as a photographer, there is One location in chicago that i recommend all year round for any kind of shoot...
...and if you read the title, you already know that this magical location is North Avenue Beach. Possibly the MOST iconic photoshoot spot in the city, there will never come a day where I do not recommend North Avenue Beach to my inquiring clients. Whether you're interested in a summer shoot or a winter shoot, a crack-of-dawn shoot or a golden hour shoot, a save-the-date shoot or a family shoot, North Avenue Beach will never let us down.
If I haven't already convinced you enough, here are my top five reasons why you should book your next session at North Avenue Beach in Lincoln Park.
1. Chicago's BEST VIEW
If your goal is to find the BEST skyline views of Chicago for your session, North Avenue Beach is where you need to be. Not only will you get the perfect view of Chicago's most famous buildings including the Willis (a.k.a. Sears) Tower, but you'll also enjoy the charm of Lake Michigan all along the shoreline. The entire area is quite long with lots of areas to view the city from, including pedestrian pathways, sand beaches, and even a unique "photography point" which winds into a spiral for incredible shots from all points of view. This means no matter how busy the season, we'll always be able to find our own private corner for intimate photos that capture the magic of our Windy City.
2. EASILY ACCESible
North Avenue Beach has a convenient paid parking lot that is usually open, and costs between $15-20 to park during an hour photoshoot. If you need other options, don't worry! Try parking across the street either by searching for Park Chicago spots (indicated with the green street signs-- usually the cheapest option at $4.50/hour) or finding a parking garage nearby.
If you're in a pinch, SpotHero is a lifesaver. It's a parking app that you can download for free to check out different parking options near you. Just search "North Avenue Beach" and plenty of spots should appear on your map detailed with rates and logistics information.
3. all-season beauty
North Avenue Beach is a true winner all year round. Because of its marvelous views and the stunning beauty of Lake Michigan, you'll be able to fall in love with your photoshoot at North Avenue Beach during any season. Different times of year offer unique variations. During the hotter months, you'll be able to catch the glistening waves and cotton-candy skies as the summer suns brightens up our day. During the winter, the waves and foam freeze into an incredible stillness that offers a marvelous unique look to the scenery.
Would you have guessed this shot was taken in mid-January, when it was 20 degrees outside? Rain, snow, sleet, or sun, North Avenue Beach is the ONE!
4. Lincoln park
The Lincoln Park neighborhood where North Avenue Beach is located is one of the loveliest spots in the city. Here, you'll find great coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, clothing stores, the Chicago History Museum, and even the world-renowned Lincoln Park Zoo.
If you're coming to the beach for your photoshoot, why not make a day out of it? Lincoln Park is the perfect place to explore during and after your shoot for an excellent day in Chicago.
5. unmatched sunrise + sunset
There is no better spot to capture the absolute MAJESTY of Chicago's sunrises and sunsets than at North Avenue Beach. The reflection of the sun against the ever-moving waves of Lake Michigan is a priceless sight to see. This session was taken at 5:15 AM to catch the sunrise, and I was completely stunned by how breathtaking these photos turned out! I'm not usually an early morning person, but this session made me want to come visit the beach for sunrise again and again.
Have I convinced you yet? If you're ready to learn more about the booking process and get your photoshoot into the calendar, click the "Book Your Session" button above!
Already booked? Check out the answers to my most frequently asked questions for North Avenue Beach photoshoots so you feel confident and prepared.
Let's talk logistics.
Where is North Avenue Beach?
North Avenue Beach is located in Lincoln Park at 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive. We'll meet outside of Castaways Bar and Grill, the huge ocean-liner inspired building right behind the main parking lot.
Where do I park?
North Avenue Beach is located in Lincoln Park. Typically, the most challenging times to find parking are in the mornings and evenings on weekdays, and all day long during the weekends.
If you can find an open spot on the street with a little green sign labeled by Park Chicago, grab it! That will be your cheapest option. Many spots in Lincoln Park by Park Chicago cost around $4.50 per hour.
If these spots are taken (as they often are), check the SpotHero app to find a garage or lot nearby. My favorite secure parking can be found at 1440 N Lake Shore Drive. Expect to pay around $20 to park for 2 hours. Then you'll be able to walk across the street to get right over to North Avenue Beach!
To check out the most updated parking information from the Chicago Park District, copy and paste this address into your web browser: https://www.chicagoparkdistrictparking.com/lincoln-park/
What should I wear?
We move around a LOT during photoshoots, so wear something that lets you walk, run, bend, and jump all around! Maxi dresses can be so perfect for this as they flow through the wind which creates beautiful shapes + moods in photos against the lake and Chicago skyline. I also love light flannels, bell-sleeved blouses, and layering pieces that you can take on and off like jackets + scarves!
When in doubt, think muted color combos. My favorite colors that pair well with the North Avenue Beach skyline are linen, light grey, sage, lilac, black, and mauve. I'm also happy to provide customized styling advice as we plan your shoot together!
Best time of day for photos?
In order to achieve photos that fit my signature style, I highly recommend shooting for a time at sunrise or sunset. During the start and end of each day, the sunlight becomes much softer, creating beautifully consistent images throughout your shoot.
Because North Avenue Beach doesn't offer many areas with shade, I tend to avoid shooting here during the middle of the day while the sun is still high. The bright sunlight can cast unflattering shadows across your face and body, which I avoid as much as I can. If it's a cloudy or overcast day, we'll be able to shoot at any time!
I keep a highly accurate Sun Tracker app on my phone to meticulously watch out for the perfect times to shoot. I'll use this to give you the most up-to-date information on when we should head out based upon the light, weather, and time of the sunrise/sunset!
