Birthplace of the American skyscraper, writing an architecture article about Chicago was always going to be a special occasion. And the photographers on display in this iconic city sure delivered!
Thanks to shutterbugs’ eye for structure, light, and form, architectural photography has eternally altered how we comprehend design. As images have become universal, their impact on culture and society can be felt worldwide.
And none more so than in Chicago. From the neo-gothic style of the Tribune Tower to the modernism of St. Regis Chicago and everything in between, The Windy City is an eclectic sight to behold. And this awe-inspiring diversity of design is also reflected in the city’s architecture photographers. Each of the 7 carefully selected photographers on this list bring their own flavor and perspicuity to their craft, truly justifying the iconic and diverse buildings of this great city.
At Wonderful Machine, we define architecture photography as “concerned with the inside or outside of a structure, more so than the people, furniture or decor in or around it. Demonstrating a high degree of technical proficiency, including perspective control and the ability to handle mixed lighting.”
As you will shortly find out, Chicago architecture photographers are experts in their craft. Whether they are shooting a Shotgun house or a grandiose skyscraper. A neoclassical to a modernist design. The quality of their work is something to admire. And they are all consistently the proverbial tower of strength to their loyal clientele.
Now let the best architecture photographers of Chicago take to the floor!
Anthony Tahlier is a distinguished Chicago-based architecture photographer using distinctive and captivating imagery to showcase clients’ businesses, homes, and lifestyles. His work is fated to hold anyone’s gaze, not merely for a brief glance.
He embodies the spirit of this truly historic city with his emphasis on playing with composition, lighting, contrast, and textures. A man with an unparalleled intuitive eye, giving him one of the most skyscraping reputations in the field. Whatever the project or assignment may be, his personal style is consistent in producing striking photos that are clean and utterly vivid.
Anthony helps make sense of this complicated world and city as he is captivated by unifying facets. His photographs collectively read as a mesmerizing assembly manual for the great city of Chicago. A valuable asset for any client looking for a photographer to channel their style or story into an exquisite visual piece of art.
Chris Barrett is an experienced virtuoso in architecture photography in Chicago. He has seen and done it all, shooting buildings, interiors, and furniture for the last two decades.
Chris makes refined and thoughtful images which architectural photography gives him license to explore. He has a natural aptitude for capturing spaces in proper perspective. And will go above and beyond to perfectly capture every client’s unique vision.
Chris does not merely document significant architecture but interprets it. Making him one of the most noteworthy and effective architectural photographers in the Chicago area.
Over the years, he has given numerous lectures to classes from universities such as The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Southern Illinois University, University of Wisconsin, and Roosevelt University. A lifetime scholar of his craft, Chris has enormous passion and knowledge for architectural photography, which he loves to bequeath to others, and he is always happy to take the time and enjoy speaking with students.
Seasoned Chicago architecture photographer John Boehm adores the creative side of photography and each year completes independent photographic projects, so he can continue to learn and develop his skillset.
John’s goal is to help every organization he works with develop its own unique voice. When working with clients, he believes collaboration is essential to ensure the outcome is of the highest quality, meets the client’s needs and desires, and is delivered timely. No matter the project size, he prides himself in doing whatever it takes to get a great image.
John has climbed the wall to architecture photography excellence, thanks to his substantial experience combined with his impressive creativity and unlimited hard work — resulting in him being a prized asset for any budding client.
Prominent architectural photographer Serhii Chrucky has captured some of Chicago’s most celebrated buildings during his notable career. And he thrives in the step-by-step process of creating imagery of built environments.
To Serhii, architectural photography is a puzzle pieced together after hours of careful observation, meticulous planning, and painstaking composition, and this meticulous attention to detail is demonstrated in his imagery.
Curious and persistent, Serhii is continuously learning to improve his craft and sees new challenges as opportunities, not obstacles. Serhii’s dedication to his work is clear; when he’s not on assignment, the photographer is busy with self-commissioned projects. Never too far from the world of architecture, Serhii lives and breathes his profession. And will provide this boundless dedication to every one of his clients.
You can’t spell architecture without the letters A-R-T, and Dave Jordano personifies this, with his strong fine art and documentary-making background infused throughout his architecture photography. He completed a BFA in photography from the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit in 1974. In 1977 he established a photography studio in Chicago, and he has been enhancing the sector with his exceptional work ever since — shooting major print campaigns for national advertising agencies. His work has been exhibited nationally and internationally in museums and galleries for decades.
With a strong affinity for perfectionism, painstakingly fussing over every shot for hours, lining things up, and balancing light, Dave will go above and beyond to get the proper picture. But with the ultimate goal to make it appear like he hadn’t done anything. And as the idiom appropriately states, “You can’t make bricks without straw.”
Dave is the perfect partner for any client looking for a strong visual storyteller for their architecture, with his bold imagery offering a photographic window to the building’s narrative and history.
Dave Burk has enriched the Chicago architecture photography scene with his infectious passion for creating visual narratives. From high school darkrooms to the Brooks Institute of Photography to Hedrich Blessing, Dave has always immersed himself in the study of design and architecture.
He lives and breathes this world. Believing that each building, city, and assignment is another opportunity to communicate a new story with his phenomenal control, refinement, and focus. Dave commences each new assignment with a conversation. He and the client discuss the design challenges and intent of the project. Thoughtful composition and a keen understanding of light are the foundation of his work. The result is a collection of powerful imagery visually conveying the creator’s desired message.
Dave travels worldwide on behalf of a diverse and talented group of designers and architects. He welcomes each assignment as an opportunity to communicate an unexplored and special story.
Co-founder of the illustrious Hall+Merrick+McCaugherty Photographers studio, Steve Hall, is one of the leading lights of architecture photography, not just in Chicago but in the whole country.
He gained notoriety as a long-time senior photographer and principal at the renowned photography studio Hedrich Blessing. His work has ranged from photographing the world’s tallest building, The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, to performance halls, research labs, corporate headquarters, hotels, and residences worldwide. Showcasing his supreme versatility as a photographer. No matter how big or small the assignment, Steve is your man.
Steve’s outstanding collaborative engagement with clients has allowed him to enjoy many rewarding, long-standing relationships. He is fascinated with the built environment, with the overall goal for each assignment to understand and capture the essence of the building. Steve truly is in the photography hall of fame.
As you have now discovered, each architecture photographer on the list truly brings the house down with their breathtaking imagery. And they will be a perfect fit for any client’s needs, thanks to their individual vision and approach to their craft.
We hope you enjoyed reading the list of the 7 best architecture photographers in Chicago as much as we had making it!
Further Reading
See more Chicago architecture photographers on our Find Photographers page.
Learn more about Architecture photography on our Intel Blog.
Let us help you Find Photographers, source Stock Photography,
Produce Your Shoot, or just reach out to hear more!