11 Cool Instagram Photoshoot Ideas in Chicago

The Windy City is a photoshoot location hotspot. The architecture, public art, and parks make for some of the best spots in the country for an Instagram backdrop. There’s also an array of options with venue rentals through Peerspace — the largest online marketplace of event spaces. From chic apartments to historic mansions, here are Instagram photoshoot ideas in Chicago that will help beautify your feed.

1. A chic, Parisian apartment with private rooftop garden

Parisian apartment chicago rental
Source: Peerspace

This Paris-themed apartment has been curated just for those who love the famed storybook city. Located on Lincoln Avenue in a historic 1877 building, the large space comes with access to two bedrooms, a stunning rooftop garden, professional chef’s kitchen, an antique bar, and plenty of ornate furniture pieces and accents.

2. A 2,000-square-foot bookstore in Wicker Park

Eclectic Bookstore Cafe chicago rental
Source: Peerspace

Bibliophiles: This Instagram photoshoot idea in Chicago is made just for you! A bountiful bookshop in Wicker Park is the perfect spot for photos — especially when you have the place all to yourself! You no longer have to fight crowds and other Instagrammers for the best spots. Peerspace has thousands of venues that make for idyllic photoshoot locations. Many spaces come with lighting, speakers, tables, chairs, props, and so much more. Peerspace listings also include high-quality images, real reviews, and direct access to venue hosts.

3. A contemporary space with fun wall art in West Town

Contemporary Space in West Town chicago rental
Source: Peerspace

The best Instagram photoshoot ideas in Chicago come with unique details and impressive amenities. This space in the industrial corridor of West Town boasts 4,000 square feet of rooms with artistic backdrops. Two lounge areas, a prep kitchen, custom bar, three bathrooms, and large windows with natural sunlight are included with the venue.

4. A “shag room” with mood lighting in the Chicago Loop

Historic Hotel Meeting Space chicago rental
Source: Peerspace

Located in the Virgin Hotel near the Loop District of Chicago, this shag room makes for one of the grooviest Instagram photoshoot ideas in Chicago. There are so many cozy, cool spots to pose on the large round couch filled with pillows. Contact the venue host for information on customizing the lighting above the room to fit your vibe and color scheme. Hire a bartender for a fun get-together after the photoshoot. The Peerspace Concierge can help find the best bartenders in your area, and they can also help with equipment rentals, entertainment, or catering.

5. A Wicker Park tasting bar with funky places to pose

Self-Pour Tasting Bar in Wicker Park chicago rental
Source: Peerspace

As Chicago’s first fully self-serve craft tasting room, this venue is “hopping” with incredible photoshoot nooks. Nestled in Wicker Park near the Damen Blue Line, the bar has exposed-brick walls, fun swings, hanging plants, and an oversized game of Connect Four. If you’d like a pour, there are over 60 options for drinks while you’re between breaks during the shoot. Able to fit up to 200 people, this space allows you to have your entire family or crew come along for the fun times.

6. A loft space with an open-air courtyard in West Town

Beautiful and Unique Loft Space with Open-Air Courtyard chicago rental
Source: Peerspace

Once a soda pop factory, this location now creates something else — beautiful memories and photos. Instagram photoshoot ideas in Chicago need to be accessible and affordable. This Chicago treasure has street-level access, free street parking, and affordable hourly rates that will give you enough time to get the perfect shot. Highlighted as the “luxury house of the week” by Crain’s Chicago, the venue features an open-air courtyard covered in vines and other greenery. Inside, the venue has high ceilings that go throughout the kitchen, living room, library and bathrooms.

Many Peerspace venues have dozens of reviews that help prospective renters get an understanding of what’s good. Here’s one review that makes this venue seem even better:

“Tom was an amazing host. His space is absolutely beautiful and he was super accommodating when we asked to view the space before our event. Each room is so unique your constantly discover new things every which way you look. This was an amazing space for our photoshoot and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique backdrop.”

7. A trendy loft with a green screen and recording studio

Ravenswood Loft with Green Screen Brick Recording Studio chicago rental
Source: Peerspace

You need Instagram photoshoot ideas in Chicago that are unique. This loft in Uptown comes with all of the amenities of a studio — plus a rockin’ recording studio that adds so much more to the photoshoot experience! Grab a guitar and get in front of the green screen. You can also pose in front of the exposed brick or white and red walls. The Peerspace Concierge can also help with finding the right photographer for your shoot.

8. A historic lakeside mansion-turned-museum

historic scientific mansion chicago rental
Source: Peerspace

Constructed in 1917, this venue is one of the few remaining lakefront mansions in Chicago — and the only one open to the public. The mansion was built to look like a French chateau with polished limestone, Italian marble, brass fixtures, fireplaces, and a gilded metal staircase. Now the Scientific Museum, the space is great for a grand occasion or a high-end photoshoot.

9. A vibrant, vintage-filled loft venue in West Loop

West Loop loft with vibrant colors and vintage furniture chicago rental
Source: Peerspace

You may recognize one of your favorite singers in this venue’s photo galleries. Celebrities, influencers, brands, and many others have used spaces like this for photoshoots. Use this Instagram photoshoot idea for a bright, unique look on your feed that everyone will be asking, “Where is this?!” Able to accommodate up to 20 people, this West Loop loft venue comes with tables, chairs, lounge furniture, high-speed Wi-Fi, drinks, and friendly staff members to help with anything you need during your photoshoot!

10. A checkered space with a neon sign and tire swing

retro warehouse space chicago rental
Source: Peerspace

You’ll get two colorful rooms for the price of one when you rent this venue in Logan Square. The floor-to-ceiling checkered room is nearly empty — besides the electric neon sign and tire swing. The other room is covered in white and filled with vintage furniture, a bar, and two high-top tables. You can also rent more backdrops, fabric, props, and softboxes for an extra fee. 

11. A bright & green loft space in South Loop

bright loft space chicago rental
Source: Peerspace

This special space just might be one of our favorite Instagram photoshoot ideas in Chicago. The light-filled studio has a full kitchen, large makers workshop, central air, an elevator, and an easy access loading dock. You can also request wardrobe kits and mono stands if needed. This host has welcomed commercial clients including MTV, Target, and Apartment Therapy, as well as hundreds of other guests.

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