Best Photography Spots in Chicago Illinois. Chicago is the largest city in the Midwest and comes with plenty of its own unique places to explore and photograph. This city is the home of some iconic city views from the river that runs through downtown to the skyscrapers, and art installations. There are some gorgeous photo opportunities you can find in the Windy City. All you have to know is where to look.

If you are planning a trip to the beautiful city and hoping to go home with some incredible experiences and photography shots, check out this list of the best spots in Chicago.

The Gear

The gear we recommend for the best photography spots in Las Vegas Nevada is a good camera and the holy trinity.  A wide-angle lens.  14-24mm or something similar.  A 24-70mm or something similar and, of course, a 70-200mm or something similar.

If you do not have these particular lenses, do not worry; something similar will be just fine. It would be best if you also had a tripod.

Best Photography Spots in Chicago Illinois

1. The Bean

Also called Cloud Gate, The Bean is probably the first thing most people think of when they think of Chicago. This is a famous mirror sculpture that sits in Millennium Park. It is a great way to catch reflections of the city, the sky, and even yourself.

Best Photography Spots in Chicago Illinois The Beanimage5

2. Crown Fountain

Also found in Millennium Park, this sculpture designed by Jaume Plensa is an interactive public art piece that sits at 50 feet tall. It is made of two identical towers that project video images onto the piece.

3. Chicago Theatre

Located on State Street, this theatre is recognizable for its Chicago sign. The best time to go is in the late evenings when the bright lights are on and you can play with some really interesting perspectives. Practice your motion photography by heading out with a tripod and changing your shutter speed. You can manipulate the passing cards to create cool images.

image9Best Photography Spots in Chicago Illinois Chicago Theatre

4. Garfield Park Conservatory

This is one of the largest botanical gardens in the country. It houses 184-acres of park space and also includes a pool, fishing lagoon, and athletic fields and courts. It is often called “landscape art under glass” for how beautiful it is.

Best Photography Spots in Chicago Illinois

5. Michigan Avenue Bridge

This is a well-known urban space where Michigan Avenue crosses the Chicago River. The bridge is actually called the DuSable bridge and it is a great work of civil engineering and public art.

6. Sears Tower

This is now called the Willis Tower but is just as popular to this day. This is the tallest building in the city, sitting at 110 stories tall. You can catch great views of Chicago from the top and can even see all four states of Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois from there.

image6Best Photography Spots in Chicago Illinois Sears Tower

7. The Art Institute of Chicago

Located downtown, the institute houses a school and one of the world’s greatest art collections. It is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the country which makes it worth exploring.

8. Adler Planetarium

Head to the Adler Planetarium for another great view of the Chicago skyline. There is a loop that goes around the actual planetarium that offers the best views of the city and the lake. Then head inside to learn more about the stars and sky.

9. Chicago River

The river and the riverwalk are spots worth visiting. The path is only a little over a mile and you can get an up close look at the water. It is lined with many famous buildings and, if you have the time, you can go for a guided tour down the river. Visit during specific times like St. Patrick’s Day and you’ll find the water has been turned green for festivities.

image8Best Photography Spots in Chicago Illinois Chicago River

10. 360 Chicago

Located on the 94th floor of the John Hancock building, this is an observation deck that gives you wonderful views of the city and Lake Michigan. You’ll need to purchase a ticket to get up top but once you are there you’ll be able to enjoy the city in all its glory.

Best Photography Spots in Chicago Illinois

11. Navy Pier

The Navy Pier sits beside the lake and offers plenty of entertainment for visitors. It is a 3,300-foot pier that has rides, cultural attractions, and games. There is no admission fee to enter the pier so you can take your camera and explore the area.

Best Photography Spots in Chicago Illinois Navy Pierimage2

12. Buckingham Fountain

The Buckingham Fountain is one of the largest fountains in the world and became famous after being featured in the Married with Children introduction. If you visit at the right time, you can catch a 20-minute water show.

13. University of Chicago

This is a private university in the city that is located in Hyde Park. It is globally ranked as one of the best and most selective universities in the world. Take your time to walk around campus and photograph the beautiful architecture it has to offer.

Best Photography Spots in Chicago Illinois University of Chicagoimage7

14. Calder’s Flamingo

This sculpture can be found right in the middle of the Federal Plaza buildings. It was created by Alexander Calder and is a piece made from 50 tons of steel and painted in vermillion red. Against the backdrop of the neutral buildings in the area, this sculpture really makes a bold statement.

Best Photography Spots in Chicago Illinois Calders Flamingoimage10

15. Millennium Park

This is the most famous park in the city because it houses The Bean. However, it’s not just this sculpture that is photo-worthy here. You can explore the gardens, gaze up at the towering skyscrapers surrounding the park, and also take the opportunity to stop by Crown Fountain.

image1Best Photography Spots in Chicago Illinois Millennium Park

Best Photography Spots in Chicago Illinois

16. Chicago Skyline

You can’t visit the city without capturing multiple shots of its iconic skyline. There are many places that offer great views from the shores of the lake to various points n the city, there’s no telling how creative you can get with skyline shots.

Best Photography Spots in Chicago Illinois Chicago Skylineimage3

17. South Pond Wooden Pavilion

This is located on a nature boardwalk that sits at the edge of the Lincoln Park Zoo. Not only is this a great area to walk around and relax at, but the wooden pavilion also has a modern honeycomb and wave-like design that really stands out against the rest of the city.

18. North Ave Beach

This is the place to head for those who are wanting a bit of beach time or, in this case, lake time since Chicago borders Lake Michigan. This is a great place to enjoy sandy shores or admire the waterfront. It is also one of the top places to capture a photo of the skyline.

image4Best Photography Spots in Chicago Illinois North Beach

19. Rookery Building

The Rookery Building is usually photographed for its ornate designs inside, especially the staircase. It was built in the late 1880s and the inside boasts of grandeur. Head to the very top of the stairwell to get a picture looking down at the winding stairs.

20. Wabash Art Murals

This art corridor has several fun murals on the sides of buildings in the area. You’ll have to do some research ahead of time if you are looking for a specific art piece but it is also easy to walk around and search on your own. The moose chewing bubblegum is located in the parking lot at Congress Ave and Wabash Ave.

These are the Best Photography Spots in Chicago Illinois

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