Chicago is an incredible city for family photography, but a lot of the families I work with live outside the city limits — and the suburbs have their own distinct character, their own beautiful parks, and in many cases, their own advantages over shooting in the city. Less crowding, easier parking, neighborhoods that feel personal and specific, and light that isn’t competing with urban density.
Here’s a neighborhood-by-neighborhood breakdown of the suburbs I photograph in most often, and what makes each one work.
Oak Park
Oak Park might be the single strongest suburb for family photography near Chicago. The Frank Lloyd Wright architecture gives it an instantly recognizable visual character, the tree canopy is exceptional, and the walkable downtown area offers a mix of architectural backdrops, neighborhood streets, and parks all within easy reach. Sessions in Oak Park tend to feel distinctly local rather than generic — like the images could only have been taken there.
Best times: fall for the leaf color, spring for lush green and flowering trees. Julian Street Park and the neighborhood surrounding the Unity Temple are two reliable starting points.
Evanston
Evanston offers the rare combination of lakefront access and beautiful neighborhood streets — which means you can build a session that moves between open sky and water views to shaded, residential backdrops in a single afternoon. Lighthouse Beach and the areas around Northwestern’s campus photograph particularly well. The fall light in Evanston, especially near the lake, is genuinely stunning.
Wilmette and Winnetka
The north shore suburbs have a polished, unhurried quality that translates beautifully into family photography. Wilmette’s lakefront and the Baha’i Temple grounds offer unique visual options you won’t find anywhere else. Winnetka’s Village Green and the surrounding neighborhood streets have a classic, timeless feel. These suburbs tend to work especially well for families who want images that feel elevated without feeling urban.
Hinsdale and Western Springs
The western suburbs are my home territory, and Hinsdale in particular is one of my favorite places to shoot. The downtown area has excellent light, character architecture, and a tree canopy that turns beautifully in fall. Western Springs has a similar character — quieter, more residential, with neighborhood streets that make for warm and specific images. I’ve photographed families in both suburbs for years and they consistently produce beautiful results.
La Grange
La Grange has a downtown that photographs better than most people realize — good light, interesting architecture, and enough variety to move through several distinct looks within a short walk. It’s a particularly good option for families in the western suburbs who want something that feels urban-adjacent without driving into the city.
Naperville and the far western suburbs
Naperville’s Riverwalk is a well-known family photography location, and for good reason — it’s beautiful, varied, and accessible. The surrounding parks and neighborhood areas offer additional options for families who want something less frequented. I do travel to the Naperville area for sessions; reach out to discuss travel details.
How to choose the right suburban location for your family
The best location for your session depends less on which suburb is “best” and more on what you want your images to feel like. If you want something that feels like your actual neighborhood, shooting near home is often the right call. If you want a more varied backdrop, a suburb with a strong downtown character might be worth the drive. For the full overview of Chicago and suburban photo locations, see the complete Chicago family photo locations guide.
Looking for a family photographer in the Chicago suburbs?
I photograph families throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Get in touch here and let’s find the right location for your family.
FAQs
Do you travel to the suburbs for family sessions?
Yes — I photograph families throughout Chicago and the suburbs, including Oak Park, Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Hinsdale, Western Springs, La Grange, and Naperville. Travel fees may apply for sessions beyond a certain radius.
Which suburb has the best fall foliage for family photos?
Oak Park, Evanston, and the north shore suburbs (Wilmette, Winnetka) all have exceptional fall color. The western suburbs — Hinsdale, Western Springs, La Grange — are close seconds and often less crowded on fall weekends.
Resources: Google Search Essentials · Choose Chicago Neighborhoods