Hire a Photographer in Chicago

How Much Do Chicago Photographers Charge?

A photoshoot in Chicago costs a fixed $280–$630 — for example $390 for the popular 60-minute session with 35 edited photos. The price is the same in every city, with editing, an online gallery and ~4-day delivery included — nothing to negotiate.

Our Clients' Reviews of Chicago Photographers

Chicago Photoshoot Guides

Everything you need to plan a photoshoot in Chicago — costs, the best photo spots, and pro tips.

Photo spots

Chicago Photography: Capturing the City's Best Spots and Hidden Gems

Occasion

20 Priceless Tips from a Chicago Proposal Photographer

Occasion

28 Best Places to Propose in Chicago: Traditional & Creative Places

Most-Booked Photo Spots in Chicago

Ranked by real Localgrapher bookings — where our couples and families actually choose to shoot in Chicago.

★#1

Chicago Riverwalk

43% proposal shoots

#2

Cloud Gate

57% other shoots

#3

Navy Pier

40% wedding shoots

#4

Chicago Cultural Center

75% proposal shoots

#5

Lincoln Park Conservatory

50% couple shoots

#6

Skydeck Chicago

100% couple shoots

#7

Wrigley Building

100% couple shoots

#8

Oak Street Beach

100% proposal shoots

Local Tips for Your Chicago Photoshoot

• 1

  The Best Time of Year to Visit Chicago, Illinois, USA

  The best season to visit Chicago, Illinois all depends on what you’re looking for, though most would agree both spring and summer may have the most to offer its first-time visitors. This is especially true when it comes to the weather, but if you can stand wet Autumns and extremely cold winters, then maybe you will find this city most charming under its winter skin. Fortunately, no matter which season you choose to visit Chicago, Illinois there will be plenty for you to see and do and a nice amount of incredible local photographers to choose from during your Chicago excursion. Here’s what to expect during each of Chicago’s jazzy seasons. [gallery columns="4" ids="173033,173032,173031,173030"] Family photoshoot by Ryan, Localgrapher in Chicago
• 2

  Visiting Chicago with a Photographer in Winter

  There’s no denying it, Chicago in the winter is cold, cold, cold. This windy city will certainly show you a white Christmas, or at least snow days around the season, just to sync up with the beautiful Christmas lights. Lincoln Park Zoo is especially spectacular this time of year if you’re looking for the best light show in town. On the bright side, there will be heaps of ice-skating rinks to choose from, which means, more space on the ice and spectacular views while you skate. A great tip for enjoying winter in Chicago is hiring a local photographer and heading out to MILLENNIUM PARK: McCormick Tribune Ice Rink for a view that overlooks the city, or for more professional skaters check out MAGGIE DALEY PARK: Ice Skating Ribbon, which is stationed right between Lake Michigan on one side and a skyline view of Chicago on the other! Imagine that for a photo backdrop! If skating in the evening wasn’t enough, then you’ll absolutely have to go sledding down Soldier Field Sled Hill. And if there isn’t enough snow when you want to go the city may just blow some extra snow to keep the trail running smoothly and you at your top-safest speed. If you’re traveling with your family, you’ll absolutely want to hire a family photographer for such a fun event! Don’t forget to treat yourself to a rich cup of hot chocolate when you need a break from the chill. Your Chicago photographer certainly won't turn down a cup. Then use the weather as an excuse to spend the day in The Art Institute of Chicago to wander around some of the world’s greatest pieces of art. Proposal photoshoot by Vanessa, Localgrapher in Chicago
• 3

  Visiting Chicago in Spring

  In spring there is certainly no shortage of things to do in Chicago. The city is eager to welcome in the warm weather by celebrating with food festivals, concerts, art fairs and more. In April you can catch the Chicago Wine festival, in May the Chicago Kids and Kites Festival, the Memorial Day Parade, and too many food festivals to name them all, but let’s just say you won’t leave Chicago without an over satisfied food-belly. Then, any local will tell you to head over to Lakefront Trail and walk along the blossoming trail to experience Chicago in bloom. Lakefront Trail is also a great place to hire an engagement photographer for an unforgettable photoshoot. If you absolutely love parks, spend the day in Grant Park and have a romantic picnic in the sun surrounded by the locals, fresh green grass and hearty blooming trees.  If you’re traveling with kids, then you’ll certainly want to spend a sunny day in Maggie Daley Park, which is a magical place for children up to 12 years old. They can play in the Enchanted Forest where all the trees are upside down, a rock climbing wall and more. And, if treating yourself to Chicago’s famous cuisine is on your list, check out the Fulton Market Food Hall on a cold day or evening, and pick a seat among one of the many kitchens showcasing delicious dishes from some of Chicago’s most celebrated chefs this year. For spring delights, book a trip to the Botanical Gardens to witness the crabapple trees blooming around the last two weeks of May accompanied by incredible tulips to further mark the arrival of spring. Proposal photoshoot by Zhanna, Localgrapher in Chicago
• 4

  Visiting Chicago in Summer

  We hope you’ve planned a long stay this summer in Chicago because there will certainly be too many fun things to choose from all summer long. First off, you’ll notice that you can eat on a terrace or rooftop in almost all of the great restaurants, which is a must-do if you’re not already planning a picnic by the lake. Then you’ll have to check out all the free events in Millennium Park for a full day’s adventure. This season is a great opportunity to hire an affordable photographer in Chicago since you won’t have any trouble finding a street fair or an outdoor festival. All you have to do is choose a neighborhood and discover what they are celebrating. If you need a good place to start, the most popular festivals and fairs are the Taste of Lincoln Avenue, the Taste of Randolph Street & the Taste of River North. But in truth, it doesn’t end there. There is an abundance of festivals to choose from like The Lincoln Park Wine Fest, the Old Town Art Fair, Chicago Taco & Tequila Fest, Chicago Jazz Festival and the Chicago Food Truck Festival. If you’ve had too much to eat then head to Maggie Daley Park for some communal exercising, rent a bike and ride down Lakefront trail, or go swimming in Montrose Beach or Oakwood Beach. If you do make it out to Oakwood beach, bring your private photographer along with you, you’ll absolutely want some of those photos with the city skyline in the background of your photo uploaded to your Instagram account.  And let’s not forget, Grant Park hosts the Taste of Chicago Festival, the biggest food event worldwide in July and the Navy Pier hosts weekly fireworks show every summer. So, if you’re planning a proposal this summer, sync it up with the fireworks at the pier and have your proposal photographer ready for one of the most meaningful moments of your lives captured along Chicago’s most famous pier! And finally, for a day of simple fun, head to Lincoln Park’s Green City Market where you can shop local produce while listening to live music under the Chicago sun. Family photoshoot by Zhanna, Localgrapher in Chicago
• 5

  Visiting Chicago in Autumn

  For those who love fall colors, Chicago in autumn is a must-see. If you want to do two things at once, immerse yourself among the fall foliage by heading to a pumpkin patch, apple orchard, or corn maze. And, if you’re prepared to do three things at once, bring along your personal photographer to capture all of the highlights from your trip to Chicago. They especially love the Corn Mazes for a fun photoshoot during Halloween season!  If it’s still warm, book a river cruise to get a look at the cityscape from a water-view perspective. All the locals will tell you the best time to book a cruise is during the fall season, when you can witness not only incredibly innovative architecture but beautiful fall foliage. And, whether you’re with children or not, check out the Adler Planetarium for some fascinating planetary exhibitions and the Field Museum for incredibly unique science exhibitions. In Autumn you can hire some of Chicago’s best photographers and spend the day in North Avenue Beach, where you can find a bar on the beachfront, kayaks for rent and the last opportunity to soak up the Chicago sun before the bold winter arrives. Hire a professional photographer from Chicago for your trip HERE! Proposal photoshoot by Daniela, Localgrapher in Chicago

Chicago Photographer FAQs

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