Wojciech Bednarski Park is a place that often surprises: it is a more-than-century-old landscape garden set in the hollow of a former quarry in the Krzemionki area. Because of its terrain and preserved fragments of fortifications, the park has a dramatic topography rarely seen in urban green spaces — high escarpments, stone steps, wooded hollows and wide meadows.
For a photographer it’s an ideal space: varied foregrounds and backgrounds, contrasting tree profiles, stone embankments and several natural viewpoints from which, on a clear day, you can glimpse parts of Podgórze’s panorama. The park also contains historic small-architecture elements and a monument to its founder that work well as reference points in the frame.
The park neighbors distinctive Podgórze spots — from the stairs by Zamoyskiego Street to Lasota Hill and Krakus Mound — so a walk through the park can easily be woven into a larger photographic route through the southern part of the city.
The golden hour (shortly after sunrise and just before sunset) is of course the time you don’t want to miss. In Bednarski Park the light at those moments gently wraps the edges of rocks and tree crowns, creating beautiful contrasts and a halo effect around people.
A morning walk has the added benefit of quiet and few people. Valley mist on cooler days can add mystery to your frames. In the evening the light is warmer and longer shadows emphasize the terrain’s relief.
If you plan family photos with a stroller, time your arrival about 30–40 minutes before the planned golden hour — you’ll have time to find a good spot and set up your gear before the light starts to change.
Meadow below the Gloriette - an open area ideal for sky-backlit shots; a good place for wide-angle frames that show the park in the city context.
Stairs from Zamoyskiego Street - the stone steps at the fort’s edge create a strong leading line. A shot from the bottom with a person walking toward the light gives a sense of depth.
The high ground called the 'Promenade Garden' - the geometric layout of paths and mature trees works well for portraits and plant-detail photos.
The escarpment edge and fragments of 18th-century earthworks - the rocky profile and raw rock background are great for contrasty, dramatic images.
Viewpoints facing Lasota Hill - from some places you can capture an interesting frame that connects the green of the park with the Podgórze panorama.
Lens: a 24–70 mm zoom is a great all-purpose choice. For details and portraits a 50 mm f/1.8 or 85 mm is useful. A wide-angle (16–35 mm) helps with panoramas and terrain architecture.
Tripod: a lightweight tripod or monopod is helpful at sunrise and sunset when exposures lengthen. If you’re bringing a stroller, pick a compact tripod that folds up easily and can be attached to the stroller.
Filters: a polarizer boosts leaf colors, and a neutral density (ND) filter lets you make creative long exposures — for example at sunset if you want to smooth cloud movement.
Settings: during golden hour work with low ISO and a wide aperture for soft bokeh in portraits; use aperture-priority (A/Av) or manual mode if you want full control over light.
Extras: a soft reflector or small fill panel helps illuminate faces when shooting into the sun — a simple solution for family portraits.
Bring a comfortable, all-terrain stroller with larger air-filled wheels — small plastic wheels can get stuck on rocky paths or in ruts.
Plan your route - the park includes sections with stairs and more natural paths. If you want to avoid lifting the stroller, choose entrances and paths described as paved. In some places you’ll need to carry the stroller over steps or manually set up a makeshift ramp.
A baby carrier or wrap is a great complement — when you want to reach a viewpoint via a steep path or set up the tripod, it’s easier to move without the stroller.
Put the child’s safety first: keep a blanket and bottle handy, and when photographing make sure the stroller is locked and placed stably off the main path.
If you’re with a newborn or very small baby, consider shorter approaches and more breaks — natural terrain can be more tiring than a city promenade.
Coming at noon - harsh, flat light will bury the park’s mood. Plan for morning or late afternoon instead.
Small stroller wheels and no route plan - this often forces you to carry the stroller over stones. Check entrances and choose paved paths if you prefer rolling rather than carrying.
No extra light source for backlit portraits - a simple reflector or small fill light really helps produce pleasing portraits.
Unprepared gear for changeable conditions - shaded corners can be damp; bring a lens cloth and cover for your equipment.
Leaving a car or bag in plain sight - city parks are usually safe, but take basic precautions with expensive gear.
Podgórze has many pleasant cafés and eateries. After a walk it’s worth dropping into well-reviewed spots that locals and visitors appreciate; they serve good coffee and something to eat.
If you plan a short break with a child, choose cafés with changing facilities or spacious interiors — Podgórze has several family-friendly places. Reserving a table by the window will make resting after shooting more comfortable.
Use a low angle - shooting from the level of a stroller or crouching beside it gives a cinematic, heroic effect to people against trees and sky.
Look for frames - natural gaps between branches, stone arches and steps act as natural frames for your main subject.
Use the first and last rays of sun for rim light - place your subject with their back to the sun to get golden hair and silhouette edges.
Keep the story of the place - include historical elements (fortification fragments, the old monument) so the photo tells more than a pretty picture.
Talk with locals - residents sometimes know the exact spots where the light is best at particular times of year.
Is the park open all day? - The park is a public space generally accessible around the clock, but check city notices for events or maintenance work.
Do I need to pay to enter? - No, Bednarski Park is public and free to enter.
Are there toilets and changing facilities? - The park itself does not have extensive sanitary infrastructure; the nearest toilets and changing facilities are available in nearby cafés and service points — plan a short break after your walk.
Do I need a permit for a photoshoot? - Casual and amateur shoots don’t require permission. For a large commercial session (with a full crew, very large tripods, paid models) consult the city office or land manager.
How do I get there by public transport? - The park lies in the Podgórze area; taking a tram or bus followed by a short walk is usually the most convenient. Check current lines and timetables before you travel.
If you enjoyed this guide — share it with friends; someone might be looking for a calm, family-friendly spot for a city photoshoot. Your pictures from Bednarski Park can be a lovely keepsake from Krakow.
If you would like to explore Podgórze more deeply and combine a photographic walk with local stories, consider using the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — on the website you’ll find contact details and offers for family- and camera-friendly tours.
Good luck catching the light — Bednarski Park rewards patient observers.
