North Ave Beach. (My Personal Favorite)

Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk.

Milton Olive Park.

Museum Campus.

Adler Planetarium. (Another place I love)

Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary.

The Art Institute of Chicago.

The Chicago Cultural Center.

Lincoln Park Conservatory.

Do we need a permit?

Many people forget that several parks in Chicago require a permit to take commercial photos. Thankfully a good local  professional photographer should be able to help guide you as the which ones do. I have an account with The Chicago Park District and they have made it fairly easy to book and pay for a permit online for various venues. When I work with clients I am happy to take care of the permits for Chicago Parks District.

The following locations require a permit through the Parks Department.

Buckingham Fountain (fountain shutdown October 11, 2022 until spring 2023)

Garfield Park Conservatory (A real gem for winter. It is warm indoors year round)

Humboldt Park Formal Garden

Lincoln Park Conservatory

Jackson Park Osaka Garden

Lincoln Park North Pond Laughter Gazebo

Montrose Harbor Dr. Skyline View

Lincoln Park Rosenbaum Gazebo

Museum Campus Skyline View

North Ave. Beach – Chess Pavilion

Lincoln Park Great Garden

Ping Tom Park Pagoda

Lincoln Park Plaza W of North Pond Restaurant

Independently managed and also need a permit.

Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool | (773) 883-7275

Lincoln Park Zoo | (312) 742-2000

Maggie Daley Park & Cancer Survivors Garden | (312) 552-300

Millennium Park |  (312) 744-6050

Olive Park | (312) 744-6635

When do you want to do the photos?

Like any large city, some venues that are popular are just impossible to work at when certain events are going on or times of the week. If Lala Palooza is on for example, forget about trying to go to Buckingham Fountain. Marathons and Friday traffic will also affect some venues. Plan accordingly. The best light is most often before sunset and sometimes that heaty traffic time, so a Sunday may be best.