Best Places for Fall Family Pictures and Fall Photo Session Openings

By:
Updated:
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!

EsteeG Photography

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

Esther from EsteeG Photography is offering 15-minute fall mini sessions on October 15. The last time we checked, there were a few spots left so check it out! The appointments are booked back to back and the location will be in the western suburbs, but determined the week of the sessions to optimize the fall colors. Click here to see available times and book your session.

Summer Brader Photography

Your 2023 fall lifestyle Maternity, Newborn, Children and Family Photographer
Based out of Downers Grove, IL, serves all surrounding areas and available for travel
summer@summerbraderphotography.com
WebsiteΒ |Β FacebookΒ |Β Instagram

NO ONE WANTS BORING FAMILY PHOTOS, SO LET’S MAKE SURE THIS FALL SESSION OF YOURS IS ANYTHING BUT BORING!

You are unique. You are moms-to-be, new and experienced parents, you stay home with the kids, you are working, and all of you are amazing.Β You work hard. You play hard. You love hard, why not show all of that off? As the unique people you are, would you be happy with the same old staged poses and fake smiles hanging on your wall that your parents had?Β 

I didn’t think so… 

Let’s make sure you have a fun, relaxed session filled with connection and emotion so you will have something magical to hang on your walls unlike anything else.

Contact me to schedule your fall family session sooner than later,Β once my availability is gone… it is gone!

Michele K Photography

photographs in studio or on location
18a N Catherine Avenue, La Grange
(773) 245-6735
WebsiteΒ |Β FacebookΒ |Β Instagram

Fall family photography sessions will take place outdoors in the western suburbs of Chicago – including Oakbrook, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, La Grange and Wheaton.

About Michele :
At MKP, my goal is simple: capture beautiful, authentic imagery. It’s my passion. During an MKP session, expect guidance on natural posing and a fun, engaging experience – my magic recipe for capturing amazing images.Β 

Michele offers family photography sessions including outdoor family sessions, newborn lifestyle, maternity, baby milestones and senior portraits at select locations throughout the western suburbs of Chicago. She also specializes in headshot photography at her studio located in La Grange, IL.Β 

Click here for her Fall Mini Session information and booking link.

Abigail Joyce Studios

photographs in studio or on location
647 Madison Street | Oak Park IL
(708) 505-9081
hello@abigailjoycephotography.com
WebsiteΒ |Β FacebookΒ |Β Instagram

Fall in Chicago is sheer magic, making it the pinnacle season for family photos! The city bursts into a symphony of vibrant colors, paired with that perfect, crisp weather, setting the stage for those timeless moments. Plus, it’s just in time for you to send out those enchanting holiday cards! Good news – our studio offers a swift 14-21 day turnaround for galleries. Wondering about the best spots, dates, and times? We’ve got you covered, curating the most romantic spots of the city for your session. And guess what? With two brilliant photographers on our team, we’re doubling up on availability, ensuring we can accommodate your preferred time slot. Let’s make some memories together in the Windy City!

Click here to book your session.

More options from local photographers…

  • Sheena Magnesen Photography has limited dates available in September and October.
  • Photography By Kimberli has session dates throughout Chicagoland in September, October, and November.
  • Edyta Grazman Photography if offering fall sessions October 22-29 at Fort Sheridan.
  • Julianne Green Photography has sessions in Downers Grove, Oak Brook, and Hinsdale this season.
  • Danielle Hardesty Photography is offering fall mini sessions on September 23 in Hinsdale, October 9 in Oak Brook, and October 24 in Darien.

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

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
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 with 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

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

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

Pilsen Murals

Pilsen has amazing public art, which is really great for photographs. The mural pictured above is called Reyes and was completed in 2012. Click here for the full collection.

Various Locations in Pilsen
Pictured above: “Reyes”
1015 W. 16th Street
Chicago, IL 60608

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

birdhavenhouse-mkl
EsteeG Photography, Bird Haven Greenhouse

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.

35W003 Route 31
South Elgin,Β 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 make 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

EsteeG 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

The 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, pond, and native plants

Knoch Knolls Park
320 Knoch Knolls Road
Naperville, IL 60565

Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens

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 offer 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

Mayslake
3401 St. Paschal Drive
Oak Brook, IL 60523

Naperville Riverwalk

EsteeG Photography Naperville Riverwalk
EsteeG Photography, Naperville Riverwalk

Greenery, a beautiful covered bridge, and the river

Naperville Riverwalk
178 Jackson Avenue
Naperville, IL 60540

Patriots Park

EsteeG Photography, Patriots Park

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

Springbrook Prairie

Summer Brader Photography Springbrook Prairie
Summer Brader Photography, Springbrook Prairie

Springbrook Prairie in Naperville offers vast natural prairies.

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 and 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

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, art museum, and 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

Join the List

Let us help you plan fun days!
Get kid-friendly updates straight to your inbox

"*" indicates required fields

When would you like to receive Kidlist emails?*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Related Articles

About the Author

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Fill out this field
Fill out this field
Please enter a valid email address.

Our Amazing Sponsors
Popular Guides