Best Places for Fall Family Pictures and Fall Photo Session Openings

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Resources for Families

It’s that time again: the kids are back in school and the weather is slowly cooling. That means the leaves will be changing into beautiful hues of yellow, red, and orange, which is perfect for fall family pictures!

You can check out our guide full of Recommended Family Photographers, but what about fall photo sessions specifically? We teamed up with our featured photographers to bring you ideas for where to take fall family photographs and give you inside info on what sessions they have left so you can snag these popular times slots!

Please keep in mind that most of the following locations charge a photography fee, which is managed by your photographer, so check with the location or the person you hire before making your final decision.

Photographers with Upcoming Photo Sessions

Before you scroll through the myriad of amazing locations to take fall family photographs in the city and suburbs, here’s a list of fall sessions that are currently available. Many of the photographers warned us that there aren’t many spots left, so you’ll want to check these out as soon as possible. Then scroll through to see samples of their work at various gorgeous locations nearby and be inspired!

Summer Brader Photography

Your 2024 fall lifestyle Maternity, Newborn, Children and Family Photographer
Based out of Downers Grove, IL, serves Chicago and surrounding suburbs and available for travel
summer@summerbraderphotography.com
WebsiteΒ |Β FacebookΒ |Β Instagram

DON’T SETTLE FOR BORING FAMILY PHOTOS! LET’S MAKE YOUR FAMILY SESSION UNFORGETTABLE!

You’re one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re an expecting mom, a seasoned parent, a stay-at-home superhero, or a working dynamo, you deserve photos that capture the amazing life you live. You work hard, play hard, and love even harderβ€”so why settle for the same old stiff poses and forced smiles?

I thought not…

Let’s create a fun, relaxed session full of real connections and genuine emotions, giving you something truly magical to display on your walls.

Ready to stand out? Grab one of my limited fall session spots before they’re gone! Click the link above to book your session today and secure your chance to capture memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t waitβ€”these sessions fill up fast, and once they’re gone, they’re gone!

Book Now and let’s make magic happen!

See you in the wild! Summer

EsteeG Photography

on location or in studio
Countryside, IL
esteegphotography@yahoo.com
WebsiteΒ |Β FacebookΒ |Β Instagram

It’s the most magical times of the year and I’m not talking about Christmas (which we all love!) I’m talking about Fall!
Fall is busiest time for photos as it’s absolutely gorgeous with the warm colors and crisp cool air. Let’s have some fun in your session with big hugs, tickles and laughs. This year EsteeG Photography is offering two dates for Fall Super Mini’s at two different locations. If one of the dates doesn’t work with your schedule, just reach out for more availability. Let’s update your family’s photo!

Click here to schedule your fall photo session with Esther.

Moira Nolan Photography

on location
Bolingbrook, IL
mknolanphoto@gmail.com
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Apple cider donuts, sweater weather, and the vibrant colors of changing leaves. What’s not to love about fall?!

Whether you’re looking to hang new artwork in your home or send out personalized holiday cards, a fall mini session is the perfect solutionβ€”quick, affordable, and filled with the beauty fall has to offer.

Why am I so passionate about photography?

Becoming a new mom has made me treasure life’s precious moments even more. I understand the value of priceless photos, and I want to help you hold onto those special moments. From your maternity journey to family love, let’s capture those memories together!

Visit my website to learn more and connect!

Abigail Joyce Studios

on location and studios in Hinsdale and Oak Park
649 Madison Street | Oak Park IL
201 E Ogden Ave, Ste 30C | Hinsdale IL
(708) 505-9081
hello@abigailjoycephotography.com
WebsiteΒ |Β FacebookΒ |Β Instagram

Abigail is an award winning maternity, newborn, and family photographer based in Chicago, IL. She is the owner andΒ principal photographer for Abigail Joyce Studio,Β a group of newborn and family photographers. Our photographers provide on-location, at-home, and studio based sessions in downtown Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Our sessions feature simple prices, include digital masters, individualized print shops, and are fully released for personalΒ use,Β downloading, and sharing.

Kristen Hazelton Photography

based in Oak Park, IL, serving and the San Francisco Bay Area
kristenhazeltonphotography@gmail.com
WebsiteΒ |Β FacebookΒ |Β Instagram

Serving Chicagoland from Oak Park, IL, Kristen Hazelton PhotographyΒ provides on-location fall photoshoots for Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Whether you’re looking for vibrant fall color or something a little different this year, I offer custom services to make sure your fall family photos are perfectly tailored to your family’s wants and needs.

Fall Photo Locations in Chicago

31st Street Beach

Summer Brader Photography, 31st Street Beach

Margaret T. Burroughs Beach, most commonly called 31st Street Beach, offers views of the Chicago skyline.

31st Street Beach
3100 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 742-3224

Adler Planetarium

EsteeG Photography, Adler Planetarium

The area outside Adler has some of the best views in the city, with a huge stretch of skyline and the lakeshore.

Adler Planetarium
1300 S Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 922-7827

Belmont Harbor

Boat harbor with park space and views of the skyline to the south.

Belmont Harbor in Lincoln Park
3600 Recreation Drive
Chicago, IL 60613
(312) 742-7673

Chicago Riverwalk

EsteeG Photography, Chicago Riverwalk

This 1.25-mile long path connects Upper Wacker Drive to the lake, with views of the Chicago River, bridges, architecture, and public art.

Lincoln Park Zoo

EsteeG Photography, Lincoln Park Zoo

Honeycomb art installation and several locations with skyline views.

Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 742-2000

Millennium Park

Summer Brader Photography, Millennium Park

The iconic bean sculpture (Cloud Gate), Crown Fountain, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, and Maggie Daley Park in the heart of the city.

Millennium Park
201 E Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 742-1168

Milton Lee Olive Park

Fountains with paths and benches amidst trees, located on a peninsula just north of Navy Pier

Milton Lee Olive Park
E. Ohio Street
Chicago, IL 60611

Montrose Beach

EsteeG Photography Montrose Beach
EsteeG Photography, Montrose Beach in Chicago

Montrose Beach
4400 N. Lake Shore Dr.
Chicago, IL 60613
(312) 742-3224

Montrose Harbor

A protected prairie area with photo opportunities among fall foliage.

Montrose Harbor
601 W Montrose Avenue
Chicago, IL 60613
(312) 742-7527

North Avenue Beach

Dunes, sand, and skyline make this spot special for family photographs.

North Avenue Beach
1600 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60613
(312) 742-3224

North Pond

Nature meets an urban skyline in this Lincoln Park natural area.

North Pond
2610 N Cannon Drive
Chicago, IL 60614

Northerly Island

Great views of Lake Michigan with the skyline behind you.

Northerly Island
1521 S. Linn White Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 745-2910

Oak Street Beach

Sandy beach with waterfront and skyline views.

Oak Street Beach
1000 North Lake Shore Drive 
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 74-BEACH

Ping Tom Memorial Park

This park has wooded areas, city views, murals, and Chinese landscape design elements.

Ping Tom Park
1700 S. Wentworth Avenue
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 225-3121

Promontory Point

Promontory Point is a natural area part of Burnham Park, a lakefront park just north of the Museum of Science and Industry.

Promontory Point
5491 S Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60615
(773) 256-0159

Winnemac Park

This park features an accessible playground, scenic prairie garden, and nature trail.

Winnemac Park
5100 N Leavitt Street
Chicago, IL 60625
(312) 742-5101

Fall Photo Locations in the Chicago Suburbs

Bird Haven Greenhouse and Conservatory

Summer Brader Photography, Bird Haven Greenhouse

Lush, tropical foliage makes for beautiful photos.

Bird Haven Greenhouse and Conservatory
225 Gougar Road
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 741-7278

Blackhawk Waterfall

Also known as the hidden waterfall in South Elgin, this spot has rocks to step across, a waterfall, and graffiti behind the falls.

Blackhawk Waterfall
35W003 Route 31
South Elgin, IL 60177

Cantigny Park

EsteeG Photography Cantigny Park
EsteeG Photography, Cantigny Park

Artistic structures, both formal and informal gardens and buildings

1 S 151 Winfield Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
(630) 668-5161

Danada Forest Preserve

Summer Brader Photography Danada Forest Preserve
Summer Brader Photography, Danada Forest Preserve

Home to the Danada Equestrian Center, prairies, woods, wetlands, a farm, and rolling terrain.

Downtown Geneva

Geneva’s historic downtown makes a great backdrop.

Downtown La Grange

Summer Brader Photography, Downtown La Grange

There’s an alley in downtown La Grange with artwork, brick walls, and rustic stairs that makes it a unique spot for photographs.

Downtown Lemont

Lemont has rolling hills, three waterways, and a historic downtown.

Fabyan Forest Preserve

EsteeG Photography Fabyan Forest Preserve Geneva
EsteeG Photography, Fabyan Forest Preserve

You’ll find a large windmill, bridge, and amazing landscape structures for picturesque moments.

Fabyan Forest Preserve
1925 S Batavia Avenue
Geneva, IL 60134
(630) 232-5980

Fullersburg Woods

Summer Brader Photography, Fullersburg Woods

Fullersburg Woods creates great backdrops for fall photos with bridges, paths, stone steps, and fall foliage.

Fullersburg Woods
3609 Spring Road
Oak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 850-8110

Graue Mill

The brick path, railings, and mill make Graue Mill an iconic spot for a memorable photo shoot.

Graue Mill
3800 York Road
Oak Brook, IL 60523
(630) 655-2090

Greene Barn

Greene Valley’s historic bright red barn makes a striking backdrop.

Greene Barn at Greene Valley Forest Preserve
23W171 Hobson Road
Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 933-7200

Katherine Legge Memorial Park

EsteeG Photography, Katherine Legge Memorial Park

Older stone buildings and walls, painted gates and doorways, and mature trees

Katherine Legge Memorial Park
5901 S. County Line Road
Hinsdale, IL 60521
(630) 789-7000

Knoch Knolls Park

Bridges, rivers, a pond, mature trees, and native plants.

Knoch Knolls Park
320 Knoch Knolls Road
Naperville, IL 60565

Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens

Huge nature destination with a waterfall, prairie, arboretum with trees from around the world, and more.

Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens
7402 Lake Katherine Drive
Palos Heights, IL 60463
(708) 361-1873

LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve

LeRoy Oakes is home to Creek Bend Nature Center, Durant House Museum and Pioneer Sholes School.

LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve
37W700 Dean Street
St. Charles, IL 60175
(630) 232-5980

Lilacia Park

Summer Brader Photography Lilacia Park
Summer Brader Photography, Lilacia Park

This park offers visual interest all season long with various plantings, paths, and steps.

Lilacia Park
150 S Park Avenue
Lombard, IL 60148
(630) 620-7322

Little Red Schoolhouse

Trails, nature play, and a pond makes this a fun spot to explore and capture in family photos.

Little Red Schoolhouse
9800 Willow Springs Road
Willow Springs, IL 60480
(708) 839-6897

Maple Grove Forest Preserve

Summer Brader Photography Maple Grove Forest Preserve
Summer Brader Photography, Maple Grove Forest Preserve

Maple Grove is “the largest remnant of the vast maple forest that became Downers Grove,” according to the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

Mayslake

Summer Brader Photography, Mayslake

Wetlands, ponds, and prairies offer a variety of scenery for photographers to work with.

Mayslake
3401 St. Paschal Drive
Oak Brook, IL 60523

Naperville Riverwalk

EsteeG Photography Naperville Riverwalk
EsteeG Photography, Naperville Riverwalk

Greenery, classic covered bridges, luxurious landscaping, and the river.

Naperville Riverwalk
178 Jackson Avenue
Naperville, IL 60540

Oldfield Oaks

Summer Brader Photography, Oldfield Oaks

Mature oak woodland, natural wetland and restored prairie with many types of wildflowers.

Oldfield Oaks
2525 87th Street
Darien, IL 60561

Patriots Park

EsteeG Photography, Patriots Park

The large loop around Barth Pond has many places where families can stop for photos by the water.

Patriots Park
501 55th Place
Downers Grove, IL 60515
(630) 963-1300

Springbrook Prairie

Summer Brader Photography, Springbrook Prairie

Springbrook Prairie in Naperville is a vast natural prairie with all kinds of native plants.

St. James Farm

Summer Brader Photography St James Farm
Summer Brader Photography, St James Farm

Beautiful paths lined with landscaping, classic fences, buildings with lot of character, and allΓ©es (rows of trees planted to create a natural β€œalley”).

St. James Farm
2S541 Winfield Road
Warrenville, IL 60555
(630) 933-7248

The Morton Arboretum

The foliage at The Morton Arboretum is top-notch. There are both casual and formal gardens that make great spots for fall photographs.

The Morton Arboretum
4100 IL-53
Lisle, IL 60532
(630) 968-0074

Vehe Farm Park

The Vehe Barn makes the perfect rustic backdrop for family photographs.

Vehe Farm Park
23680 W Cuba Road
Deer Park, IL 60010
(847) 438-0764

Warrenville Grove

A bridge, pond, and wild flowers.

Warrenville Grove
3S345 Batavia Road
Warrenville, IL 60555

Waterfall Glen

EsteeG Photography Waterfall Glen
EsteeG Photography, Waterfall Glen

Variety of plants, terrain, and paths with a beautiful waterfall area.

Waterfall Glen
Lemont, IL 60439
(630) 933-7200

Wilder Park

EsteeG Photography Wilder Park Elmhurst
EsteeG Photography, Wilder Park

Wilder Park is home to a conservatory with great natural light and plants, a playground, an art museum, and a majestic library.

Wilder Park
175 S. Prospect Avenue
Elmhurst, IL 60126
(630) 993-8900

Wolfe Wildlife Park

Natural wetlands area with over 100 species of birds, a playground, and scenic areas.

Wolfe Wildlife Park
W 109th Street and Laramie Avenue
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
(708) 857-2201

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