The 9 Best Graduation Photoshoot Ideas in Chicago (2025)

Looking for graduation photoshoot ideas in Chicago to commemorate the hard work you’ve put in to reach this next exciting life stage? At Peerspace, we get it! Graduation photos are a cornerstone of the ritual of moving from either high school to college or the latter to the world beyond.

There are countless beautiful American cities ideal for a graduation photoshoot, but few can top Chicago. The city is home to breathtaking historic architecture, world-class arts and culture, and a casserole that calls itself pizza.

Here are nine graduation photoshoot ideas in Chicago you can’t miss, all available through Peerspace, the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals. We make it easy to connect with amazing, local-owned spaces that bring your special moments to life, including exciting photoshoot locations in the Windy City and beyond. Now, without further ado, let’s get to the list!

1. Immerse yourself in great design at a sleek, contemporary studio

First on our list of great graduation photoshoot ideas in Chicago is a modern minimalist studio that might as well call itself a modern art gallery. If you’re going into or about to graduate from a design or architecture program, this is an ideal location to take grad photos.

It’s in a monochrome color scheme; black is the name of the game in this home, and it makes stunning use of that restrictive pallet. Mesmerizing oversized black-and-white artwork draws the eye upward to the vaulted ceilings and the stretch sofa elongates the room further. Throw on a pop of color and you’ll look amazing against this stunning contemporary space.

A Peerspace user who booked this studio for a shoot shared the following review: “The space is gorgeous. Lonney was an amazing host and super gracious. Highly recommend for anyone booking an event to check this beautiful hidden gem out!”

2. Bask in the bohemian atmosphere of a chic, plant-filled apartment

House plants abound in this stylish, earth-toned loft apartment conveniently located in Chicago’s West Loop. The apartment has great natural from the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, accented on each side by a strip of exposed brick. This bohemian oasis is a great place to take grad photos, be it casually posed by the record player or reading a book on any number of stylish seating options.

A Peerspace reviewer shares: “Shannon was awesome and the space was gorgeous. We got there and it was clean and worked perfectly for our photoshoot.”

After your shoot you can check out all the cool eats the West Loop has to offer, like Restaurant Row and the French Market.

3. Face your aspirations at this lakeside scientific museum

Did you know that Chicago is home to the International Museum of Surgical Science? How about that you can book this epic spot for your grad photos through Peerspace? We’re happy to say this is all true, and we think it would be the perfect photoshoot location for graduates entering the medical and science fields.

Stroll the vast hallways filled with statuary, art, and other artifacts as your photographer snaps away. The ornate architecture and singular ambiance this museum offers also won’t hurt your shoot, either!

“As, always the hosts are phenomenal and just great to work with,” shares a Peerspace reviewer who’s booked this museum for a shoot more than once. “Incredibly beautiful space with great natural light and inspiring backgrounds.”

Our favorite Chicago birthday ideas may introduce you to your new favorite spot in the Windy City. Check them out!

4. Capture your future at this luxurious recording studio

There are plenty of talented performers based in Chicago. And if you’re a recent grad who fits into this category, then check out this luxurious recording studio in Fox River Grove! It’s a spacious 1,500+-square-foot venue that is a professional recording studio.

But this venue is not just for musicians. In fact, the host refers to it as ideal for photoshoots, too, which we totally get considering its spaciousness, unique style, and different spaces for taking pictures. If you love the style of the studio, book it for your graduation photoshoot. It will not only give you amazing photos, but lasting memories.

And don’t just take our word for it! Check out what a Peerspace reviewer shares after booking here: “Hosts were dope, space was nice and clean. Good spot for a music video, photoshoot, or to record your next song.”

5. Take stand-out pictures at a boho-chic creative studio

Get ready to look your best at this beautifully decorated event space. It features hardwood floors, a mount for seamless paper backdrops, and the key piece, a delightful bohemian seating area. You may not initially imagine an event programming space to be the perfect graduation photoshoot location but this one proves all assumptions wrong.

Diffused light pours in from the windows behind the seating area to give all your pictures an even look and the stylish seating area will make them pop. All these details make this creative space one of the more interesting graduation photoshoot ideas in Chicago.

Judging by its hundreds(!) of rave reviews, this space’s hosts are just as popular as the venue itself! Here’s just one example: “This space was perfect for our photoshoot. Loved the concrete wall! Robert was incredibly helpful and kind. He let me reschedule the date due to a last minute illness which was much appreciated. Will definitely book again!”

6. Gaze at the skyline from a luxury downtown penthouse

There’s exactly one huge reason to try out this next location: to snap a picture of yourself with a million-dollar view. The contemporary minimalist apartment is in a downtown penthouse with views you simply cannot beat. The concrete pillar contrasts with the sleek gray couches and orange armchairs to create an air of simplicity in design. Thanks to the photos the host listed on its Peerspace listing, this penthouse looks great at different times of day, thanks to its floor-to-ceiling wrap-around windows. So go on and gaze out at that view and let the photographer do the rest.

“The space was beautiful and perfect for what we needed,” says a Peerspace reviewer. “The host was super sweet and made the process easy.”

Want to explore more Chicago residences as potential shoot sites? Then discover where and how to rent a house for a day in Chicago!

7. Strike a dynamic pose at a versatile Hyde Park house

Recline in a one-of-a-kind upholstered chair, take a seat at the piano, or lean by the mantle. There are countless opportunities to get the perfect picture in this 19th-century Victorian home.

Located in beautiful Hyde Park, this house sits in an idyllic urban location. And it’s the location that makes this particular home so special. The backyard is just as beautiful as the inside and also makes for a great photoshoot backdrop. You can get in a huge range of shots all at one address.

“Leslie is a great host,” shares a Peerspace reviewer of this home’s host. “Very communicative and made sure our crew was squared away for our shoot. Would book again!”

8. Have a blast shooting an array of content at this Near North Side multi-set studio

One of our favorite graduation photoshoot ideas in Chicago is to take an array of elegant and fun portraits at this multi-set studio in the Near North Side. This immaculate space comprises several spaces, each with a different theme, including a jungle wall, an LED neon corner with “clouds” and mylar, all of which are fun options for your shoot. We love the idea of taking portraits walking up the wooden staircase to symbolize stepping up to your future!

According to a Peerspace reviewer: “The space was beautiful! Bathrooms, mirror, lighting, and changing area were very helpful. Front desk staff was also very helpful and came outside to show us the entrance. Overall great studio and host! 💜💜”

9. Embrace the versatility at a classic South Loop loft

You didn’t think we’d do a whole list without a classic loft, did you? In a city this historic? We’d never dare. Closing out our collection of the best graduation photoshoot ideas in Chicago is a breathtaking loft apartment located in the South Loop.

It boasts a wide-open atmosphere and exposed brick walls that’ll have you feeling at home in the warm atmosphere. There are exposed pipes and hardwood floors as well as huge industrial windows that let in a ton of natural light. Take photos against the exposed brick wall, the white brick wall, or in the stunning chef’s kitchen, if cooking is a hobby or the career you’re pursuing. The loft itself a fabulous place to take graduation pictures no matter the path you’re taking in life.

A Peerspace reviewer shares: “100% great place to shoot in Chicago and the owner Cyrus is A+ to work with. (I almost do not want to give a good review because his place might get so popular as a rental that I wont be able to shoot here next time I need it (!))”

Graduation photoshoot ideas in Chicago: conclusion

Chicago is a dynamic city with so much to offer, and it’s no surprise we found so many amazing Peerspaces to take graduation photos. From a minimalist studio to an ornate Hyde Park mansion, there’s something for every aesthetic in the Windy City.

Remember, Peerspace is more than just stunning photoshoot locations. Use our platform to discover hidden gem venues for your grad party, future business gatherings, and more.

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