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 didnβt think soβ¦Β
Letβs 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. Itβs 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 β 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!
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
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
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
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
Honeycomb art installation and several locations with skyline views
Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 742-2000
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
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
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
Artistic structures, both formal and informal gardens and buildings
Cantigny Park
1 S 151 Winfield Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
(630) 668-5161
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Mayslake
3401 St. Paschal Drive
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Naperville Riverwalk
Greenery, a beautiful covered bridge, and the river
Naperville Riverwalk
178 Jackson Avenue
Naperville, IL 60540
Patriots Park
Patriots Park
501 55th Place
Downers Grove, IL 60515
(630) 963-1300
Springbrook Prairie
Springbrook Prairie in Naperville offers vast natural prairies.
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 βalleyβ).
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
Variety of plants, terrain, and paths with a beautiful waterfall area
Waterfall Glen
Lemont, IL 60439
(630) 933-7200
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
