Kraków has many faces — from the cobbled streets of the Old Town to wild pockets of greenery along the Vistula. For expectant mothers this is a big advantage: you can choose an urban, historical or completely natural backdrop without long trips. This article gives practical recommendations for the top 10 locations, photographic tips for the evening golden hour and advice on how to plan a comfortable, safe session.
1. Vistula Boulevards (Bulwary Wiślane) — wide open spaces, benches and a panorama of the Vistula. Perfect at sunset when the light gently wraps silhouettes and concrete or wooden elements create interesting frames. Easy access and places to rest make this a good choice for mothers in late pregnancy.
2. Kanonicza Street — a classic medieval lane with townhouses and warm textured walls. It gives photos an elegant, timeless feel. Best photographed just before dusk, when the streets empty and the light softens.
3. Krakus Mound (viewpoint) — a broad city panorama, especially picturesque at sunset. The mound provides a natural backdrop and space for silhouette shots; keep in mind the walk can be slightly demanding, so plan breaks.
4. Zakrzówek — turquoise water and rocky cliffs that look like a tropical set. Great for more editorial-style frames. Be prepared for uneven terrain — choose safe spots and avoid steep descents.
5. Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden — flowers, alleys and natural leaf frames. Works particularly well in spring and summer when everything blooms; comfortable and calm, with options to shelter quickly from sun or rain.
6. Plac Nowy and the Kazimierz area — color, local character and industrial backdrops. Small courtyards, string lights and murals create interesting, unexpected compositions, ideal for relaxed lifestyle shots.
7. Kanonicza Street and the Wawel area — a royal setting, stone details and historical perspective. Wawel in the golden hour provides dramatic, warm light; remember there are crowds in the tourist season and rules about professional shoots.
8. Planty Park and green squares in the center — easy access, lots of benches and shaded promenades. A good option when you need a short, calm session close to the very center.
9. Przylasek Rusiecki and lesser-known parks — for those seeking quiet and wild backdrops. Fewer tourists means comfort and space to work with favorite poses and props.
10. Intimate courtyards of Stare Podgórze — atmospheric stairs, brick walls and warm evening light. Less obvious than the Main Square but very photogenic and calmer regarding passersby.
The golden hour is the last hour before sunset — it offers soft, warm light that sculpts faces and figures and gives photos a friendly atmosphere. In the evening it's also easier to avoid the biggest crowds, and the sky colors can be spectacular. Remember the length of the golden hour changes with the date — check the sunset time for your chosen day in a weather or photography app.
Prioritize comfort and safety. Pick locations with easy access to benches and restrooms, plan short breaks, and bring a water bottle and a light snack. Take a change of shoes and a light cover since evening temperatures can change quickly.
If you shoot with a phone — use portrait mode or HDR, watch exposure on the face and avoid harsh contrasts. For interchangeable-lens cameras, a fast lens in the 35–85 mm range with a wide aperture is ideal for portrait work in low light.
Plan simple compositions: use leading lines (paths, walls), natural frames (doorways, arches) and vary the camera height. Gentle movements (turning, a small step) look more natural than stiff poses. Photographers should communicate calmly, suggest relaxed gestures and allow plenty of time for rest between shots.
Choose solid, muted colors and fabrics that emphasize the bump — long dresses, light sweaters, fitted tops in soft materials. Avoid small busy patterns that can clash with the background. It's worth having two outfits: one more elegant and one casual to get a variety of frames.
Props that work well: a delicate shawl or throw, a floral accent (a bouquet or a single flower), a hat, and a soft blanket to sit on. For intimate shots consider sheer fabrics or special ruched maternity dresses; for playful frames you can add a favorite pair of shoes or a small prop tied to the baby’s name idea.
In most public tourist spaces amateur sessions don't require formal permits. However, if you're planning a large shoot with lights, tripods, a drone or a staged set — check the rules of the specific location. Historic sites and areas managed by institutions may require permission for commercial sessions.
Avoid setting up large lights in narrow passages and don't block emergency routes or pedestrian ways. In crowded spots the photographer should work with an assistant who watches for safety and helps carry equipment.
A session often needs a break for coffee and a bite — choose cafés and restaurants with good reviews near your planned outdoor locations. Examples worth considering: Café Camelot (a cozy café near the Old Town), Charlotte (the well-known bakery and bistro close to the square) and Restauracja Szara (an elegant spot for a nice meal after the shoot). These places are popular and well-reviewed, so reserve ahead if you plan a longer rest after the session.
When choosing a place pay attention to seating availability, proximity to restrooms and options for a quick snack. For expectant mothers light dishes, low-caffeine drinks and the chance to sit and rest are recommended.
Trying to do too much — plan shorter, well-thought-out shots instead of several hours of continuous work. An expectant mother tires quickly, and fatigue or discomfort will show in the photos.
Unprepared location — check the route, access to seating and toilets and any architectural barriers. Five great, comfortable frames are better than fifteen exhausting ones.
Neglecting weather and light — even the golden hour can be overcast; have a plan B (e.g., shaded shots, a cozy café interior). Small changeable accessories (a coat, pareo) help maintain comfort.
Do I need a permit for a session in the city center? Generally private sessions don't require formal permission, but commercial shoots, tripods or elaborate props may need approval from the place's management. Check rules before planning extensive equipment.
Is Zakrzówek safe for pregnant women? Zakrzówek offers a beautiful backdrop, but the terrain can be uneven. Choose comfortable, stable areas and avoid steep descents; you can ask an assistant for help carrying items.
When is the best season to photograph? Spring and early summer give blooming backgrounds, while late summer and autumn offer warm colors and soft evening light. Winter can provide intimate, minimalist frames with a clear sky.
A small handheld mirror to fix hair and makeup before a shot often saves a frame. Don't judge the result from a single photo — the photographer should take several exposure and setting variants to find the best version.
Small gestures, like gently touching the belly, leaning on a partner's shoulder or looking slightly to the side, look more natural than rigid poses. Playing background music during the session helps relax everyone and capture spontaneous smiles.
If you found this article helpful — share it on social media or send it to friends planning a session in Kraków so they can benefit from ready ideas and practical tips.
If you'd like a personalized route, help choosing locations and organizing the session — consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. You can find contact details on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website and request a route tailored to your needs, taking comfort and logistical support into account on the day of the shoot. Good luck and beautiful frames!
