The 9 Best Graduation Photoshoot Ideas in Chicago

Looking for graduation photoshoot ideas in Chicago to commemorate the hard work you’ve put in to reach this next exciting life stage? At Peerspace, we get it! Graduation photos are a cornerstone of the ritual of moving from either high school to college or the latter to the world beyond.

There are countless beautiful American cities ideal for a graduation photoshoot, but few can top Chicago. The city is home to breathtaking historic architecture, world-class arts and culture, and a casserole that calls itself pizza.

Here are nine graduation photoshoot ideas in Chicago you can’t miss, all available through Peerspace, the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals. We make it easy to connect with amazing, local-owned spaces that bring your special moments to life. Now, without further ado, let’s get to the list!

1. Immerse yourself in great design at a sleek, contemporary studio

First on our list of great graduation photoshoot ideas in Chicago is a modern minimalist studio that might as well call itself a modern art gallery. If you’re going into or about to graduate from a design or architecture program, this is an ideal location to take grad photos.

It’s in a monochrome color scheme; black is the name of the game in this home, and it makes stunning use of that restrictive pallet. Mesmerizing oversized black-and-white artwork draws the eye upward to the vaulted ceilings and the stretch sofa elongates the room further. Throw on a pop of color and you’ll look amazing against this stunning contemporary space.

A Peerspace user who booked this studio for a shoot shared the following review: “The space is gorgeous. Lonney was an amazing host and super gracious. Highly recommend for anyone booking an event to check this beautiful hidden gem out!”

2. Bask in the bohemian atmosphere of a chic, plant-filled apartment

House plants abound in this stylish, earth-toned loft apartment conveniently located in Chicago’s West Loop. The apartment has great natural from the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, accented on each side by a strip of exposed brick. This bohemian oasis is a great place to take grad photos, be it casually posed by the record player or reading a book on any number of stylish seating options.

A Peerspace reviewer shares: “Shannon was awesome and the space was gorgeous. We got there and it was clean and worked perfectly for our photoshoot.”

After your shoot you can check out all the cool eats the West Loop has to offer, like Restaurant Row and the French Market.

3. Face your aspirations at this lakeside scientific museum

Did you know that Chicago is home to the International Museum of Surgical Science? How about that you can book this epic spot for your grad photos through Peerspace? We’re happy to say this is all true, and we think it would be the perfect photoshoot location for graduates entering the medical and science fields.

Stroll the vast hallways filled with statuary, art, and other artifacts as your photographer snaps away. The ornate architecture and singular ambiance this museum offers also won’t hurt your shoot, either!

Our favorite Chicago birthday ideas may introduce you to your new favorite spot in the Windy City. Check them out!

4. Capture your future at this colorful recording studio

There are plenty of talented performers based in Chicago. And if you’re a recent grad who fits into this category, then check out this colorful recording studio in River West! It’s a spacious 1,100+-square-foot venue that is a professional recording studio. But this venue is not just for musicians. In fact, the host refers to it as “a plant-loving, black & brown-centered creative, healing, and event space for artists, healers, businesses, brands and organizations.”

If you appreciate this beautiful sentiment and love the style of the studio, book it for your graduation photoshoot. It will not only give you amazing photos, but lasting memories.

5. Take stand-out pictures at a boho-chic creative studio

Get ready to look your best at this beautifully decorated event space. It features hardwood floors, a mount for seamless paper backdrops, and the key piece, a delightful bohemian seating area. You may not initially imagine an event programming space to be the perfect graduation photoshoot location but this one proves all assumptions wrong.

Diffused light pours in from the windows behind the seating area to give all your pictures an even look and the stylish seating area will make them pop. All these details make this creative space one of the more interesting graduation photoshoot ideas in Chicago.

6. Gaze at the skyline from a gorgeous downtown high-rise

There’s exactly one huge reason to try out this next location: to snap a picture of yourself with a million-dollar view. The contemporary minimalist apartment is in a downtown high-rise with views you simply cannot beat. The concrete pillar contrasts with the sleek white leather couch to create an air of simplicity in design. So go on and gaze out at that view and let the photographer do the rest.

“The space was amazing,” shares a photographer in their Peerspace review. “The huge window provided fantastic lighting. The space was easy to access. I highly recommend this studio. My client and I were delighted.”

Want to explore more Chicago residences as potential shoot sites? Then discover where and how to rent a house for a day in Chicago!

7. Strike a dynamic pose at a versatile Hyde Park house

Recline in a one-of-a-kind upholstered chair, take a seat at the piano or lean by the mantle. There are countless opportunities to get the perfect picture in this 19th-century Victorian home.

Located in beautiful Hyde Park, this house sits in an idyllic urban location. And it’s the location that makes this particular home so special. The backyard is just as beautiful as the inside and also makes for a great photoshoot backdrop. You can get in a huge range of shots all at one address.

“Leslie is a great host,” shares a Peerspace reviewer of this home’s host. “Very communicative and made sure our crew was squared away for our shoot. Would book again!”

8. Inspire others with a Parisian shoot

One of our favorite graduation photoshoot ideas in Chicago is to take sophisticated portraits at this ultimate Parisian-style apartment off Southport. This immaculate space comprises all-white rooms, including a parlor, a chef’s kitchen, and a private garden, all of which are suitable for your shoot.

While we think this welcoming, tres chic apartment is an obvious winner for French history or French language graduates, it can also be the perfect fit for any grad who appreciates the elegance of this one-of-a-kind home.

9. Soak up the stunning lighting at a classic loft apartment

You didn’t think we’d do a whole list without a classic loft, did you? In a city this historic? We’d never dare. Closing out our collection of the best graduation photoshoot ideas in Chicago is a breathtaking loft apartment located in Logan Square.

It’s fitted with funky eclectic furnishings that’ll have you feeling at home in the warm atmosphere. There are exposed timber beams and untreated brick walls as well as huge industrial windows that let in a ton of natural light. It’s a fabulous place to take graduation pictures no matter the path you’re taking in life.

A photographer shared the following summation after shooting in this stylish loft: “This Place is A M A Z I N G! Lots of details that make you inspired. Beautiful natural light, beautiful furniture and decoration. Robert was very welcoming as well. Will book again soon :)”

Graduation photoshoot ideas in Chicago: conclusion

Chicago is a dynamic city with so much to offer, it’s no surprise we found so many amazing Peerspaces to take graduation photos. From a minimalist studio to an ornate Hyde Park mansion, there’s something for every aesthetic in the Windy City.

Remember, Peerspace is more than just stunning photoshoot locations. Use our platform to discover hidden gem venues for your grad party, future business gatherings, and more.

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