One of the questions I hear most from clients booking a session with me isn’t about outfits or timing — it’s “where should we even do this?” And honestly, that’s fair! Picking a location can feel like the hardest part of planning your photos, whether you’re booking a family session, an engagement session, or anything in between.

Over the years of shooting all around Lake Villa, Lake County, and the greater Chicagoland area, I’ve built up a list of go-to spots I keep coming back to — because they photograph beautifully in every season and give you room to actually relax and be yourselves in front of the camera.

As a general rule, I love shooting around sunset — the light is soft and golden, and it’s usually cooled off enough that everyone is more comfortable and relaxed during the session.

What to Expect When You Book

Before we even get to picking a spot, here’s a quick look at how the booking process works:

We’ll start with a meet-and-greet — a chance for us to get to know each other, chat through your vision for the session, and make sure we’re on the same page before anything’s booked.

From there, you’ll share your availability and preferred dates, and together we’ll set the date and time that works best.

I’ll also send over a short questionnaire to get a clear picture of your session — things like how many family members will be joining, whether it’s an engagement session, if you’re bringing your dog, and whether you’re having hair and makeup done. It helps me tailor everything to exactly what you have in mind from the very start.

Once your session is reserved, I’ll send over a full prep guide with everything you need to get ready — outfit tips, what to bring, how to prepare, and yes, this very location list, so you can start narrowing down your favorite spot.

Then it’s just a matter of choosing the right location together, which brings us to the list below.

Here are some of my favorites.

Independence Grove — Libertyville, IL

This is one of my most-booked locations, and for good reason. Between the open prairie, the wooded trails, and the lake itself, there’s an incredible amount of variety packed into one spot — which means we’re never stuck if the light or the mood shifts partway through your session. It’s especially gorgeous in the fall.

What to expect: Free to shoot at, plenty of parking, and enough space that we’re rarely competing with other sessions for a spot. This is a very popular spot for photos and it can get a little busy on nice weekends, so a weekday evening is ideal if you want it quieter.

Nippersink Forest Preserve — Round Lake, IL

A quieter, more tucked-away option if you want something a little more secluded. The natural trails and open green space give us a relaxed, unhurried feel throughout the session — and the water bridge here is one of my favorite spots for a slightly different, more scenic backdrop.

What to expect: Free, low-traffic, and peaceful — a great pick if you’re not looking to be around a lot of other people during your session.

Glenview Park District, IL

For anyone who wants a mix of natural textures in one session, this is a great pick. Between the open fields, wildflowers, and the water with its charming bridge, there’s a lot of variety packed into one location — perfect for switching up the backdrop a few times without ever leaving the park.

What to expect: Free and easy — a great low-key option if you want something simple and close to home rather than a big scenic destination.

Cantigny Park — Wheaton, IL

This is genuinely my most popular location, and once you see it, you’ll understand why. The manicured gardens, open lawns, and elegant architecture make it gorgeous for just about any type of session — I’ve shot quinceañeras, engagements, and family sessions here, and it delivers every single time. The rose garden alone is worth the trip, and the estate’s beautiful gate makes for one of the most striking entrance shots on this whole list.

What to expect: A permit is required for professional sessions here ($50), plus a parking fee (about $20) — you can pay online ahead of time or when you arrive. I’ll walk you through both ahead of time so there are no surprises. Because it’s such a well-known destination, expect more visitors on weekends, so a weekday session tends to be quieter.

Bahá’í Temple — Wilmette, IL

One of the most stunning architectural landmarks in the entire Chicago area. The intricate white domed architecture paired with the surrounding gardens creates a backdrop unlike anywhere else on this list — timeless, serene, and genuinely breathtaking.

What to expect: No fee to shoot here, which makes it an even better value given how stunning the setting is. A quieter, more reverent atmosphere since it’s an active place of worship, so I always recommend a respectful, low-key approach — and note that some areas of the grounds are restricted for photography, so we’ll stick to the spots that are open to us. It draws visitors year-round, so weekday sessions tend to be quieter than weekends.

Lake Geneva Beach — Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

If you’re drawn to water, this is a beautiful option. Lakefront views make for a completely different feel than our usual prairie and forest preserve sessions — a great choice if you want something that feels like a mini getaway and a break from the Chicago chaos.

What to expect: A small parking fee (around $5 – $10) applies. Expect more foot traffic during peak summer months, so a weekday evening session is ideal if you’d like a quieter beach. Bonus: downtown Lake Geneva has plenty of great restaurants, so it’s easy to turn your session into a full evening out with dinner afterward. Honestly, it’s a must-visit if you’ve never been to Lake Geneva.

Lilacia Park — Lombard

This is genuinely one of my favorites, and it holds a special place for me — I used to live in Lombard, so I know this park well. It’s beautiful all year round: tulips in the spring, vibrant color in the fall, and that romantic, garden-style charm no matter the season.

What to expect: Free to shoot at, but it’s a very popular park that regularly hosts community events, which can make scheduling a session here a little tricky. I always make sure to get all the details ahead of time — checking for events, peak bloom timing, and crowd levels — so your session goes smoothly and stress-free.

Peak spring at Lilacia Park — tulip overload!

This is peak fall season! What a difference it makes!

Just a preview: These are only a few of the locations I love to shoot at — I couldn’t fit them all here! Once you’re a client, I’ll send over my full list so you have even more options to choose from.

A quick note on permits: Some of these locations (like Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL) require a photo permit for professional sessions. I’ll always let you know ahead of time if your chosen spot needs one, and I can help you sort out the details so it’s one less thing on your plate.

Not sure which spot is right for you? That’s exactly what I’m here for. Every session has a different vibe — some love the wide-open prairie look, some want that polished estate backdrop, and some are drawn to something more architectural and unique. When you book your session, we’ll talk through your style and what feels most “you,” and find the perfect fit together.

Ready to get your session on the calendar? Reach out here and let’s start planning.

And here’s a bit of who I am beyond the camera:

I’m a photographer in the Chicagoland area who believes getting away is part of a good life — and a healthy business. Follow along for the next adventure, or reach out if you’re a fellow business owner trying to build a little more balance into yours. Get in touch · Instagram

Want to see more of our off-the-grid adventures and behind-the-scenes moments? Follow our travel journey on Instagram @twocreativetravelers!