For the Chicago winter, Garfield Park Conservatory photos are a classic portrait location choice; this backdrop is beautiful no matter the season or weather!
Garfield Park Conservatory Photos
While Garfield Park Conservatory photos are an outstanding choice during the winter months, it’s well worth considering this location during the warmer seasons, too! In the event of rain, we could do the entire photoshoot indoors, but if it’s clear, there are some absolutely beautiful locations in the outdoors portion of the conservatory.
Photo Permit for Garfield Park Conservatory | Chicago
Yes, photo permits are required at the Conservatory and it comes to $80 per hour. You can acquire your photo permit through the Chicago Park District here. The park district recommends acquiring your photo permit two weeks before your photoshoot date to for a better chance of availability!
I recommend choosing to go to the conservatory either at the beginning of the day (10 AM) or at the end of the day in order to beat the crowds. Even so, the conservatory is a popular spot and you can expect to wait for people to walk by so we can get the photo. 🙂
Photoshoot locations near the Garfield Park Conservatory | Chicago
Additionally, there are a number of beautiful and interesting locations for photos within Garfield Park. The Garfield Park lagoon is beautiful, and there are a number of lovely bridges and overlooks. The Garfield Fieldhouse, just a minute down the road from the conservatory has beautiful white stone architecture that would make a lovely backdrop. Finally, for something different, the Garfield Park conservatory is right next to the El which can provide more of a urban grunge look for your photos.
I would recommend a one hour portrait session if you wanted just Garfield Park conservatory photos, but if you were interested in adding on the surrounding areas, I recommend a three-hour session.
Seasonal displays at the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago
The Conservatory does a beautiful job of crafting plant displays so there’s always bright color and interest when you visit! In particular, you can expect to see a holiday display during December (as shown here in my client’s photos), an indoor spring display January-March, and a beautiful outdoor garden (accessible with an additional fee) during the summer months. Particularly during the winter, this is a great way to get some color into your photos.
Garfield Park Conservatory Reservations
Are Reservations Needed?
Yes, reservations are needed at the Conservatory, as well as admission tickets if you aren’t a Chicago resident. The price is $10/person if you’re over 18.
Garfield Park Conservatory Parking
The Conservatory has its own free parking lot directly south of the entrance. There is also free street parking along Central Park Ave. It’s also very easy to take the Green El to the Conservatory, getting off at the Conservatory-Central station and walking just one block north.
Here’s what my client’s mom had to say about their experience working with me!
Kristen took senior photos of our daughter and they are amazing. Kristen really took the time to get to know my daughter and her interests, took care of all the details for setting things up (scheduling the day, getting permits where needed, etc.) and was fantastic with communication throughout the process. She is very easy to work with and is an excellent photographer. I highly recommend.
Interested in a fun senior photoshoot of your own? I’d love to help out whether you’re looking for Garfield Park conservatory photos or something different! Look here for my senior portfolio, and reach out here to get the ball rolling for your own photoshoot!
Kristen Hazelton is an award-winning Oak Park, IL (West Chicagoland) and Livermore, CA (San Francisco East Bay Area) graduating senior, and family photographer. She occasionally photographs in San Diego, CA, Tucson, AZ, and Seattle, WA. You can inquire about your own photoshoot here!
