The 10 Best Maternity Photoshoot Ideas near Chicago

With an extensive history dating back to its founding in the 1830s, Chicago remains a city on the cutting edge. Suffused with excitement and energy, Chicago offers an abundance of remarkable architecture, a huge and diverse population (of almost 3 million people), and exciting arts and culture. In Chicago, it’s a bit of an understatement to say that you’ll find no shortage of beautiful homes, picturesque parks and waterfronts, and stunning landmarks that make for gorgeous photography. And if you’re looking specifically to do a maternity photoshoot that captures the loving and serene feel of motherhood, you’ll find numerous possibilities. Read on for a few of our absolute favorite maternity photoshoot ideas near Chicago!

1. A West Town loft and studio with vintage decor

west town loft and studio vintage decor chicago rental
Source: Peerspace

Because this space is a showroom for vintage furniture, its furnishings offer tons of character and a warm, eclectic vibe that’s ideal for a maternity photoshoot. It’s an attractive and comfortable location that also contains a studio, so you can do portraits using a simpler background with great lighting. Look forward to exploring the 3,000-square-foot loft itself.

2. A West Logan restaurant with an industrial, DIY interior and rustic garden

West Logan Restaurant with Rustic Garden chicago rental
Source: Peerspace

This restaurant is located in Logan Square, a historical neighborhood known for its green spaces, architecture, and bars and cuisine. It’s a sweet, bright sandwich shop that’s “great for film/photo projects looking for a cozy restaurant-type setting,” according to someone who had previously rented the space.

You’ll enjoy the combination of indoor and outdoor space — and as an added bonus, the private yard in back even has chickens! This will be a fun, understated maternity photoshoot — and most importantly, it’ll serve as a great opportunity to capture lovely memories. This makes it one of our favorite casual maternity photoshoot ideas near Chicago.

3. A Ravenswood private loft with gorgeous natural light

ravenswood loft chicago
Source: Peerspace

Here, you’ll find all the best features that lofts have to offer: hardwood floors, high ceilings, exposed brick, and other eye-catching details that will take your photoshoot to the next level. Then, of course, there’s the incredible natural light, provided via rows of huge windows. This will be a peaceful photoshoot — the space is quiet when the windows are closed. Since you’re right in the Ravenswood corridor, you’ll also be within walking distance of numerous coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants, and other attractions, which are worth a visit when your photoshoot is done.

4. The historic Navy Pier

navy pier ferris wheel chicago
Source: Pixabay

The Navy Pier is a major Chicago landmark, as well as a playful, unexpected location for a maternity photoshoot, one that will bring whimsy to your photography. The view of the Ferris wheel makes for a lovely backdrop, as does the bright, clear water. This is for sure one of our top maternity photoshoot ideas near Chicago.

5. A rustic Bucktown warehouse loft with a picturesque courtyard

Bucktown Warehouse Loft chicago rental
Source: Peerspace

This loft’s impressively large scale is something you can use to your advantage in making your maternity photos majestic yet rather minimalist, if that’s the kind of vibe you’d like. The owners also note that there is “a vast and thoughtfully curated selection of props and surfaces from antique to contemporary,” so your aesthetic options are extensive. In addition, there’s the beautifully designed private courtyard — secluded and cozy, it looks especially lovely at night when all the lights are glowing.

6. A bright white storefront with stylish amenities

Bright White Storefront with Stylish Amenities chicago rental
Source: Peerspace

Here’s a stylish, feminine location for a maternity photoshoot. If that’s your taste, you’ll love the pink palette of much of this storefront’s mix-and-match antique furniture, as well as the refined decor throughout, all set on a bright white background. Reviewers call it “gorgeous,” “light-filled,” and “fantastic” — one reviewer even commented, “I can’t rave about the stunning vintage aesthetic enough.” You won’t be disappointed by this cheerful, pleasant photoshoot spot.

7. The scenic Lincoln Park

lincoln park chicago
Source: Pixabay

Consider snapping your maternity photos in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, which provides an amazing contrast between natural landscapes and the city skyline: a flawless backdrop for your photoshoot. You’ll also find sights like the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, and more. It’s no wonder the park placed on the American Planning Association’s list of Great Public Spaces in America.

8. A timber loft with skyline views and outdoor terrace

timber loft skyline views chicago rental
Source: Peerspace

This 150-year-old converted motor factory achieves the perfect blend of industrial chic and warm elegance. You’ll feel at home here, whether you’re settled on the tasteful, comfortable furniture indoors or appreciating skyline views on the outdoor terrace. The 1500-square-foot interior contains lots of light and artwork, as well as two wood-burning fireplaces, a library, a powder room, and more. You can’t go wrong with a photoshoot in this simple yet impressive space.

9. A trendy West Loop loft with vibrant colors and vintage furniture

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

If you’re in search of a funkier, more distinctive vibe, rather than the more minimal feel of a more standard loft or photo studio, we’ve got the perfect location for you. The full spectrum of rich hues offered by this loft will imbue your maternity photoshoot with energy and life. (And take a look at the photos — you’ll notice that award-winning musician and fashion icon Halsey did a photoshoot here, reflecting the space’s majorly in-demand status.)

10. The majestic Buckingham Fountain

buckingham fountain chicago
Source: Pixabay

We’ll end this list with a breathtaking Chicago landmark: Buckingham Fountain, which in fact holds the distinction of being one of the largest fountains in the world! Buckingham Fountain looks especially splendid at night when it’s beautifully lit up, but it makes a majestic maternity photoshoot location no matter what time of day. It sits in Grant Park, which is also a world-class landmark in its own right.

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