Places to photograph in Naperville, IL and the Chicago west suburb area | Naperville Family Photographer

Wouldn’t it be interesting to have a session with your loved ones at the best outdoor family photoshoot locations in Chicago? As a lifestyle photographer, what I enjoy the most about my work is that I get to spend some quality time with beautiful, heartwarming families. The photo sessions become all the more special when I get to capture them at picturesque, gorgeous locations with stunning backdrops.

Thankfully, Chicago has plenty of amazing spots that are not just beautiful but family-friendly too! As I have had the opportunity to shoot at some of the best photo locations in the Chicago suburbs, I feel privileged to share my top favorites. I hope they will help you choose the best one for your shoot!

St.James Farm Forest Preserve: 2S541 Winfield Rd, Warrenville, IL 60555

I adore this farm, for it has some beautiful paths lined up with classic fences and landscaping. Located in Warrenville, it is the most versatile preserve with lush green spaces, prairies, and 100 acres of woodland. I always have a wonderful experience on this beautiful farm whenever I am capturing meaningful moments for families. 

Busse Woods: Rolling Meadows, IL 60008

If you are looking for a spot with a lush green reserve, then Busse Woods is the best location. Nestled in the city of Schaumburg, the 3700 acres of space has beautiful lakes, meadows, and exclusive areas for fishing that make it a lovely spot to shoot and enjoy quality family time.

Abbey Farms: 2855 Hart Rd, Aurora, IL 60502 

Abbey Farm is one of Chicago’s largest and oldest places to cut the best Christmas trees. Considered as the best photo location in the Chicago suburbs, this unique, family fun destination has a lot of outdoor attractions, specialty cafes, and greenery.

Knock Knolls: 336 Knoch Knolls Rd, Naperville, IL 60565 

Visit Knock Knolls Park in Naperville, one of the best photo locations in the Chicago suburbs! This place is not just excellent for capturing family portraits but also serves well for spending a day out with your kids. I had the best unique river session here with one of my clients who was keen on choosing the place. It proved to be ideal for children as well! There are natural, well-marked trails, picnic spots, open spaces for kids that offer several scenic spots for photography.

The Morton Arboretum: 4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532 

It is an ideal picture-perfect place for any portrait. The unique landscaping, cool shades of majestic oak trees, and gorgeous settings make it an incredible and best photography spot in Chicago. I would recommend you obtain a permit if you would like to have a session here.

Fabyan Forest Preserve: 1925 S Batavia Ave, Geneva, IL 60134 

This massive forest preserve is amazing for outdoor shoots as it has some of the most gorgeous spots. With lush green gardens, rivers for kayaking, the place is truly beautiful and adventurous. The green tunnel in this location is one of my favorites, and I genuinely enjoy it whenever I get a chance to be here.

Lilacia Park: 150 S Park Ave, Lombard, IL 60148

Located in Lombard, Lilacia Park is the perfect space to capture family portraits around the year. However, during the Lilac season, it becomes all the more special as it displays colorful spring colors. You get to enjoy dozens of different types of lilacs, tulips, and various flowers during this time!

Mc Dowell Grove: 4s500 Raymond Dr, Naperville, IL 60563

This lush green massive forest preserve is spectacular and makes one of the best places to see fall colors in Illinois. DuPage river flows through the preserve providing fishing opportunities and is a natural habitat for various aquatic wildlife. 

Riverview Farmstead Preserve: Book Rd, Naperville, IL 60564

The preserve is truly magical and one of the most beautiful places in Illinois, making it ideal for photo sessions. This lesser-known location is perfect for pictures due to its natural scenery and historic red barn. The place has amazing preserve features, such as the walking paths along the DuPage River and a farmhouse that is always available for photoshoots.

Downtown Naperville

The place will surely give you vibes of a fun, chic, urban look. It is lovely and one of the best photo locations in the Chicago suburbs where you can stroll with adjacent riverwalk parks. It makes for a great place to spend time and capture quality moments with family.

Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve: Naperville, 60540

Springbrook Prairie Forest in Naperville is a bird’s paradise offering picnic areas, trails, and water reserves. There is a lot to capture in this simple, pretty place, and is perfect during the springtime. The trails are wonderful running through the prairie land. The main attraction in the reserve is the 5.5-mile loop trail also known as Springbrook Prairie Trail. Here you can experience a variety of colorful flowers that make your photos look simply awesome.

Cantigny Park: 1 S 151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, IL 60189

One of the best photo locations in the Chicago suburbs is Cantigny Park, with picnic areas, hiking trails, and gardens. It is suitable for families because your children get to spend a lot of time in the open, green spaces. The site is truly spectacular with beautiful backdrops. If you plan to have a shoot here, I would recommend you take a permit for a session in the park.

Filder Farm Park: 2921 Savannah Dr, Aurora, IL 60502

I love this location for family sessions because of the white barn, picnic shelters, playgrounds for children, and a beautiful fishing lake. Doesn’t it sound dreamy? The place has a lot to offer for everyone in the family. And I am sure you are truly going to love the sessions here!

Studio

These are some of the ideal and best photo locations in the Chicago suburbs that are my all-time favorites! Every location that I have listed offers a perfect backdrop and a natural scenic beauty that is incredible for family portraits. I am sure you are going to love these places because there is a lot to explore, apart from the family photo sessions!

If you are looking for pretty outdoor places to take pictures in Chicago, let me know because I would love to assist. If you would like to book my services, let’s chat! Not ready to book? Join my VIP list to be the first one to know about my upcoming events!

If you are looking for more in-home lifestyle sessions, click here.

Are you trying to decide what to wear on your family session day? I got you here! 

Kristen Lisa Photography specializes in lifestyle family photography and lifestyle newborn photography in Naperville, Illinois, and the greater Chicago area. She likes to capture timeless, rich in color, and heartfelt images that families can always remember.