Find Photo Shoot locations for rent in Chicago, IL

About Chicago, IL

Searching for a city that offers a huge collection of interesting photo spots? Where better than Chicago!

Sitting pretty on the shores of Lake Michigan, the Windy City boasts outdoor beauty aplenty. You could hold an outdoor shoot somewhere like Grant Park or Millennium Park. The parks are in stark contrast to the Chicago skyline, while the architecture of downtown Chicago offers varied backdrops to suit whatever theme you’re targeting. And with dozens of professional photo studios to choose from in the city as well, photographers are spoiled for choice.

Here’s how to ensure that your next Chicago photography project is a winner.

Photo Shoot Options in Chicago, IL

Setting up your Chicago photography session means organizing these essentials:

• Camera
  The most essential component of the photo shoot will be the camera. Having the right camera is important, but you also need the right lenses. Bring a camera bag with all your backup equipment, such as batteries, lenses, and SD cards. Then, you are ready to take on any challenge the shoot may throw at you.
  
  
• Lighting
  Once you dive into the lighting world, you will find more options than you can imagine. Since Chicago experiences all four seasons, you’ll need to work on the lighting. Appropriate lighting will highlight the parts of this great city you wish your audience to focus on and darken the areas that need less attention. Lighting will help set the mood of the session as well as the time.
  
  
• Props
  Not all photos need props, but they add that extra layer of authenticity and help build the story. They can even have some functionality, like stuffed animals at a baby’s photo shoot to help them focus or stay distracted while you take photos. Props can include things with which the subject interacts, like coffee cups or a football, or they can be background items like tables, chairs, and bookshelves.
  
  
• Photo Editing Software
  Editing software lets you add the finishing touches to your images. Use it to perfect color levels, eliminate aspects of the shot that hinder the picture, or just help bring your picture to life.

Big City Shoot: Photography Companies in Chicago, IL

Ready to take photos? Here are a few local companies at your disposal that can help you get your next Chicago photo shoot location set up.

• Chicago Props
  Anything you could think of to bring authenticity to your photo spot in Chicago, Chicago Props has it. From fabric to furniture, this place is a fantastic resource. Their 36,000-square-foot warehouse is one of the largest in the city.
  
  
• Best Buy
  If you’re looking for a place that sells photo editing software, Best Buy is a tried-and-true choice. It stocks all the best quality brands at every price range, so you can pick the right software for you and your project.
  
  
• Dodd Camera
  Dodd Camera has everything from lighting options to different lenses to classes and courses that will help you perfect your skills. Sony, Kodak, Canon, and more are featured suppliers. If you’re planning to start your Chicago photography from the Chicago sign, ensure you have the best equipment.

Chicago Photography: Pros and Cons of Photo Shoots in Chicago, IL

Chicago is one of the best cities for shutterbugs. Thankfully, there are plenty of places to take photos, like the Chicago Theater and Adler Planetarium and photo spots near the Sears Tower, Crown Fountain, and Shedd Aquarium. But Chicago isn’t perfect, so consider the pros and cons before hosting a photo session here.

Advantages

• Public transport
  Chicago has very reliable transportation, more so than most major cities in America. You can get anywhere on time without a car between trains, buses, and taxis. From Grant Park to the Chicago River, Lake Michigan to the Chicago Theatre, and everything in between, the public transport system can help. While you are visiting Chicago, don’t forget the incredible Cloud Gate and Michigan Avenue. All you need is Google Maps to get around and explore the best places to take photos.
  
  
• Friendly, diverse people
  Chicago is known for its friendly residents and its vast array of people. There are many spots in Chicago for tourists to meet locals, like the City Center, where tourists can meet locals while watching a Chicago Cubs game, visiting a Chicago landmark, checking out the public art, State Street, or visiting a local rooftop bar like the Londonhouse Rooftop Bar.
  
  
• Cultural and artistic hub
  With many cultures comes a diversity of art, making Chicago an opportune place to host an event or gathering. Visit Chicago to see the museum campus, Buckingham Fountain, and other culturally forward spots. You will also love Chicago’s skyline, the Chicago Mural, the uber-chic John Hancock Building, and, of course, Navy Pier, which showcases the art and culture of the area best.

Disadvantages

• Harsh winters
  If mountains of snow, gripping temperatures, and whipping winds aren’t familiar to you, Chicago will teach you all about the cold. The winters here are harsh. Avoid visiting waterfront places like North Avenue Beach, the Chicago River, Ohio Street Beach, and Oak Street Beach since the water and surrounding area get extremely chilly. Instead, see the city lights and the Chicago skyline from Millennium Park, the trade building, or Willis Tower.
  
  
• A lot of concrete
  As far as the eye can see, concrete makes green spaces a rarity here. The train tracks and great skyline views offer excellent urban settings, but photographers who like working with nature might prefer other locations.
  
  
• Terrible traffic
  Are you planning to drive to your location to take photos? You better adjust your schedule to compensate for the traffic. Traffic on Dan Ryan, Lakeshore Drive, Millennium Park, aka Cloud Gate, Lake Street, and the Art Institute at the wrong time can add heavy time to your commute.

From the Chicago River to the City Skyline: Famous Locations in Chicago, IL

• Lincoln Park Zoo
  What’s more exciting than seeing rare and magnificent animals from all over the world in one place? Make sure to visit the sought-after Lincoln Park Zoo, where you and the family can get up close and personal with hundreds of exotic creatures! Learn about where they are from and how they live their incredible lives.
  
  
• Chicago Riverwalk and Lakefront Trail
  For a bit of exercise, head over to the Chicago Riverwalk. The scenery is brilliant, and the trail is manageable. With roughly 11 miles of trail, this strip is perfect for biking, roller skating, dog walking, jogging, or a nice stroll. If you follow it down, you will be led to North Avenue Beach, a very exciting and popular hub with excellent city views. The Lakefront Trail tops the list of the best Chicago photo spots.
  
  
• Oriental Institute Museum
  Located on the University of Chicago campus, the Oriental Institute Museum hosts major human-kind-based exhibits, collections, programs, and events all based around ancient Middle Eastern and Near Eastern. Discover the past through their vast array of pictures, paintings, sculptures, ancient tablets, and much more. Not far from downtown Chicago, this museum is known as one of the most popular Chicago photo spots for art installations.

If you want to take photos in Chicago, the varied range of locations on offer means you’re spoiled for choice. Find the ideal photo spot for your next shoot by comparing locations for rent today.