Best Places to Take Pictures in Chicago

Welcome to Chicago, a city that is as photogenic as it is iconic! Whether you’re a professional photographer or just looking to spruce up your Instagram feed, the Windy City offers stunning locations that will make your photos pop. From architectural marvels to hidden gems, let’s explore some of the best places to take pictures in Chicago that will leave your family, friends, and online followers in awe.

1. The Bean (Cloud Gate)

No list of Chicago photo spots would be complete without mentioning “The Bean.” This mirrored sculpture in Millennium Park is undoubtedly one of the most instagrammable places in Chicago. Its curved surface reflects the city skyline in a uniquely captivating way, helping you produce unique Chicago photos that play with perspective. Pro tip: Visit during sunrise for a magical, crowd-free shot!

Apart from “The Bean,” Millenium Park is home to gardens and an ice rink in the winter, which can provide additional layers of charm to your images. No matter the season, photographers can surely capture the vibrancy of Chicago in this park.

2. Chicago Riverwalk 

The Chicago Riverwalk offers incredible photoshoot locations thanks to its blend of urban architecture and natural beauty. Capture the contrast between the serene river and the towering skyscrapers for a quintessential Chicago shot. This spot is particularly picturesque during golden hour when the sun’s warm glow bathes the buildings in soft light, and the riverwalk is full of people getting through their day. 

3. Adler Planetarium

If you’re searching for the best photo spots in Chicago that showcase the city’s famous skyline, head to the Adler Planetarium. This location offers an unobstructed view of the entire downtown area, making it one of the prime Chicago sunrise spots. The juxtaposition of the planetarium’s sleek architecture against the backdrop of Lake Michigan and the skyline creates a truly breathtaking scene—you shouldn’t miss it!

4. Wrigley Field

Baseball fans and photography enthusiasts will appreciate the photographic opportunities at Wrigley Field. While you can watch a game and practice sports photography, you can also visit Wrigley Field even when it’s quiet. This historic ballpark is not just a sports venue; it’s also a cultural icon, making it one of the best places to take pictures in Chicago. Go and capture the famous red marquee or the ivy-covered outfield walls for a shot that screams classic Americana. 

5. The Art Institute of Chicago 

While known for its impressive art collection, the Art Institute itself is a work of art. The grand staircase, flanked by its iconic lion statues, offers a majestic setting for your landscape or architectural photos. Inside, the light-filled halls and galleries provide elegant backdrops for more refined shots. With each gallery offering a distinct ambiance and intricate details, your Chicago photographs on this site will likely convey stories of historic grandiosity infused with contemporary artistic expression.

6. Ping Tom Memorial Park

Are you on the hunt for hidden photography spots in Chicago? Include Ping Tom Memorial Park in Chinatown in your itinerary. This lesser-known park offers serene walking trails and unique skyline views framed by traditional Chinese architecture. You can create a cultural fusion with skyline photos from this park. The park also has a pagoda-style pavilion, which can be a centerpiece for your images, and bamboo gardens that present an incredible backdrop for portrait or nature photography. 

7. Navy Pier 

With its iconic Ferris Wheel, Navy Pier provides numerous Chicago photo spots. Whether you want to capture the wheel or use it as a backdrop for portraits, this location offers a playful, carnival-like atmosphere perfect for energetic shots. Try riding the Ferris Wheel, too! That way, you can take advantage of alternating heights to take photos from different vantage points. Who knows, you might produce a series of shots showcasing an aerial story of Chicago’s urban landscape.

8. The 606 

Looking for more places to take pictures in Chicago? The 606, an elevated park built on a former railway line, is one of the more unique Chicago photoshoot locations. This 2.7-mile trail offers interesting perspectives of the city’s neighborhoods and a great backdrop for lifestyle and urban nature photography. Simply take a photo walk along this park, and you’ll likely get amazing Chicago shots you’ll be proud of! 

9. Garfield Park Conservatory 

Want a surprising change of scenery? Visit the Garfield Park Conservatory. This hidden gem offers lush, tropical settings right in the heart of the city. It’s an ideal spot for nature photography or adding an unexpected twist to your Chicago photo collection. It can also be a romantic venue if you and your fiance (or any couple in your group) want to have an engagement photo session while in Chicago.

10. Chicago Theatre

The Chicago Theatre’s iconic marquee is one of the city’s most recognizable symbols. This vintage-style sign is particularly photogenic at night when lit up, offering a classic slice of Chicago’s entertainment history. So, do not miss this spot if you want to take the most beautiful vacation photos before going home. 

Summing It Up

Whether you want to photograph the golden hues of a Chicago sunrise over Lake Michigan, the iconic Chicago Theatre’s vintage-style sign, or the twinkling city lights reflected in “The Bean” at night, Chicago offers endless possibilities for photographers of all levels. So grab your DSLR camera or iPhone, put on your walking shoes, and spend days exploring Chicago’s most photogenic spots. 

Once you’re back home, let us help you turn those beautiful shots into works of art—framed photos you can proudly display in your office or home or send as personalized photo gifts to your loved ones. Upload your digital images, pick your frame sizes and colors, and let our team work on printing and framing them into gallery-quality frames. Then, wait for your framed Chicago photos to arrive at your doorstep, complete with hook and nail—all you have to do is put them on a wall.