4. Let loose in this historic speakeasy with outdoor space
This historic hotel and speakeasy is ripe with creative and mischievous possibilities (and excuses to order several craft cocktails). From its indoor lounge, dotted with sumptuous brown leather chairs and hanging Chinese lanterns, to its brick-lined, covered terrace –– this 25th-floor speakeasy is spacious and stylish enough to accommodate your wildest ideas (and crew members). Vibrant street murals add a pop of color, making them an excellent background.
5. Space out at the Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium is, put simply, out of this world. The incredible design earned architect Ernest A. Grunsfeld the prestigious gold medal of the Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Space-age lighting and sweeping curves make this a photographer’s dream.
6. Expand your horizons in this historic Parisian-style apartment
Forget the deep-dish pizza and sink your teeth into this historic 1877 Parisian-style apartment. Better yet, make your own in the centerpiece of the home: a professional chef’s kitchen –– outfitted with copper silverware, porcelain dishes, and French glassware. If cooking’s not your game, you can set up shop next to the gorgeous 20-foot bay windows in the salon/lounge area –– a favorite for portrait photographers and amateur selfie-takers. And, if stunning, natural sunlight isn’t your game (boy, you’re hard to please!) head over to the private, professionally decorated rooftop garden lounge. Be sure to bring up the antique bar cart.
7. Get fired up on an old-fashioned fire escape
While fire escapes are now considered to pose more risk than they provide safety, they still evoke a sense of urban romanticism and remain a staple in film noir, musicals, and literature. A long-standing respite from hot summer days and kitchen arguments over deep-dish pizza, the fire escape has provided a wealth of inspiration for artists of all types. Even Tennessee Williams wrote about the term “fire escape,” saying it was, “a touch of accidental poetic truth, for all these huge buildings are always burning with the slow and implacable fires of human desperation.”
8. Hole up in one of these hip and unique bedrooms
A far cry from your great aunt’s dusty AirBnB listing, this set of nine uniquely designed bedrooms is a cool and versatile location for lifestyle and fashion photoshoots. Exposed brick and delicate wallpapers are expertly merged with crisp furnishings and color-saturated headboards. Cascades of natural light get complemented by modern light fixtures and reflective accessories. And while you may be tempted to hole up alone in one of these oh-so-relaxing rooms, the spacious layouts can accommodate multiple crew members and equipment.
9. Drop the mic at this intimate black box theater
This unique space is ideal for performers or anyone interested in natural framing options. We love a good photo next to some street art or in a beautifully curated loft, but this crimson-lined black box theater is absolutely irresistible. The striking colors are set at the perfect height to serve as a pop-art style background without taking away from the impact of the subject matter. Try including some of the stage light’s “sun” flare, or bring in your own spotlight to create dramatic shadows.
