On the outside youll find the iconic Wrigley Field, Home of Chicago Cubs sign which lights up in neon at night, and some decorative iron balustrades at the field gates. You can actually plan on doing a loop around the L just to sit and watch out the window. SkyDeck looks amazing. If youre going to take a CTA photo, you might as well do it at the Washington/Wabash elevated platform. If you're into architecture, look for this interesting 1887 rowhouse with intricate Middle-Eastern details. A photo permit must be secured in advanced to use this location, and just note, pups aren't allowed here. This is due to the fact that there . Chicago is one of the best cities for photographers in the United States for a good reason and you shouldn't miss the chance to get there. We all love that soft light, and this is the perfect place to never have to worry about the windy Chicago weather messing up your photos. Its a trippy and fascinating experience, and theres lots of room for you to create some cool stuff. 1060 W Addison Street Ive yet to stop here but may do so today. A town off the Mississippi River with rolling hills makes for a great place to photograph. There are a lot of possible vantage points, but this article points out 10 of the best places from where you can shoot the skyline. The things I like the most about Chicago are all these streets and the bridges over the Chicago River in the center of the city, which offer so many opportunities for different kinds of photography. The Chicago city skyline behind the BP Pedestrian Bridge at sunset. The SkyDeck. It doesn't get as colorful in the fall as other places though, so you may want to choose somewhere else if you're hoping for beautiful fall colors in October. Northwest Chicago Suburbs: for you. Richie Diesterheft/Flickr. WS Photography is an award winning team of professional Pilsen wedding photographers from Chicago, specialized in wedding photojournalism, art and engagement photography. This beautiful indoor . Photo taken at Mallard Lake Forest Preserve. That's all for now! Greene Barn, 23W171Hobson Road, Naperville, IL 60540. WEBSITE, The Bean Cloud Gate by Anish Kapoor Chicago, IL 60605 With gorgeous gardens and fountains outside and embellishment that resembles lace inside, the Bahai House of Worship is one of the North Shores most beautiful structures. Many people who are visiting Illinois head straight for Chicago, but for nature lovers Illinois has plenty to offer as well. Like the South Elgin waterfall below, this should not be a primary destination, but it is quite nice to hit when going to a bunch of sites. Glencoe Beach Besides that, you can incorporate both the clear water and the sand as a background for your photoshoot which offers a visual story of you being on a vacation. Karthika Gupta. Boasting many parks and world class museums, Chicago is a great place to take photographs in all seasons. Cantigny Park* // Wheaton. WEBSITE . Speaking of the lake, Glencoe Beach is a gorgeous spot to catch the sunrise with your toes in the sand (and camera in hand). I've learned that this forest preserve is not ideal during golden hour because it is heavily shaded, but if you go a little earlier than that it has some really beautiful trees, a river and bridge, a pond and some cool trees. There are fine views of the Chicago skyline and of Lake Michigan as well as the sandy beach itself. Credit: @kyliekatich. 7. 500 N Lake Shore Dr 2. The park features Pierce Lake and Olson Lake and 40 miles of hiking trails that allow you to find plenty of subjects for your photos. WEBSITE, Union Station 21950 N. Riverwoods Road Colored/Textured Walls. WEBSITE, The Magic Hedge at Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary It has a fountain, there are almost always flowers in bloom, and it has great light both in the morning and evening. In season, rent a chair and umbrella or get more adventurous with a sailboat or hobie catamaran rental for the perfect family day or group outing. Nature preserves, nature centers, old playgrounds, anything. The views from this spot look particularly spectacular at night. Starved Rock (Utica) John/Flickr. This is a great place for a golden hour session. Commercial photographers do need a permit from the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Illinois Beach State Park is located in far northeastern Illinois along the shores of Lake Michigan. Chicago, IL 60611 Mississippi Palisades State Park (Savanna) Of particular interest to keen photographers are the Japanese Garden, the Heritage Garden and Barbara Brown Nature Reserve. We hope you have dog-eared some of your favorite indoor locations for your own engagement sessions or wedding . The statement staircases, geometric metal scaffolding in a hallway, nearly floor-to-ceiling windows, and the elegant Tiffany dome make this a great space for someone with an artful eye. Mantonya Facade Historic Row House. North Chicago Suburbs: [Bartlett, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Barrington, Long Grove, Elgin]. Today I'm sharing some of my favorite locations in the Chicagoland area to shoot at! The fountain operates from April to October and there are frequent water shows on the hour. Chicago, IL 60603 This places are great for outdoor family photoshoot, pre-wedding shoot and pet photoshoot. 1S151 Winfield Road Horseshoe Lake is in southwestern Illinois, just a short distance from St. Louis, and is the home of Horseshoe Lake State Park. Chicago, IL 60613. If youre planning a Chicago photography trip, here are my suggestions for 10 fabulous photo spots in Chicago! The building takes its name fromWilliam Wrigley Jr.who commissioned it as the headquarters of his chewing gum company. 300 N Central Park Avenue We have heard reports that the glass inside the ferris wheels cabins can be dirty with peoples fingerprints. Naperville, IL is located 28 miles west of the city and is Chicago's largest suburb. This Hindu place of worship was built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. As this place is a popular Chicago Instagram spot, be prepared to elbow a few social media influencers out of your way while shooting. There are also fountains on the ground, which are very popular with children in Summertime. Lots of bridges as you travel North from there. Cars can park right next to it which can make getting a good photo challenging. It offers spectacular Chicago skyline views and is never too crowded. Chicago, IL 60608 There's a large hill to the west, so golden hour sessions should start about 15 minutes earlier than usual. WEBSITE Artist: ROA, Fight Harder, Fly Higher In Aurora there is Philips Park. This spot is very versatile because there are a lot of manicured areas with flowers, seat walls, a beautiful covered porch, a barn, a lake, and in addition to all that there is a field that usually has tall grass. PERMIT, Jay Pritzker Pavilion Good for: Uniqueness, Engagements and portraits. Inside of Lincoln Park Conservatory is a curved brick pathway that leads visitors through a tropical plant display. Ive created this list of the best engagement session spots in the city of Chicago after more than a decade of capturing weddings and engagement portrait sessions at each of this incredible locations. It takes its nickname from its bean shape. We are considering the Naperville Riverwalk too, love it! From cityscape to nature, theres a little bit of something for us all. This is for train buffs. This is a super easily accessible trail with a waterfall, bridge, and trail. WEBSITE Let's start with the obvious place, no other landmark is more iconic than our urban jewel. (hint: if you were to go to the casino you can get a free pass to park in the form of a players club card) There is also great Mexican food to be had in this area bridge and street photography opportunities as well. Chicago, IL 60640 Chicago, IL 60613 One of the most colorful Chicago sights is the flamingo mural on North Wells Street. Stand on Madison or Washington Streets at State Street facing Millennium Park to see the city light up in a new way. Some suggestions are the Wells Street Bridge with its angled beams, or the DuSable Bridge which has an outlook over some of Chicagos best-known buildings. With its iconic architecture and stunning lake views, the city provides plenty of opportunities for photographers of all levels to capture amazing shots. In Response to : Omg i never though of peacock feathers love that, the only issue with using those colors for the bouquets for the girls is that they will be wearing those colors you dont think it will clash? If youre interested in maritime history, you can also walk out to the end of the pier to see the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse with Lake Michigan as a backdrop. Herrick Lake Forest Preserve - Naperville, Illinois. The Shawnee National Forest is in southern Illinois in the Ozark and Shawnee Hills. Each year the lake is drained to provide a habitat for shorebirds. Pilcher Park and the Bird Haven Greenhouse is pretty much the same thingthat's where I'm gettting married. 6167 N River Road Lit brightly by the Victorian Era glass house ceiling, the conservatory is an excellent location for model photography. Log in, Why hello, I'm Brittany. Cloud Gate is open from 6 am to 11 pm. This iconic attraction stretches along the Chicago River, offering stunning views of the river and the city's unique architecture. Unfortunately, though, there is currently no way to definitively measure when infringement ends and a new work begins. Theres even a small, cool stream thats perfect to dip your toes in on a hot summer day. The only challenge is finding a free spot ;-). In association with Enjoy Illinois and Choose Chicago. 9. Evanstons beaches (Lighthouse Beach, Clark Street Beach, Lee Street Beach and more) also offer prime photo ops, in addition to kayak and sailboat rentals, lessons, fishing and more. 10. like each girl will be wearing different colors. Interesting rock formations also provide other photographic opportunities. This interactive video sculpture was designed by Jaume Plensa andbuilt by Krueck + Sexton Architects. Even after countless sessions at Leroy Oakes, I still haven't even utilized all of the areas this place has to offer. 9. The glass conservatory lets natural light in from all angles, so if you do plan portrait session here, youll look stunning. I found that sunset was a great time to visit this Chicago photo spot, as the sun peeked out from behind the skyscrapers creating a bright sun flare against the afternoon sky. The Chicago Theatre is one of Chicagos most famous and photogenic landmarks. The Chicago "el". Copyright 2023 Chicago's North Shore Convention & Visitors Bureau. Seeing as the original ferris wheel was invented in Chicago for the Worlds Fair in 1893, it seems logical to do some photography of this iconic amusement ride while youre exploring the city. There is also a Fabyan Museum that operates in the Spring through early Fall on the Route 31 side of the river (photography officially not allowed inside Museum). 410 N Peoria Street The best time to come is at sunrise or sunset. Visit the many lakefront parks between Clark Street and Lee Streetto not only snap a great photo, but also take advantage of the running and bike paths. So grab your camera or phone and visit these instagrammable spots on Chicago's North Shore. This Chicago skyscraper, formerly known as Sears Tower, has 110 floors in all, and is the highest building in the Western hemisphere. PERMIT, Ping Tom Memorial Park In addition, you can get some really nice fall photos taken here and I've even had luck with early mornings. A popular photo spot is located just in front of the Wave Swinger amusement ride, where you can use shutter priority mode to capture people on the moving swings with the ferris wheel in the background. Locatedin front of theKluczynski Federal Buildingindowntown Chicago, Flamingo is an impressive sculpture by Alexander Calder. This is alarge forest preserve with a lake, multiple bridges, and some covered paths if you walk far enough back. So, now my question is what do i do about the bouquet? Ive attempted to specify and link to which locations require permits. I just wanted to let everyone know thank you for your responses! Chicago Skyline by Nimesh Madhavan / CC BY-SA 2.0, Photo license links: CC BY-ND 2.0, CC BY-SA 4.0, CC BY 2.0, CC BY-SA 3.0, CC BY-SA 2.0. 150 W. Palatine Road Please check out my portfolio to see some of my work!). Artist: Chester Chow I especially love it for milestone sessions. Chicago, IL 60604 Its iconic skyscrapers make for some fascinating shots, and there are lots of contemporary artworks that are equally photogenic. The surrounding buildings are reflected in its polished stainless steel exterior. Locationscout is a network of passionate photographers and travelers around the world, discovering it together. The Ledge was added in 2009 and is a series of glass boxes that extend out from the building by 4.3 feet. WEBSITE If you want to get the best shots, its probably worth purchasing the City Pass, which gets you into the Express Fast Pass lane. On the 606, youll find art embedded throughout the elevated trail murals like Tony Passeros Coywolf or sculptures Chakaia Bookers spiraling rubber tire Brick House. North Avenue Beach is one of the best for photography as you can see the city skyline from the sand. Chicago, IL 60604 For example, you can have a photo shoot of yourself in your swimsuit swimming. There is much more here in the warmer season as the reptile house is closed for the cold months and of course the garden area doesnt look like much from November through April. Bold colorful floral. I adore this location for both wedding days and engagement sessions. WEBSITE From hidden gems to unique experiences, weve got you covered.Join us onFacebook,Instagram,PinterestandTwitter. 2430 N. Cannon Drive 78 E Washington Street Matthiessen State Park by Justin Meissen / CC BY-SA 2.0. You should take the normal tourist photos if you want, then get creative. The large-scale architecture under the bridges makes for a stunning backdrop as do the winding riverside steps, Marina Towers, and beautiful reflections in the Chicago River . Play some music, bring some friends, and have a good time. Its a great way to get panoramic city skyline shots from the river. Inspired by the Latona Fountain at the Palace of Versailles, it was unveiled in 1927. With gorgeous gardens and fountains outside and embellishment that resembles lace inside, the Baha'i House of Worship is one of the North Shore's most beautiful structures. Chicago, IL 60614 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive On a clear day, you can see four states from the 94th floor viewing platform. Mallard Lake Forest Preserve - Hanover Park, IL. 6. The second-largest Great Lake, Lake Michigan, is actually so large you cant see the other side, and it has tides like the ocean. 225 S Canal Street So, yesit's fake. Like many locations on this list, discretion is key. Fox River Trail and parks along Route 25 from Aurora, IL to Elgin, IL. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. LIke the Fel-Pro area waterfall, Id call this a minor destination not worth a long trip just by itself, but a nice little waterfall most people who live here dont even know exists. If youre hoping to capture the city from above, the upper floors of the John Hancock Building are a great location for elevated views. Address: 301 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605. The BEST 10 locations in Chicago, IL, book now! Since opening in 1966, its attracted a whole host of celebrities and international visitors. Weve highlighted some great spots to take photos in Chicago, but there are countless others waiting to be discovered. Its a great place to bring a ton of cool outfits and let your mind get creative. The 14th floor walkway was added in 1931. There are many more interesting Route 66 Illinois attractions, which are great to photograph and we highly recommend a trip to see them all. 3. Chicago, IL 60606 Best Chicago Engagement Sessions Locations for Skyline Views Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk 2121 STOCKTON DR, CHICAGO, IL 60614. The little peninsula where the museum resides is a typically quiet part of the city right on the water with killer views. This way, youll have a peaceful time grabbing shots of Cloud Gate reflecting the soft glow and city lights during blue hour. Chicago, IL 60613 400 N Peoria Street 2. 2391 N Stockton Drive 7. North Central IL: Photos can incorporate the industrial steel beams holding up the tracks which feature thousands of small rivets, or capture the movement of the trains as they hop between stations. i'm sure they'll turn out great. While fall has a, My mission is to help inspire you to document your, Want brighter and lighter camera photos without ha, favorite locations with Chicago skyline views. These Chicago photography locations are mostly accessible year-round in any type of weather, which is great news for photographers who are on a limited schedule or are travelling to the city on specific dates. On this page youll find descriptions of some of the best places to photograph in the state. 1700 S Wentworth Avenue There is not much getting in the way of photography, but you will need a good 300mm+ zoom lens to get good shots from the fence at the parking lot edge. The Garden is located in Millennium Park and is free to the public. I worked near the Riverwalk over the summer, and I would love to take in the views during my lunch break. From tropical plants to dry desert cacti, this plant haven is where you can go to get some clean air, great light, and awesome photos. Yes - just a wall. PERMIT, Architectural Artifacts Posted by Loaded Landscapes | Aug 12, 2016 | Destinations, State Guides, Rock Cut State Park by Good Free Photos / Public Domain. Motherhood is the y. If youre going to take a CTA photo, you might as well do it at the Washington/Wabash elevated platform. The Riverwalk is still a new addition to Chicago, and it's a rather great one. Mississippi Palisades State Park by Tripp / CC BY 2.0. Waukeegan Harbor lighthouse and lakefront and harbor. Located at 175 N State Street, this historic building dates from 1921. (intersection with S. Michigan Ave.). Chicago, IL 60654 The city offers a huge variety of all types of photography. If you enjoy visiting and photographing beautiful gardens, dont miss this one at 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe on the outskirts of Chicago. in. I recently just found this spot and I love it! WEBSITE, The Chicago Art Institute South Garden Having a photo shoot at the beach during the winter can be a good idea. You may need some manual focus skills for some of these. I photograph couples in love and growing families so as life changes, they have photos of the little moments in between. Find Photo Shoot locations in Chicago, IL - popular locations for Photo Shoot. If you want to blend lush natural beauty with the classic lines of the Chicago skyline, look no further than the Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk!Maintained as an extension of the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Nature Boardwalk was once a simple, manmade pond, but years of . The parking garage near the casino is a nice lookout point if you go to the top, but it is not free at all times to park there. Make sure to take a photo of your own graffiti so that you can try to find it if you return. We have a full tutorial on. Its a prime example ofChicago art deco style and makes for a striking photograph in black and white or colour. 31st Street Beach. Also in Millennium Park and next to Cloud Gate youll find Crown Fountain. Artist: Victor Ving In the next 5 years I will be winding down my corporate life and winding up my retirement career of photographing people like yourself. PERMIT, BEST CHICAGO OUTDOOR ENGAGEMENT SESSION LOCATIONS, BEST CHICAGO INDOOR ENGAGEMENT SESSION LOCATIONS, BEST MURALS, STREET ART AND GRAFFITI FOR ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS IN CHICAGO, BEST CHICAGO NORTHERN SUBURBS ENGAGEMENT SESSION LOCATIONS, BEST NORTHWEST CHICAGO SUBURBS ENGAGEMENT SESSION LOCATIONS, BEST CHICAGO SOUTH SUBURBS ENGAGEMENT SESSION LOCATIONS, BEST CHICAGO WESTERN SUBURBSENGAGEMENT SESSION LOCATIONS, 15 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO ACHIEVE BETTER WEDDING PHOTOS. But it is also a great place for families with young children because the kids love to see the animals at the farm! The photo below demonstrates this perfectly - the bold yellow color of the wall contrasts perfectly with the portrait subject.