Chicago is one good-looking city.


There’s no denying that. And in this photographer’s opinion, there is no “bad spot” to take photos in the city. But that isn’t exactly helpful when you’re trying to narrow down your many options, so here’s part one of my take on the best photo spots in Chicago, with an emphasis on the northside (and featuring free or low-cost locations as much as possible!)


If you’re here, that means you enjoy a more laidback approach to portrait photography (think more natural movements than stiff poses). What you may not know is that part of letting those organic interactions sing in your final gallery is choosing a setting best suited to you and your story. This leads to my first photo spot recommendation:


1. A location with special meaning to you

This could mean the specific produce stand at the farmer’s market where you met, your go-to date night bar, or one of your favorite hobby spots. This list is truly endless, and there is no right or wrong answer. What’s most important is celebrating those cherished details that make up your story.


If you’re inclined to include a setting that just screams “Chicago,” read on!

Let’s start with the best outdoor photo locations in Chicago:


2. Museum Campus

This area, which includes the Adler Planetarium, the Shedd Aquarium, and the Field Museum and their connecting routes, might be my favorite spot for skyline viewing, and the photo potential doesn’t disappoint either. Sure, there’s usually a crowd (it is a major tourist attraction, after all) but there’s plenty of space for everyone. 

ACCESS NOTES

There are multiple parking lots across the 57 acres of Museum Campus (all paid), but you should be prepared to walk at least 10-15 minutes to get from your parking spot to your exact session location. Thankfully, there are tons of paved paths and gentle slopes rather than stairs. The nearest CTA stops are Roosevelt (for the Red, Orange, and Green line trains) and the #146 bus.


A couple kiss at the beginning of blue hour with the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan in the background.

3. lake michigan beaches

Just because we're in the midwest doesn't mean we can't have a beach moment! And Chicago has plenty - North Avenue Beach immediately comes to mind with its pier perfectly positioned to capture the skyline in the background. Montrose Beach just a couple miles north is a touch quieter and also boasts a peaceful oasis in the Montrose Beach Bird Sanctuary. If you want to skip the crowds, I'd recommend you venture even further north.


ACCESS NOTES

A perk of visiting Montrose or North Ave is that both come with paid parking lots! Depending on the season, parking can be tricky to nab, so it's always a good idea to arrive a little early. Another option is to park in a nearby neighborhood (you might get lucky with free street parking) and hiking back to the beach. Still, the CTA is the cheapest option, and will get you closest — the #76 bus drops you off practically in the sand at Montrose, and the #72 bus takes you almost all the way to North Ave. If you're coming from the north or south, try the #146 or #151 buses. Accessibility can be tricky due to rough and uneven terrain.


A businessman sits on a chair on the beach among shallow waves on the shores of Lake Michigan, resting and looking up into the sky.
A man embraces his pregnant wife from behind as she laughs and smiles up at him. They stand facing the camera in front of Lake Michigan.

4. the riverwalk

With a plethora of spots to stop for photos along the riverwalk, this option is the best of both worlds, combining the waterway and the busy city center. Whether it's the rays of sunlight reflecting off the water's surface or twinkling city lights glittering in the background, this spot holds a special bit of Chicago magic ✨


ACCESS NOTES

All roads lead to downtown! There's no shortage of paid parking or CTA stops in the area, the closest ones being only a block away. You can gain entry to the riverwalk at various entry/exit points near the bridges, and there are 2 ADA-accessible ramps as well, one located on the southwest side of the Clark St Bridge, and the other on the southeast side of the State St Bridge.

A couple kiss underneath a bridge along Chicago's riverwalk on a bright summer day, with a glittering river and bridge in the background.

5. Lakefront

Wanting similar vibes to the riverwalk but with a bit more space and open sky? Then the lakefront and the lakefront trail are for you! Convenient and classic, and it gives you the option of concrete + lake or grassy greenery + lake.


ACCESS NOTES

See access notes for "3. Beaches" above :)

A man stands among the trees along the lakefront with his hands in his pockets, smiling out over the water on a bright and sunny day.
A cis-het couple stand facing and gazing at each other, arms wrapped around one another, with the Chicago skyline and lake in the background

6. the EL

Whether at an underground stop or riding along the elevated tracks, what better way to commemorate this crazy city than by taking photos featuring its infamous (famous? How do we feel about the CTA these days?) public train system? Technically this one isn’t free, but the single-ride fare is only $2.50, so it might as well be!


ACCESS NOTES

This one is pretty straightforward! Only a couple of larger transit stations have parking available, so in this case it might be best to leave the car at home. A majority of stations have elevators, but not all, so it's best to plan ahead for this one. And unfortunately, one of the more iconic stations (Clark & Lake) remains closed to the public for the next few years until construction is complete in 2029.


A groom twirls his bride on the train platform of the CTA in Chicago, with Sears Tower visible in between their figures.
A newlywed couple walk across the street among pedestrians, with the elevated train tracks of Chicago's CTA in the background.

7. northside parks

Okay there are tons of parks to choose from, just on the northside of the city, so these next few are just some of my favorites:


HORNER PARK (images 1&2) - This one makes the list for featuring one of the very few “hills” in the city. Plus it sits right next to the river, which you can enjoy from an idyllic natural area trail. And did I mention the tennis and pickleball courts on the north side? (ACCESS NOTES: free parking in their parking lot! Expect to walk up to 20 minutes to get from the parking lot to the opposite end)

HUMBOLDT PARK (images 3) - As one of Chicago’s larger parks, there are more than a few spots that make for great photos: the boathouse, the pathways, the lagoon (where a certain famous alligator used to live), and more! (ACCESS NOTES: free parking in their parking lot! This lot is pretty centrally located, but Humboldt Park is vast, so you can expect to walk anywhere from 5-30 minutes to get to your specific photo spot)

LAKESHORE EAST PARK (images 4&5) - Talk about a hidden city gem! When I first visited this park, it took me a solid minute to figure out how to access it. It’s a popular spot for locals but still out of the way, and even though it’s only a fraction of the size, it gives off a similar vibe to Central Park - cocooned on all sides by skyscrapers but fostering a life of its own inside. (ACCESS NOTES: This park is on the same level as Lower Wacker. There's no street parking in the immediate area, so I'd recommend finding a parking garage nearby. To access from the upper level, there is a staircase on the west side of the park or another staircase and elevator on the east side. Once you're on park grounds it's all smooth surfaces!)

RIVERPOINT PARK (images 6&7) - If you want park + river photos, this is your spot. It’s a bit further from the main riverwalk areas so receives less foot traffic. That makes it all worth it. (ACCESS NOTES: Parking in downtown is always tricky - your best bet would be to find a parking garage nearby, or take the CTA Green or Pink lines to the Clinton stop and walk. And there is an ADA-accessible ramp on the west side of the Lake St Bridge!)

MILTON LEE OLIVE PARK (image 8) - Tucked a little out of the way in between Ohio Street Beach and Navy Pier, this park offers my second favorite view of the skyline. Who says you need a boat to get a proper view of the city skyline? (ACCESS NOTES: Paid parking is available nearby, with the closest garages a few minutes' walk from the entrance to the park. Conveniently, the #65 bus will also drop you off near the entrance.)

7. northside parks

Okay there are tons of parks to choose from, just on the northside of the city, so these next few are just some of my favorites:


HORNER PARK (images 1&2) - This one makes the list for featuring one of the very few “hills” in the city. Plus it sits right next to the river, which you can enjoy from an idyllic natural area trail. And did I mention the tennis and pickleball courts on the north side? (ACCESS NOTES: free parking in their parking lot! Expect to walk up to 20 minutes to get from the parking lot to the opposite end)

HUMBOLDT PARK (images 3) - As one of Chicago’s larger parks, there are more than a few spots that make for great photos: the boathouse, the pathways, the lagoon (where a certain famous alligator used to live), and more! (ACCESS NOTES: free parking in their parking lot! This lot is pretty centrally located, but Humboldt Park is vast, so you can expect to walk anywhere from 5-30 minutes to get to your specific photo spot)

LAKESHORE EAST PARK (images 4&5) - Talk about a hidden city gem! When I first visited this park, it took me a solid minute to figure out how to access it. It’s a popular spot for locals but still out of the way, and even though it’s only a fraction of the size, it gives off a similar vibe to Central Park - cocooned on all sides by skyscrapers but fostering a life of its own inside. (ACCESS NOTES: This park is on the same level as Lower Wacker. There's no street parking in the immediate area, so I'd recommend finding a parking garage nearby. To access from the upper level, there is a staircase on the west side of the park or another staircase and elevator on the east side. Once you're on park grounds it's all smooth surfaces!)

RIVERPOINT PARK (images 6&7) - If you want park + river photos, this is your spot. It’s a bit further from the main riverwalk areas so receives less foot traffic. That makes it all worth it. (ACCESS NOTES: Parking in downtown is always tricky - your best bet would be to find a parking garage nearby, or take the CTA Green or Pink lines to the Clinton stop and walk. And there is an ADA-accessible ramp on the west side of the Lake St Bridge!)

MILTON LEE OLIVE PARK (image 8) - Tucked a little out of the way in between Ohio Street Beach and Navy Pier, this park offers my second favorite view of the skyline. Who says you need a boat to get a proper view of the city skyline? (ACCESS NOTES: Paid parking is available nearby, with the closest garages a few minutes' walk from the entrance to the park. Conveniently, the #65 bus will also drop you off near the entrance.)

A couple hold hands and run across a grassy hill with trees in the background and motion blur.
A group of 5 dancers stand on a hill, evenly spaced from each other, with a tree framing the group on either side, at Chicago's Horner Park.
A queer East-and-South Asian newlywed couple walk across a flat bridge over a lagoon at Chicago's Humboldt Park.
A gay couple lightly jostles each other while walking along a treeline in a Chicago park.
Two men hold hands and stand together, resting their temples against each other, and look at the camera.
A newlywed couple stands overlooking the Chicago River with their arms around each other.
Two people snap photos on their phone of a newlywed couple and their mothers, in front of the Chicago River on a sunny day.
Cyclists ride through a tree-lined corridor, with a blue lake peeking through the trees, at Chicago's Milton Lee Olive Park.

And moving to indoor photo locations in the city that are free or low-cost (otherwise we’d be here forever):


8. the International museum of surgical science

This one is…not free, and depending on your budget, might not be affordable (to you) either. Professional photography sessions require permission from museum staff as well as a rental fee (of around $400). There is simply no other space quite like this niche museum housed in a historic building though!


ACCESS NOTES

This property doesn't provide any parking on-site, but you can always try your luck with free street parking. If you're coming by CTA, the #146 will drop you off nearly at its front door, and the #72 will drop you off around the corner. This gorgeous space is ADA-compliant with ramps and elevators.

A couple stand in the middle of a room of statues, facing the camera, inside Chicago's International Museum of Surgical Science.
A couple hold hands and run past a hallway inside Chicago's International Museum of Surgical Science.

9. chicago cultural center

A fan favorite - this space is endlessly accommodating to photographers and their clients, and is free 99. Be warned though, you can only access the building during business hours, which means dealing with crowds of tourists (and sometimes 40-people tours). It’s best to check ahead of time to see if there are any major events happening during your desired session time.


ACCESS NOTES

This property doesn't provide any on-site parking, but between the numerous parking garages, bus lines, and conveniently located Metra station entrance, you're covered! Accessibility-wise, there are multiple elevators in the building.

A bride and groom lean to the side against a half wall inside the Chicago Cultural Center.
A newly engaged couple dip and kiss in a pocket of sunlight inside a moody hall of the Chicago Cultural Center.

10. Art institute of chicago

Just for the price of admission, you can have your session surrounded by historic pieces and internationally acclaimed works of art. Pro tip: opt for a membership to gain access to members-only (read: more private) hours!


ACCESS NOTES

Millennium Park sits on top of the Millennium Parking Garage, just be prepared to walk (sometimes the garage feels like it goes on forever!). The museum is also ADA-compliant with ramps and elevators.

(image courtesy of Flickr)

An empty Woman's Board Grand Staircase showing two of the stairways, three arches, and a statue in the center, lit by skylights.

11. chicago park district Conservatories

Either of the city's conservatories is perfect for a chilly day (so, at least 6 months out of the year here). Like most spaces managed by the Chicago Park District, both the Lincoln Park and Garfield Park conservatories require a permit ($90). The good news is the process is entirely online and easy to navigate here. Pro tip: plan your session around the conservatories' showcases for specific florals or greenery!


ACCESS NOTES

Parking is available on-site at both Lincoln (paid) and Garfield Park (free). Both spaces are partially ADA-accessible (each has a room or two that can only be accessed by stairs).

A newly engaged man hugs and lifts his fianceé inside the greenhouse at Lincoln Park Conservatory in Chicago.
A young woman kneels with a ring box in front of her girlfriend, who has her hands covering her mouth in surprise.

12. union station

While using this space for photography does require a fee ($150), it is relatively low compared to other equally iconic spaces in the downtown area. Even if you’re not an avid commuter, the columns, the architecture, and the wide-open spaces of Union Station make for a fantastic photographic backdrop.


ACCESS NOTES

As always, paid parking garages are nearby this downtown location. Even more convenient are the train lines that run through Union Station and the transit hub on the south side of the property. An ADA-accessible entrance is located at their temporary Clinton St entrance, and elevators are plenty inside the building.

(image courtesy of Choose Chicago)

Travelers sit along bench pews and walk through the Great Hall at Chicago's Union Station, waiting for their trains.

13. needs extra context

You know how at the beginning of the list I recommended picking a location that has the most meaning to you? Here are some examples of many:


BOOKSTORES & LIBRARIES (images 1&2) - The leading lines of rows and shelves of books (not to mention the cozy nooks and alcoves this creates), the whimsy of being surrounded by thousands of stories, the comforting smell of paper - need I say more?

IN-HOME (images 3&4) - If you’re a homebody like me, an in-home session might be ideal. In my experience I’ve found this works great for those who have non-human children they want to include in their photos, but might not be able to bring with them to other public spaces (here’s to all the pets with fur, scales, feathers, and separation anxiety).

EATERIES & WATERING HOLES (image 5) - In my opinion, Chicago’s food scene rivals its outdoor scene (with a slight edge in the colder months). Why not enjoy the vibes of your favorite joint? It’s an easy, almost-guaranteed way to make you feel like your photo session is actually another date night! (For this to work best, I do recommend limiting your consumption to quick bites and single bevvies so you’re not chowing down on camera. Unless that’s what you want, then you do you!)

THEATERS (image 6) - Cinematic or performance, both carry that inherent air of grandeur and drama, with a bit of mystery. And both are great options for popcorn lovers.

ARCADES (image 7) - Maybe you’re more active and prefer an activity that’s hands-on! And if you’re looking for one that involves adult beverages as well, Emporium is my go-to spot. This option is perfect for those kickback vibes.

A man sits in the foreground, reading a book, while his fianceé leans against the doorframe of the library in the background.
A newlywed groom sits on an armchair in front of a bookshelf, looking off into the distance.
A queer couple kiss in their kitchen, with one partner seated on the kitchen counter, and the other standing in between her legs.
A newly engaged couple snuggle on the couch in their living room with their white West Highland Terrier.
A couple clink cocktail glasses together while seated at a table at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago.
A young wedding couple hold hands and walk down the sidewalk past a theater marquee, smiling at each other, with snow on the ground.
Patrons play arcade games in a neon-lit arcade bar.


This turned out to be quite a hefty list! And somehow, there's so much more to add. If you made it this far, give yourself a pat on the back and then maybe do a little shoulder/neck stretch as well. Now that both your mind and body are feeling a bit more limber, let’s chat about how we can bring your vision for your photo session to life! Reach out here to get the conversation started!


And remember, there is no right or wrong location, just a right or wrong one for YOU. It's my pleasure and my honor to help people and couples tell their story, so let me help you pick the perfect spot to accompany yours!