Indiana, U.S.A. and touring Europe.
