20 Best Locations to Take Photos of Chicago

I consider myself an amateur photographer at best. I don't know anything about how aperture works, or what settings to use at certain times, but I do know a good picture when I see it. I tend to be the one at the family gatherings that takes the candid shots. I tend to be the one who will stop and make sure the picture is right before taking it. I tend to be the one who has less pictures of himself and more pictures of his surroundings. Yes, that's me... the amateur photographer.

I'm a lover of skylines and skyscapes and landscapes and the "big picture." I like to take the picture that includes everything from colorful flowers to tall buildings to a train moving to rush hour traffic. Yes, that's me... the amateur photographer. So why am I writing this article? I want to share with the real photographers where the best shots are in Chicago. I also want the person traveling to Chicago to know where to see Chicago at its best. If for some reason you need to travel here for assignment, or you live here and want great pictures of your city, here are some of the best places to take some gorgeous photography.

Navy Pier, about two to three blocks from the entrance towards the boats

1300 E Solidarity Drive (near Adler Planetarium) looking north or south

North Avenue Beach looking south into downtown

Crossing the street at Illinois Street looking north down Michigan Avenue

2nd or 3rd floor of the Borders book store on Pearson Street and Michigan Avenue across from Water Tower Place

Inside The Hancock Observatory

Wacker Drive overlooking the Chicago River at Dearborn Avenue

63^rd Street Beach looking towards the lake

Sheridan Road at Pratt Ave looking north or south

Midway Plaisance (between 59th & 60th Streets) at Woodlawn Avenue

Hyde Park Boulevard at 53^rd Street looking towards

Roosevelt Road train station looking east or west

The intersection of Diversey Avenue, Broadway Avenue, and Clark Street

Randolph Street at Interstate 90/94 looking north

Clark Street at LaSalle Drive (near Lincoln Park Zoo)

Fullerton Avenue on the CTA train platform

Madison Avenue at State Street looking north toward the Chicago Theater

On the platform of the Loyola Red Line train stop

Taylor Street at Racine Avenue looking east

From an airplane when you're about 10 minutes away from landing

There are some great neighborhoods that you can take pictures of as well, but I know these locations to be high target areas for photography. Whether you're a professional photographer who needs an article for a magazine or book, or an amateur like me who just likes taking photos, consider these locations for your next set of Chicago photography.