In short: CandidYES is a Prague-based studio that photographs surprise proposals and engagement sessions. The photographer plans the spot and timing with you in advance, stays out of sight during the proposal, captures the reaction from a distance and then steps in for a portrait session. According to the studio, it has photographed more than 500 proposals since 2014.
Key facts
| What it is | Surprise proposal and engagement photography studio |
|---|---|
| Based in | Prague, Czech Republic |
| Photographer | Kemal Onur Özman, working in Prague since 2014 |
| Experience | 500+ proposals photographed (studio’s own figure) |
| Also covers | Vienna, Dresden, Salzburg, Berlin, Český Krumlov, Karlovy Vary, Brno |
| Prices | From €179 (listed prices, October 2026) |
| Gallery delivery | 5–7 days for the full edited gallery |
| Languages on the website | English, German, Czech, Turkish, Spanish, Hebrew, Arabic |
| Booking | Online form, email or WhatsApp; reply within 24 hours; 30% deposit |
| Website | candidyes.com |
What is CandidYES?
CandidYES specialises in one kind of photography: the moment someone asks “will you marry me?” and the minutes that follow. Instead of a posed shoot, the session is built around a real surprise. The person proposing knows the plan; their partner does not. The photographer is already in position when the couple arrives and photographs the proposal with a long lens, so the reaction is genuine. Once the question has been answered, he introduces himself and continues with relaxed portraits of the newly engaged couple.
The studio is run by Kemal Onur Özman, a photographer who has worked in Prague since 2014 and also shoots weddings, family sessions and portraits.
How does a surprise proposal shoot in Prague work?
The studio describes a four-step process:
- Tell them your plan. You send your date, city and the mood you have in mind. The studio says it replies within 24 hours with availability and a location suggestion.
- Planning. The exact spot, the time of day for the best light and a cover story are agreed in advance, usually over WhatsApp. You receive a map pin and a simple plan. Flowers, champagne or a boat can be arranged if you want them.
- The proposal. On the day the photographer is in place before you arrive and stays unnoticed. You propose; he photographs it from a distance, then joins you for portraits.
- The gallery. A preview arrives within days and the full edited gallery in 5–7 days.
The studio’s own planning guide goes through the steps in more detail.
How much does proposal photography in Prague cost?
CandidYES publishes fixed prices for five experiences. These were the listed prices in October 2026; check the experiences page for current rates.
| Experience | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| First Glance | €179 | 20-minute session at one Prague location, 20+ edited images |
| Golden Hour | €239 | Longer session timed to the best light, one location, 30+ images |
| Eternal Prague | €289 | Extended session with a full portrait set at one iconic location, 30+ images |
| Petal & Pop | €299 | Styled 20-minute session with a hand-tied bouquet and champagne, 30+ images |
| Romantic Prague Boat Proposal | €1,290 | One hour on a private boat on the Vltava, champagne included, 40+ images |
Every experience includes coverage of the proposal itself, a portrait session straight afterwards and planning support. Optional extras listed on the site include drone footage, a second photographer, a short video teaser, an extra location in Prague and day-trip locations one to two hours from the city. A 30% deposit secures the date and the balance is due before the shoot.
Where in Prague can you propose?
The studio lists more than 35 scouted proposal locations in Prague, grouped into landmarks, riverside spots, gardens, viewpoints and hidden courtyards. The most requested include:
- Charles Bridge at sunrise – the classic Prague backdrop, and nearly empty at dawn.
- Vrtba Garden – a terraced baroque garden where the proposal can be photographed from a higher terrace without being seen.
- Petřín Hill – orchards and wide views over the city.
- Kampa Island – a quiet riverside park beside the Čertovka canal.
- Vyšehrad – a hilltop fortress with river views and far fewer visitors than the castle.
If you are unsure, the site has a short location quiz and a golden hour calculator for working out when the light will be best on your date. For background on the places themselves, see our own Prague guides.
Does CandidYES work outside Prague?
Yes. Prague is the home base, but the studio also photographs proposals in Vienna, Dresden, Salzburg, Berlin, Český Krumlov, Karlovy Vary and Brno, and offers day-trip locations around Prague as an add-on.
Who is it for?
- Travellers planning to propose during a trip to Prague who need someone local to choose the spot and the time.
- Couples who want natural, unposed photographs of the moment rather than a staged re-enactment.
- People who want fixed, published prices and a quick answer about availability.
- Already-engaged couples looking for an engagement session, a small elopement or a private boat experience.
Frequently asked questions
Will my partner notice the photographer?
The service is designed so that they do not. The photographer is in position before you arrive and works from a distance until the proposal has happened.
How far in advance should I book?
The studio does not publish a minimum notice period. It says it confirms availability within 24 hours of an enquiry. Sunrise slots at popular locations and dates such as Valentine’s Day, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are limited, so earlier is safer.
When do we get the photos?
A highlight preview within days and the full edited gallery in 5–7 days, according to the studio. The boat experience is listed with priority delivery in five days.
How do I pay?
A 30% deposit is paid online by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay to hold the date, and the balance is due before the shoot. The studio states that the deposit is refunded in full if it has to cancel.
What is the best time of day to propose in Prague?
Sunrise gives the softest light and the fewest people at central landmarks such as Charles Bridge. The hour before sunset is the other good option, particularly at viewpoints and in gardens.
How to contact CandidYES
Use the booking form on candidyes.com, email info@candidyes.com, or message the studio on WhatsApp via the contact page.
Disclosure: CandidYES is run by Kemal Onur Özman, who also publishes Photographers.com.tr. Figures such as the number of proposals photographed, delivery times and prices are the studio’s own and were taken from candidyes.com in October 2026.
