A Photographer’s Spring Guide: What to Capture and Where to Find It

Spring is a magical time for photographers. Nature wakes up from its winter sleep, offering vibrant colors, dynamic landscapes, and golden hour tones that are perfect for capturing the beauty around us. To help you make the most of spring this year, we’ve curated a list of incredible subjects, iconic locations, and pro tips for elevating your spring photography game.

What to Photograph in Spring

1. Cherry Blossoms in Jackson Park

Spring means cherry blossom season, and there’s no better place to capture their delicate beauty than Jackson Park. The trees are blanketed in soft pink and white flowers, making them ideal for creating dreamy portraits or experimenting with wide-angle landscapes. Time your visit carefully—these blooms are at their peak for a short period, typically in mid to late April. As of the date of this post, the flower buds are visible but not opening yet. You can watch the Chicago Park District observation page HERE to get a better idea on when to go photograph.

2. GrantHenge (HorseHenge)

Twice a year, during spring and autumn, Chicagoans celebrate the phenomenon known as “GrantHenge,” when the sunrise perfectly aligns with the tunnel and windows of the Grant Monument. This alignment offers a spectacular play of light and shadows, making it a must-capture for photographers experimenting with urban landscapes. To capture this, you’ll have to wake up early between the dates of approximately April 17th – April 26th and catch the sun rising above the horizon at about 6:00 AM. You’ll set up on the boardwalk on the west side of the lagoon. The is free parking near the petting zoo (farm).

3. Spring Bird Migration

Warblers everywhere!!! Chicago’s lakefront parks are among some of the best locations to bird watch and witness the spring migration! The migration is happening now through May where millions of birds pass through Chicago making their way north for the breeding season. Montrose Bird Sanctuary is certainly one of the hotspots to visit during the season. Chicago Photography Classes is hosting two-weeks of bird photography, spots are filling up quickly, here is the LINK TO REGISTER. You can also watch the number of birds and types that migrate each day HERE (great resource)!

4. Elks National Memorial

Architectural grandeur meets spring’s charm at the Elks National Memorial. The Elks National Memorial opens on April 14th for FREE public tours of the magnificent building. Great location for interior architectural photography AND as long as your tripod has rubber feet, you can use it!!! Outside,the beautiful contrast of blooming trees and classic masonry can make for stunning compositions. Mornings are the best time to get great light on the exterior of the building but afternoons are the best time to photograph the interiors with the stain glass window illuminated! You can visit from Noon to 4pm Mondays – Saturdays.

5. Tulips Throughout Downtown Chicago

Spring transforms downtown Chicago into a sea of color, as tulips bloom in vibrant clusters across Michigan Avenue and other areas. These bursts of color are perfect for macro photography and candid shots of city life. Tip: Use a shallow depth of field (with a wide aperture like f/2.8) to make the tulips pop against the busy urban background. Another idea, close the aperture (f/22), to get a slower shutter speed to capture the busy city against the flowers. Lots of compositional possibilities! Mid-day is typically the best time to photograph due to most of the planters are on the North-South streets and are in shadow most of the day except between 11am – 3pm.

6. Wildflowers in Forest Preserves

Nature-friendly photographers will love capturing wildflowers blooming in local forest preserves, like the North Park Village Nature Center, Thatcher Woods or LaBagh Woods. These locations burst with colors and textures that provide a painterly aesthetic. Close-up shots of the wildflowers with a macro lens or extension tubes can offer incredible detail, revealing the intricate patterns of petals and dew drops.

7. Chicago River Spring Bridge Lifts

Beginning about April 19th through May, every Wednesday (9am) Saturday (8am), Chicago Department of Transportation will lift the bridges over the Chicago River to allow large boats to return to their lakefront harbors. It is essentially a boat parade and can provide unique photographs. Keep an eye on this PAGE for more information on dates and times released from the CDOT. Bridge lifts begin at 18th Street and continue all the way up the south branch and through the main branch of the river. TIP: Rent a Divi Bike and follow the boat parade.

8. Waterfalls at Starved Rock State Park

If you’re looking to escape the city, Starved Rock State Park offers a tranquil haven of nature’s best, including picturesque waterfalls. These waterfalls swell in spring due to melting snow and seasonal rains, providing the perfect subjects for long-exposure photography. Bring a tripod for stability, and use a slower shutter speed to create that dreamy, silky water effect.

Spring Photography Tips and Tricks

To take full advantage of the season, explore these tips to step up your spring photography game:

1. Use a Tripod for Long Exposure

Bring a sturdy tripod for shots that require slower shutter speeds, such as waterfalls or shots in low light. This ensures your photos remain sharp and free of unwanted motion blur.

2. Circular Polarization Filter

A polarizer is your secret weapon in spring. It removes unwanted glare and reflections—especially useful for water photography—and it enhances the vibrancy of skies and foliage, making colors pop.

3. Try Focus Bracketing

When photographing mixed-depth scenes like wildflowers, use focus bracketing to combine multiple images of varying focal points into one sharp, detailed image during post-processing.

4. Get Closer with Macro Photography

To make details shine, use a magnification filter or extension tubes. These tools bring you closer to your subjects and help you capture tiny details like flower petal textures or dewdrops.

5. Golden Hour Magic

Whether for cherry blossoms, urban architecture, or wildflower fields, shoot during sunrise or sunset (the golden hour). The warm, soft light adds dimension and depth to your photos.

6. Scout Beforehand

Spring often brings unpredictable weather. Scout your locations in advance and keep a flexible schedule to capture moments when lighting and conditions align perfectly.

Capture the Beauty of Spring

Spring photography offers endless possibilities to explore vivid colors, breathtaking landscapes, and fleeting natural phenomena. Whether you’re strolling through downtown Chicago for tulip-lined streets or hiking to waterfalls in Starved Rock, these opportunities allow you to immerse yourself in the season’s beauty through your lens.

Have any stunning spring captures you’d love to share? Post them in the comments below or tag us on Instagram @chicagophotoclasses for a chance to be featured! Happy shooting! 📸