Find Photo Shoot locations for rent in Chicago, IL

With its twinkling city lights, relaxing lakefront, and scenic Lake Shore Drive, Chicago offers fantastic backdrops for all types of photo shoots. From The Wrigley Building, Museum Campus, and Adler Planetarium to the Sears Tower and Millennium Park, Chicago has exciting photo locations galore.

For your indoor photo sessions, choose from eclectic homes on Michigan Avenue or stylish photo studios and apartments on Lake Street. Be inspired by locations similar to Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo, and North Avenue Beach for your outdoor sessions, be it weddings, birthdays, or engagement photo shoots.

On Giggster, you can find photo locations to fit all budgets. Use our easy-to-navigate platform to find budget-friendly options like bright corner studios, private offices, gyms, and classrooms which you can easily adapt to your needs.

Chicago is a great city for photography. The gorgeous skyline and the shimmering Lake Michigan shores are popular Chicago photo spots. Here, you can capture great moments and create lifetime memories. Giggster has a bevy of locations for the ultimate photo shoot!

Why Choose Giggster for Your Photo Shoot in Chicago

Whether you love shooting the Chicago skyline or you're scouting for the perfect location for your next engagement session, you'll find what you need on Giggster.

• Imagine capturing the happy and radiating wedding couple on their big day, with Chicago's skyline in the backdrop. To achieve this, you can opt for a fancy rooftop bar in downtown Chicago or a loft with a rooftop terrace overlooking Randolph Street or Michigan Ave.

• Looking for inspiring green spaces for your next engagement session? Check out Giggster locations that remind you of the South Pond in Lincoln Park Zoo or the gardens around the Art Institute. Perhaps the enchanting Lurie Garden at Millennium Park best matches your vision? In addition to these fantastic photo backdrops, you can opt for a romantic outdoor space at a French country home with lush landscapes in the suburbs.

• Do you need a fully equipped studio for your next commercial? From a modern, sun-filled studio on Clark Street to a creative space with a green screen backdrop overlooking the Board of Trade building, your ideal photo location in Chicago awaits.

• Your next fashion photo shoot in Chicago will be a complete success with exquisite photo locations like historic estates, trendy coffee houses, or upscale restaurants.

Inspirational Photo Shoots in Los Angeles Start at Just $25/hour

Exceptional Variety & Quality: We have an extensive list of photo locations in Chicago. From favorite locations near the Wrigley Building, Willis Tower, and North Avenue Beach to fully equipped studios, lofts, and industrial warehouses across the city, Giggster's top pick of 268 inspiring photo spots will help you find the location you've been dreaming of.

Hassle-Free Booking: Giggster's app has an easy-to-navigate interface that allows you to book an exceptional location for as little as $25/hour. Use our 'Filters' to narrow your search and look for a specific photo location or a hidden gem in Chicago.

24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: If things don't go according to plan, and you need to cancel or reschedule your photo shoot, we have you covered. Our 24-hour free cancellation policy allows you to cancel a booking 24 hours before its rental time.

Platform Protections: When you book with Giggster, you can opt into insurance packages like damage protection coverage, event liability insurance, and even cancellation protection. Easily book inspiring photo locations like Creative Dance Studio with peace of mind.

Things to Consider for Your Photo Shoot in Chicago

Chicago is home to countless stunning photo locations. Whether it's a popular tourist spot like Buckingham Fountain in the heart of Grant Park, Milton Lee Olive Park, or the Chinese statues and carved pillars in the picturesque Ping Tom Park, you'll find a perfect spot for your photo shoot no matter where you turn. But there are some restrictions and cons to shooting in the Windy City you need to take into account.

Pros

• Photographers love Chicago for its glimmering skyline and abundance of fascinating locations. In addition to its stunning cityscape and architecture, you'll discover many scenic backdrops and landscapes that create captivating photos.

• Chicago is a large city, but it's one of the most walkable in the U.S., making it easy to navigate on foot, bike, bicycle, or scooter.

• From the Field Museum to the Chicago River and Shedd Aquarium, Montrose Harbor to the Lyric Opera House, and everything in between, Chicago's public transport system can help you get around fast and get a little taste of the best places to take photos.

Cons

• Chicago's winters can be harsh, with record lows of -25°F in January. Unless you like freezing temperatures, you can skip visiting Chicago in the winter months. If you want to visit Chicago and take awesome photos, mid-April through May and between September and October are the best months.

• In Chicago, you can get stuck for hours in traffic. The traffic congestion, especially during rush hour, could affect your entire photo shoot session.

• Chicago is an expensive city, slightly more expensive than the rest of Illinois and right after Los Angeles. This could impact purchasing or renting equipment, buying props, getting a permit, transport costs, and location, among many other things.

Choosing the Right Type of Location for a Photo Shoot in Chicago

Whether you need unique photos for your travel blog post or want to capture birds and plants just like the ones on Nature Boardwalk, you are sure to find the right location in Chicago to match the theme and purpose of your photo shoot. Choose from the many Giggster's 268 listings, and secure your location today.

Restaurants/Cafes/Bars – Unique Backdrops for Intimate Portraits. Are you a food photographer looking for unique restaurants and creative dishes? Or perhaps you need a cozy and intimate setting for your upcoming baby shower session. A classic Chicago tavern near the Art Institute or a hotspot with the gorgeous Chicago skyline in the background should fit the bill.

Photo Studios – Versatile and Controlled Environment. Outdoor spaces make for terrific photos, but you can't control the weather or the light. Most Chicago photo studios are fully equipped and easy to adjust to your exact specifications.

Private Houses – Cozy and Inviting. Intimate locations like private homes are the perfect backdrop for family photo sessions, where everyone feels comfortable and safe. Chicago is home to all kinds of houses and homes, from rustic family homes to chic apartments and lofts or penthouses with stunning views of the city skyline.

Unique and Unusual Locations – Stunning Photography in Unlikely Places. For photo shoots that require originality, look for quirky locations like a vintage car showroom, a parking garage, an exposed brick wall warehouse, a private movie theater, a classic Prohibition-era dive bar, and more.

Outdoor Locations – Dramatic Portraits. If you are looking for a location that oozes romance, look no further than Chicago's parks, gardens, and gorgeous landscapes. With Giggster, you can find the perfect outdoor location for your upcoming engagement session, whether it's a beer garden, a lake house, or a rooftop terrace overlooking the great skyline.

Planning Your Photo Shoot in Chicago

Knowing how to prepare for a photo shoot in Chicago will save you time and money. Consider weather, permits, transport, and other aspects for a successful photo shoot.

Find the Right Location – Although Chicago is not short of fantastic photo spots, sometimes finding the one to match your event and vision may take some time. Choose from 268 popular photo locations in Chicago before they get fully booked.

Check if You Need a Permit – A photo permit may not be required for Milton Lee Olive Park or the Chicago River, but you'd be surprised at how many popular locations in Chicago require a permit and proof of insurance. If you want to host a photo shoot in the Lincoln Park Area, the South Side Gardens Union Station, Grant Park, or the Museum Campus, make sure to secure your photo shoot permit in advance.

Shop From Local Vendors – Whether you want to buy or rent equipment for your photo shoots, Chicago has a number of local businesses that can help you execute a hassle-free photo shoot session.

Work With a Professional Team – You can bring your own team or hire one that specializes in one type of photography. For instance, if you have a wedding session, you'll get more out of a team or photographer specializing in Chicago wedding photography rather than one with experience in family portraits only.

How to Save Money on Your Photo Shoot in Chicago

Planning and organizing a photo shoot in Chigaco doesn't have to cost a fortune. Check out these tips and find out how to save money on your next wedding or prom photo shoot in the Windy City.

Renting is better than buying.

If you can't use the gear and tools you already have, you can easily rent high-quality equipment in Chicago, and it would cost you far less than buying a second-hand or brand-new kit.

Create the perfect backdrop.

You don't need upscale backdrops to make excellent photos. You can DIY backdrops or photo booths for engagement sessions, birthday celebrations, or anniversaries. To cut costs even more, incorporate some popular Chicago photography spots, such as the Chicago Riverwalk, Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk, Millennium Park, and Lake Michigan.

Stick to a shot list.

Though there's room for creativity when taking photos, you can save money by having a detailed shot list. For instance, if your engagement session is in and out of Chicago Theatre, you can utilize the stunning architecture of the surrounding buildings at the same time. You are still being creative, and it won't cost you a cent. But if you want to shoot the city views from the Chicago Board of Trade Building and incorporate North Avenue Beach, then you are definitely losing track and need to refer back to your shot list.

Chicago Photo Shoots with Giggster

On Giggster, you can find both popular photography spots and hidden gems in Chicago. From conveniently located studios and lofts on Michigan Avenue and Lake Street to creative photo shoot locations near Lincoln Park Zoo and Navy Pier, we have hundreds of potential spots in Chicago that can make your photo shoot a complete success.