It’s no secret, Chicago’s rich architecture is undeniably gorgeous. How do you pick which locations are right for you for your professional photoshoot? To help you decide, we’ve broken down our personal favs below.

1. Lincoln Park Zoo Honeycomb, Nature Boardwalk

This is one of those iconic Chicago locations you see on the postcards. There is a lot of foot traffic through here, so timing can be tricky to make sure you get a clear shot without the random photo-bomber. If you have the time and patience, this can be a really beautiful location for your wedding, engagement, or family photos.

2. Wrigley Building

The Wrigley Building is one of the most iconic Chicago spots to take photos. Rich is gorgeous Chicago architecture, it is truly a spectacular building.

This is a busy tourist attraction, so it’s recommended to try to shoot on a weekday if choosing this location.

3. North Avenue Beach

Just to the south end of Castaways Restaurant, North Avenue Beach has one of the best non-obstructed views of the city! And with a huge stretch of concrete facing the city skyline, even where there are lots of people, there is always room for everyone. There is also a beautiful bridge (pictured below) that photographs really well and is a short walk away. Recommended time of day to shoot here: dusk

4. Chicago Art Institute + Gardens

Photo sessions at the Art Institute have become my new favorite Chicago place to take photos. Inside the Art Institute allows for unobtrusive photography, free of permits, and your group just has to be less than 6 people (including the photographer) and no florals are allowed. Just pay the entrance fee and you are good to go! What I love about this spot is that you can also take photos at the gardens directly next door to the museum. Situated directly to the south end of The Art Institute Chicago, this is one of the prettiest gardens around. It’s open to the public and permits are not required. The garden and museum both have odd hours so be sure to check out hours and info before you go.

For more example photos of what it’s like to take photos inside the Art Institute, check out a wedding we shot at the Art Institute HERE.

5. Chicago Theater

Timing this spot can be tricky, as the building doesn’t turn on the theater lights until dusk. If there is a show happening on the day of your shoot the lights can turn on earlier. If you have the time in your schedule, this can be a fun addition to the end of a photoshoot. This location can be done in addition to the Chicago Riverwalk as they are walking distance from each other.

6. Chicago Board Of Trade, Financial District

We love this location for its rich architecture, located in the South Loop. That epic shot in front of the Chicago Board of Trade is just priceless. This does involve walking across an intersection and stopping in the middle to get the shot, so this is definitely for those who are more adventurous. There is ample opportunity for other city-scape photos in and around this location.

7. Chicago Riverwalk

Chicago has made some really gorgeous improvements to the Chicago Riverwalk in recent years. Walk down to the water level or we can use the bridges above. This location can be done in addition to the Chicago Theater as they are walking distance from each other. It’s such a magical spot with many shoot options!

8. Millennium Park, Lurie Garden, Pritzker Pavilion

Millennium Park offers ample opportunity for great photos. All within walking distance is Lurie Garden and Pritzker Pavilion. The Art Institute is nearby and Buckingham Fountain as well. There’s so much opportunity for beautiful city shots here if you have the time and don’t mind walking. The city streets are one block over as well, an easy way to get some city scape shots during your photoshoot. Please note: For larger groups, we recommend getting a permit for these locations.

9. Buckingham Fountain

Buckingham is one of those iconic Chicago spots that can be fun for photos. There isn’t a lot of overhead coverage, so timing shots here is important to avoid harsh shadows. The bottom photo below was taken steps from Buckingham along the lakefront. We added it here to show you what is close by to Buckingham. Art Institute and Millennium Park is a short walk from here.

10. Navy Pier + Milton Lee Olive Park

These two locations are walking distance from one another. Milton Lee Olive Park is situated just to the north end of Navy Pier and boasts a great scenic shot of the city.

11. Union Station

For a truly unique spot, Union Station is the coolest. The grandiose pillars that line the front entrance create gorgeous lines for artistic photography. If you want to take photos inside, we recommend looking into getting a permit. We are happy to discuss options with you if this is a spot you have your heart set on.