So, where shall we have your session?
There are so many great locations for a photo shoot and choosing the perfect one for your session can be tough. I have been photographing families around Chicago area since 2010 and can recommend many unique spots throughout the city and suburbs. Below is a list of my favorite locations with a good mix of urban, rural, beach, parks, and historic spots.
Gallery Park in the Glen
Glenview
The Glen is a community on the site of the former Glenview Naval Air Station. It is a beautiful green space with a sprawling park and a lake. There are quite a few unique spots throughout the neighborhood that offer beautiful backdrops for pictures. From manicured fields, flower gardens, and a fountain, to walking trails in a prairie, boardwalk and more. | View on map
Fort Sheridan
Highwood
There are two distinct areas in Fort Sheridan that I enjoy – the park located in a residential area of the fort and the forest preserve. The latter tends to get busy on the weekends, but has a nice big parking lot and paths, however beach is narrow and not ideal when crowded (and it tends to get very crowded when weather is nice). Fort Sheridan preserve is forested with mature trees that has packed a lot of variety into one magnificent, and walk-able, location. Woodsy (and now paved) walking paths, an open meadow, wildflowers, bridges, and a beautiful rock lined beach. The town park, nestled in next to the historic watch tower features a bridge, a pond with waterfall feature and scenic surrounding area. These are just a few of the noteworthy highlights that make historic Ft. Sheridan one of my favorite places for family sessions. Dogs are welcome too! | View on map
The forest preserve & beach…
The park at Fort Sheridan (located in a residential area)…
Gillson Park + Beach
Wilmette
Expansive reserve with beautiful public beach, park, trails, gardens, and a gorgeous stone amphitheater. Located just around the corner form the B’Hai temple, Gillson park and beach offers a unique variety of scenic spots for your photo session. It is a popular beach and picnic area so tends to get busy around summer holidays and weekends with beach goers. Free street parking is available. Ideal for Full Family session, 1.5-2 hrs before sunset. Dogs are allowed on leash and in park area only (not on beach). | View on map
B’Hai temple is just across the street and about a 10 min walk from Gilson Park.
Lighthouse Beach
Evanston
The Grosse Point Lighthouse sits just north of Northwestern University on a beautifully restored property and now serves as museum and national landmark. The historic landmark provides a unique backdrop, along with the lush vegetation that surrounds the property. Start by having your pictures taken near a rustic, vine covered building, then on the hill overlooking the beach, and then follow the narrow paths down to the beach leaving the lighthouse in the background. Parking can be an issue during peak summer hours and there is a fee required if entering beach during beach hours. Best to visit off season. Ideal for early evening and sunset sessions. | View on map
Elawa Farm
Lake Forest
The beautifully manicured grounds of this agricultural farm are adorned with sculptures, flowering gardens, and trails that make it a dream to photograph. The architecturally significant red brick farm buildings are virtually unaltered 1917 gentleman’s farm make a picturesque backdrop. Located on the sprawling 16 acres of Middlefork Savannah, it is perfect for city folks as well as nature lovers. Kids love to run wild on the adjoining baseball and soccer fields, or along the prairie paths of the Savannah. The farm often hosts weddings and events in the summer and fall, thus it is advisable to call ahead and ensure there will be no events taking place on the date/time of your session. Best suited for sunset sessions 1.5-2 hrs before sunset. | View on map
Crow Island Woods
Winnetka
Discreetly tucked away off Willow road, this historic park features a restored log house, grassy meadow area with a paved path and benches, as well as forested walking paths, and a rustic fence for a more rural feel. There is also a short but sweet boardwalk surrounded by prairie grasses. Perfect for a mini family or a child milestone session or any session where a lot of walking is not desired. | View on map
Techny Prairie Park and Fields
Northbrook
Just blocks from downtown Northbrook, this beautiful open park provides a great spot for family photos without venturing too far from home. Features vast open prairie and woodlands, a trail, and a fishing pond. In summertime, landscape is rich with blooming roses, tall grasses, daylilies, purple and yellow cone flowers, as well small animals that could heard chirping, quacking, buzzing, and flying. This location is best for sunset sessions. | View on map
Downtown Long Grove
Long Grove’s historic charm is very distinctive. The lush green spaces, rows of shops, cobblestone sidewalks, bridges, stone lined fountains, stone & rustic buildings, and mature trees make Long Grove a very versatile location for any session. Note: the town hosts festivals through summer and fall that draw large crowds, so it is important to check ahead to ensure no events are taking place on same date as your desired photo session. | View on map
Downtown Lake Forest
With its picturesque street plan the city offers many quaint photo spots to explore. Cobblestone streets, fountain in the main square, shops, benches, columns, and vine covered stone buildings offer many options for an urban backdrop. Visit during fall to take advantage of added fall decor displayed on street by many shops and a farmers market. | View on map
Downtown Highland Park
This village has so much to explore. The old and beautiful HP library is a great backdrop with stone steps, small nature park with paths and benches. For a more urban feel, stroll on over to the Metra station underpass and then walk the streets down to Port Clinton Square. Grab an ice cream cone and relax one the round bench while your kids play around the square. Don’t be shy to pose near the beautiful art displays along the main street featuring local artists (typically in the summer). In the fall, downtown is beautifully decorated with autumn displays and flowers. Ideal for evening sessions 1.5-2 hrs before sunset. | View on map
Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo
Chicago
Chicago has many beautiful spots to explore, but as a suburban girl I really like this location because it offers a good mix of natural and urban settings. Located right next to the Lincoln Park Zoo the boardwalk offers great views of the city, winding boardwalk, a pond in the middle, the iconic honeycomb structure, and lovely prairie filled with wild flowers growing all over. Unfortunately, given its popularity and close proximity to the zoo, this location is typically swarming with tourists and other photographed. It might be overstimulating for families with small children. Note: $50 travel fee will be added to Chicago locations plus any additional parking fees. Full sessions only. | View on map
North Avenue Beach
Chicago
One of Chicago’s most popular beaches but also a great photo location if you are looking for postcard-worthy skyline views! The beach also features an ocean-liner inspired building, overturned boats, and lifeguard towers, all of which offer unique props and photo backdrops. Note: $50 travel fee will be added to Chicago locations plus any additional parking fees. Full sessions only. | View on map
