A Practical Look at the Private Chicago Photo Shoot Experience
If you’re considering a way to immortalize your Chicago visit beyond just snaps on your phone, a professional photo shoot might be just what you need. This service promises to help you capture the city’s iconic sights with the help of a skilled photographer, tailored to your style and schedule. While it’s certainly not a cheap activity, the chance to walk away with polished, memorable images is a tempting prospect, especially for those celebrating a special occasion.
What really stands out about this offering are its flexibility and personalized approach. You get to pick your start time, location, and even the number of photos, which means it can be tailored for solo travelers, couples, or larger groups. Plus, the experience includes a private online gallery, making it easy to share or print your favorites. On the flip side, some folks have faced issues with photo delivery, which is worth keeping in mind.
This tour seems best suited for those who want a customized, scenic photo experience that results in beautiful keepsakes from their trip. If you enjoy having professional images that truly reflect your style, and you’re okay with some planning ahead, this might be worth exploring.
Key Points
- Personalized scheduling means you choose your time and duration.
- Flexible options cater to solo travelers, couples, or groups.
- High-quality professional photography with a private gallery.
- The experience is ideal for special occasions or creating memorable souvenirs.
- Transportation is not included, so plan how you’ll get to your chosen locations.
- Some reviews mention issues with photo delivery, so be aware of this risk.
What Is the Professional Photo Shoot in Chicago?
This experience is a private, customizable photo session that captures the essence of your Chicago visit. Unlike standard sightseeing tours, it focuses on creating memorable images with the help of a professional photographer. It’s designed to be flexible, letting you pick the timing, locations, and the length of your session.
The process is straightforward: after selecting your preferred options, you’ll meet your photographer at a designated spot or location of your choice. Over the course of your shoot, your guide will take a series of photos, ensuring you get a variety of shots—whether you want cityscapes, candid moments, or styled portraits. At the end, you’ll receive a private online gallery with your images.
This is a great opportunity for visitors wanting high-quality photos without the hassle of trying to find a decent photographer on your own. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, updating your portfolio, or just want stunning souvenirs, this experience is designed to cater to your needs.
Planning more time in Chicago? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Flexibility and Options
One of the biggest benefits here is flexibility. You can pick between different durations:
– 1 Hour with 20 photos: good for solo travelers or quick updates.
– 2 Hours with 30 photos: perfect for couples or small groups.
– 3 Hours with 40 photos: ideal for larger groups or those wanting multiple locations.
– 4 Hours with 50 photos: best for big groups, multiple outfit changes, or extensive coverage.
You also get to select your destinations within Chicago. While the specifics aren’t listed, the emphasis is on exploring unique locations, so you can choose spots that hold personal significance or showcase the city’s highlights. The private online gallery means you’ll have a chance to view and select your favorite images in a secure, easy-to-access space.
Just a quick note: transportation isn’t included, so if you want to move between locations, you’ll need to arrange your own. That’s not unusual for this type of experience, but worth planning for.
What to Expect During Your Photoshoot

The experience starts with choosing your destination and booking your preferred time. Once confirmed, you’ll meet your photographer at a pre-arranged spot—likely somewhere convenient and scenic. From there, it’s all about posing, exploring, and capturing.
The photographer will guide you through different poses and angles, making sure you look your best. The locations are meant to be beautiful and distinctive, so think city skylines, iconic landmarks, or more hidden gems depending on what you select.
The length of your session determines how much ground you can cover. For example, a 1-hour shoot might focus on one spot, whereas a 4-hour session could include multiple locations, outfit changes, and varied backdrops.
The experience is designed to be relaxed and fun, not stressful, so you can enjoy the city and your company while someone else handles the camera.
Real Experiences from Past Participants

One reviewer, Amanda_F, describes her 2-hour shoot as a “wonderful” experience, highlighting how she and her partner enjoyed exploring different parts of the city and ending up with amazing images. She encourages everyone to “do this once in your lifetime,” which says a lot about the appeal of capturing your memories professionally.
On the other hand, someone had a very different experience. Shawn_C paid $600 for their session, only to report that, “we still have not received our photos” despite multiple follow-ups. The photographer had submitted the images and was paid, but the photos never arrived. That’s a reminder that, like any service, there’s a risk of communication issues or technical hiccups, so it’s worth considering.
The quality of the guides and the views seem to be the highlight, making this a valuable souvenir if everything goes smoothly.
Pricing and Value

At roughly $190.59 per person, this isn’t a budget activity. But when you think about the value of professional photos—potentially dozens of high-quality images that you can print, share, or keep forever—it starts to seem more reasonable. The pricing varies based on how long you book, with the most expensive offering providing up to 50 photos over 4 hours.
For many travelers, especially those celebrating something special or wanting a personalized keepsake, the expense can be justified. If you’re a solo traveler or a couple, you might find the cost-per-photo to be quite good, given the professional quality and the added convenience of location flexibility.
However, always keep in mind that photo delivery is not guaranteed in every case, as some reviews have noted delays or issues. The experience itself—seeing the city through a photographer’s lens, finding unique spots, and having a tailored session—can be worth the price for many.
The Locations and Logistics

While specific locations aren’t listed, the emphasis is on discovering unseen spots alongside well-known Chicago landmarks. Your guide will coordinate the start point, which is in Chicago, and the shoot will end back at the same meeting point.
Transportation isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan how to get to your chosen spots. If you’re staying centrally, that’s usually not a problem, but it’s something to consider if your accommodations are further out.
The entire process from booking to receiving your images is designed to be straightforward:
– Select your destination
– Book your preferred time and duration
– Receive an email confirmation with your itinerary
– Enjoy your session
– Get your photos via a private gallery
Is this Experience Right for You?

This experience is best suited for people wanting a personalized, professional photography session in Chicago. If you’re celebrating a milestone, want memorable portraits, or just love the idea of exploring the city with a photographer by your side, you’ll likely enjoy it.
It’s particularly good for small groups or couples, but the 4-hour option can handle larger groups, too. Keep in mind, transportation isn’t included, so plan accordingly if you want to visit multiple locations in one session.
It’s also worth mentioning that, while most travelers will find this engaging, there’s a slight risk regarding photo delivery delays based on past reviews. That said, the experience itself—guided by a professional who knows how to make you look good—can be a highlight of your trip.
Final Thoughts

If capturing your Chicago moments with high-quality photographs sounds appealing, this private photo shoot offers a great way to do just that. The customizable duration and locations make it flexible enough to suit various needs and budgets, and the private online gallery means you’ll have your images ready to cherish or share.
For those wanting a memorable experience paired with stunning views, this tour hits the mark. Just be aware of the potential for communication issues, and plan your logistics to maximize your time. Whether celebrating a special event or simply wanting to upgrade your travel photos, it’s worth considering.
This experience is especially ideal if you value personalized service and professional results, and if you’re comfortable organizing your own transport to the locations. For travelers who prioritize quality photos and a unique city experience, it could be a real highlight of your Chicago trip.
Professional Photo Shoot in Chicago
“We were in Chicago March 23, 2024. Christina, our photographer was wonderful. We paid $600 for our photo experience and still have not received o…”
FAQs

Is transportation included in this photo shoot experience?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to get to your chosen locations or coordinate with your photographer if transportation is necessary.
Can I choose my locations for the photoshoot?
Yes, you can select your preferred destinations, and the experience promises to explore unique Chicago spots based on your choices.
How long before I receive my photos?
Photos are delivered via a private online viewing gallery. The exact timeframe isn’t specified, but past reviews suggest some issues with delays, so it’s good to follow up if needed.
What’s included in the price?
Your package includes a professional photographer, a private online gallery, and the specified number of final photos based on your chosen duration.
Are all types of groups welcome?
Yes, the experience is designed for solo travelers, couples, small groups, and larger groups (up to 12+ for the 4-hour session). Larger groups may enjoy more locations and outfit changes.
What about weather considerations?
The experience requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is this activity family-friendly?
While not explicitly mentioned, it’s generally suitable for most travelers, provided they’re comfortable with walking and outdoor photos. It’s not specifically tailored for children, but there’s no reason it couldn’t work with family groups.
What’s the best duration for my needs?
It depends on your goals: a quick, solo shot might be perfect for 1 hour, while a multi-location family shoot would benefit from the 3- or 4-hour options. Think about how many outfits or sites you want to include.
If capturing your Chicago story in beautiful photos appeals to you, this private session offers an engaging way to do it. Just keep in mind the logistical aspects and potential delays, and you’ll set yourself up for some memorable images. Happy shooting!
More Tour Reviews in Chicago
- Chicago: Historic Gangsters & Twilight Tales Night Cruise
- Chicago: Bikes, Bites, and Brews Biking Tour
- Chicago: Lake Michigan Sightseeing Boat Tour
- Chicago: Downtown TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour
- Chicago: Chicago Bears Football Game Ticket at Soldier Field
- Chicago-Style Holiday Hike: Festive Food and Walking Tour
More Chicago experiences we've covered
- Chicago: Historic Gangsters & Twilight Tales Night Cruise
- Chicago: Bikes, Bites, and Brews Biking Tour
- Chicago: Lake Michigan Sightseeing Boat Tour
- Chicago: Downtown TV and Movie Sites Walking Tour
- Chicago: Chicago Bears Football Game Ticket at Soldier Field
- Chicago-Style Holiday Hike: Festive Food and Walking Tour
- Chicago: Art Institute Skip-the-Line Tour with Guide
- Chicago Explorer Pass: 2 to 7 Attractions including SkyDeck
- Professional Photo Shoot in Chicago
- Chicago: Architecture Boat Tour with Drinks
- Chicago: 1-5 Day Attraction Pass with Shedd Aquarium
- Chicago Downtown Highlights Private Walking Tour
