Chicago is made up of many neighborhoods, each with their own personality. So, there are plenty of options for vintage flair in the city in places like Wicker Park, Logan Square, and Pilsen. With the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, countless iconic landmarks like The Bean and Navy Pier, and the city's iconic skyline, getting amazing outdoor shots in a public space is a breeze.
But what happens when you want a more vintage and custom indoor space? That's easy—you head to the Giggster app to find the perfect vintage photoshoot location. Our expertly curated list of options includes everything from retro apartments to Wicker Park's best restaurants and 1920s speakeasies.
Whether you're mapping out your next film, photography session, music video, or party, Giggster is the perfect partner to find the backdrop located right where you need it. Prepare to be ultra-productive on photoshoot day and wow yourself or your clients with amazing photos.
From the eastern shores of Lake Michigan and the neighborhood of Hyde Park to the Near West Side and South Chicago, the Giggster app has every type of vintage venue you can imagine at every price point. Here's just a sample of what you can get:
As a photographer, you know that light is everything. Find photoshoot studios that include lighting or lofts with floor-to-ceiling windows to let in an abundance of natural light.
Furniture also sells the vintage tale, so take your pick from desks reminiscent of a 1970s Midwestern classroom or computer lab to living room sets in gold fabric with rust-toned accents.
Go even further back in time and rent a prohibition-era dive bar with amazing outdoor space for a variety of lighting options and backdrops.
Get your creative juices flowing in a large, empty studio or a re-purposed community center's dance space. You're free to add all the vintage charm you want, with warm wood floors and white walls as the base.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: Because we have a total of 24 inspiring and creative spaces to choose from, you're bound to find the optimal fit. We also make sure that each location is as described to avoid surprises on the day.
Hassle-Free Booking: There's a lot to do to organize a photoshoot, but finding locations is the least of your worries thanks to the Giggster app. See everything up front, including the availability, amenities, price (starting at $38/hour), and images. Easily communicate with the host to ask questions or make a special request.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation and a full refund are available for bookings canceled within 24 hours of confirmation, provided the booking is made at least 48 hours before your event or photo shoot.
Platform Protections: You'd want to protect yourself and your project in case something goes wrong, so take advantage of Giggster's optional add-on coverage for last-minute disruptions, liability, and damage. When you book a great space like Vintage Loft with Natural Light and Gear, you want to focus on getting high-quality images and not worry about accidents.
Chicago may or may not be the ideal candidate for your shoot, so it's always recommended that you review the positives and negatives to get the complete picture before booking anything.
Advantages
Getting to and from the location shouldn't be any trouble. Chicago is blessed with an impressive public transportation system that covers a wide area. Division blue line trains will put you in the heart of West Town (also with service to O'Hare), and Adams/Wabash Station drops passengers in the heart of downtown.
Chicago has a thriving vintage scene with tons of eclectic shops where you can pick up additional items to take the photoshoot space to the next level.
As a major city and with the busy Chicago film industry, it's not hard to find talented makeup artists, photographers, and models here.
Disadvantages
With a nickname like the Windy City, it can be a challenge (or at least unpleasant) getting to and from the photoshoot locations during the colder months. It's also a pain to load and unload equipment in these conditions, so try to look for sheltered loading areas.
Especially downtown, venue parking is tricky. This is even more true for large vans and trucks, so getting everyone and everything to the photoshoot will require extra planning.
Securing a dream photoshoot location in Chicago is not without competition. It's busy here, so you'll need to book things well in advance and prepare for crowded streets.
It's important to get it right, as the vintage setting dictates the tone of the entire shoot. Luckily, with 24 fabulous options in the city, finding a killer location or a unique space worthy of your artistry and creativity isn't hard. Just imagine what could happen in any of these venue types!
Apartments and Lofts – Style Icons. Take pics in a renovated Chicago apartment with vintage touches like mid-century modern furniture, colorful rugs and curtains, and warm-toned wood floors.
Homes – Expertly Designed. You don't need to sacrifice modern conveniences for vintage charm. Book a Chicago home with an up-to-date kitchen for preparing drinks and snacks, but get the vintage photos done in a vintage backdrop full of ornate woodwork and traditional furniture.
Restaurants – Retro Chic. Organize a food-related shoot in a Chicago restaurant with mismatched wooden tables and chairs and walls lined with books for a cozy yet photo-worthy option.
Bars and Pubs – Vintage with a Twist. Looking for a bit of nostalgic edge? Renting a traditional Chicago pub with wood panelling and mounted animal heads is fun, as is a 1920s-era speakeasy complete with a fancy bar and comfy booths within walking distance of Wrigley Field.
Shops and Cafes – Quirky and Cute. For your next product launch or a clothing shoot around town, pick a vintage shop or store for the perfect backdrop. These spaces aren't afraid of color, a bit of neon, and creative countertops and displays.
Unfortunately, just having a location and a camera isn't enough to get the most out of your Chicago photoshoot. Details matter, so plan ahead and you'll be more than covered.
Indoor vs Outdoor Shots – Decide whether you want a space that is strictly inside or if your project would benefit from outdoor shots as well. You can either find a venue that has both or work in advance to scout locations around the city where you can find impressive brick buildings or a cobblestone street.
Think About Logistics – Many things can go wrong, so prepare a small kit with all the essentials to bring to the photoshoot. This can include everything from backup outfits and a lint roller to bobby pins and extra makeup. Logistically speaking, it's also wise to develop a day-of timeline to ensure it's all running smoothly.
Take a Gear Inventory – Go through all the elements you want to include in the photoshoot and make sure you have the necessary gear before the session. You want a selection of lenses, ample lighting, and anything else specific to the vintage theme.
You never have to break the bank on your photoshoot spot with Giggster by your side. Use these tips to get even more bang for your buck in Chicago venues:
Avoid weekend bookings.
Anyone pursuing a side project will likely need to book a retro photoshoot location on the weekend, which will increase demand. And since many of the Giggster photoshoot options can double as event venues, that adds to the competition for weekend time. Most spots are available weekdays and weeknights, and you'll likely pay less or have a lower minimum booking time.
Read all the rules.
Falling foul of the rules can result in added venue fees for overages or improper use. Always read everything carefully, from minimums (a two-hour booking minimum is common) to guidelines about outside food and drink to limit any surprise fees. Also, have your guests acknowledge any rules to ensure everyone is compliant.
Amp up the decor yourself.
If you find an affordable retro space that isn't quite up to your decor requirements, don't be afraid to elevate the space yourself. Bring accessories from home or lean on friends and family who share your love of everything vintage. Then, you get a perfectly tailored backdrop for your photoshoot vision.
Retro vibes are easy to secure with a Giggster booking. Find the perfect spot for your next photoshoot at an affordable price and get on with creating something fabulous! The Giggster app is your gateway to all of Chicago's hidden gems.
