9 Great Places to Find Photoshoot Inspiration in Chicago

Chicago is a major Midwestern city known for its innovative architecture and its location on the shore of Lake Michigan. From Millennium Park to Navy Pier, to hundreds of neighborhoods with their own unique character, there are thousands of places you can find photoshoot inspiration in Chicago, both indoors and out. We’ve put together this list of great venues you can book for a shoot, including professional photo studios, event spaces, libraries, gardens, and more! These venues are available to rent from local hosts, making them a fabulous choice for visitors who could use some local advice on caterers, equipment rentals, event staff, and other logistics. You can even call up the Peerspace Concierge service at any stage of the process to help you find the necessary equipment and professional services for your shoot.

1. A professional photo studio in Grand Crossing

This fully equipped studio is a great choice for portraits, headshots, fashion shoots, and more. It comes with LED lights, strobe lights, and colored backdrops to get you started, plus a brick wall, a few pieces of furniture, and other props. There’s also a makeup area and kitchen available for your cast and crew to use. The space is small and best for productions with 10 people or fewer, but works great for photographers who don’t have a studio of their own to shoot in.

2. A modern bedroom in Wicker Park

This venue is perfectly decorated for glamour shots or boudoir photos. There are nine bedrooms in all, each with its own design, including brick wall backdrops, floral wallpaper, and other elegant touches. Rent multiple rooms to get a variety of distinct shots all in one day of shooting. Whether you pose in front of a bed, desk, or fireplace, this space can be used to promote your product or lifestyle brand. And you can easily come up with creative shots for your Instagram page.

3. A creative industrial-chic kitchen in the East Village

Professional chefs and food enthusiasts will find plenty of photoshoot inspiration in Chicago at this modern kitchen that can be used for cooking demonstrations or pop-up dinners. Show off your menu at this unique venue with an industrial vibe. The wood and metal accents create a warm and sophisticated color scheme that ties together the seating area and bar. Book this venue by the hour for groups of up to 20 people. Catering options are available through the Peerspace Concierge service.

4. A minimalist yoga studio in Wicker Park

Yoga and fitness models will feel right at home in this well-lit studio space that can fit up to 20 people for a yoga or meditation class. You’ll have access to a bathroom and sound system, as well as yoga mats and blocks. Tea and other beverages are available for purchase, and there’s a Nest-controlled thermostat to keep the room at the perfect temperature for your shoot. Book this venue if you’re looking for a minimalist space with neutral colors and a few indoor plants.

5. A picturesque rooftop deck in Wicker Park

This is your chance to get the Chicago skyline in your pictures to prove you were really there! This rooftop deck is a great place to find photoshoot inspiration in Chicago on a sunny day. With lounge chairs and a few plants for atmosphere, you can stage a fashion or lifestyle shoot on the deck, and then head indoors for some interior shots. The inside of this venue features a three-bedroom condo with 2,000 sq.ft. of space to work in. You’ll have access to a living area and bedrooms, all with stylish contemporary decor. This is an ideal spot for an Instagram shoot or even a magazine cover!

6. A former charcoal factory in Bucktown

This modern home offers a truly unique photoshoot location in Chicago. The bare concrete walls of this former charcoal factory are paired with elegant furnishings that give the place a European flair. The wooden beams of the ceiling, massive fireplace, and ivy-covered outdoor deck offer a range of backdrops for fashion and glamour shots. Up to 25 people can be on set at once, and you’ll have access to a dressing area.

7. A colorful tropical retreat in Wicker Park

This “tropical retreat” offers a kitchy island getaway in Chicago. With bright, vibrant colors, this place is as spotless as a hotel and as high-tech as a modern coworking space. Stage a lifestyle shoot, corporate headshots, or family photos at this memorable location. With access to A/C and Wi-Fi, you can stay here all day for a series of back-to-back shoots. Just reach out to the Concierge service to arrange for on-site catering and any other equipment you need.

8. A dreamy outdoor garden in Winnetka

Head outdoors for some one-of-a-kind photoshoot inspiration in Chicago. You can stage your shoot among the flowers at this outdoor garden venue with 10,000 sq.ft. of space. You’ll have access to a labyrinth lawn, a koi fountain, decorative gates, and manicured hedges. Use this space for a photoshoot, or host an event for up to 100 people. It’s a good choice for lifestyle shoots, wedding or engagement shoots, and even corporate events and birthday parties.

9. A one-of-a-kind local library in West Town

Authors, artists, and musicians can get their headshots taken here at this intimate library space filled with brick walls, bookshelves, a fireplace, and more. This community hub is a great place to host your book or album launch. You’ll have room for up to 100 guests and can arrange for any additional equipment or catering needs through the Concierge service. There’s also room outside for a DJ or live entertainment. And thee’s a kitchenette that your caterer can use.

Chicago’s thriving creative scene means that photo studios and other event spaces abound, no matter which part of the city you want to shoot in. Whether you’re a visiting photographer in need of some local tips or a Chicago resident looking for a fresh perspective, we think these places to find photoshoot inspiration in Chicago are a great place to start. If you want more options, just browse the listings on Peerspace until you find a place that’s right for your shoot.

Find unique event venues in Chicago on Peerspace