The suburbs surrounding Chicago offer an amazing break from the city, but they also have incredible outdoor areas to enjoy. One of those areas is Lake Ellyn and the surrounding park.
As a Chicago photographer, I’ve been able to explore this area and if you are looking for a peaceful place to take the perfect couples photos, this is your spot. With a beautiful lake, wide open spaces, and a park right around the corner, there are so many amazing spaces to go to for your photos.
So, let’s take a look into this lake and how to get the perfect Lake Ellyn couples photos!
About Lake Ellyn
This lake is often seen as one of the center pieces of the town. Lake Ellyn is actually a man made lake and was built back in the 1880s. At that time, the town decided that they wanted to do something with the swampy area where the lake now sits and built a dam to fill the lake.
Eventually a hotel was built right next to the lake and this area became a popular location for people to travel to for a vacation from the city. Unfortunately, the hotel did burn down in the early 1900s, but the town still saw the beauty in the lake and the area officially became a public park.
Today, you can find the lake, a boathouse, a park, fishing areas, and more at Lake Ellyn and Lake Ellyn Park. It is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon outdoors or go to for the perfect couples photos.
Tips for Couples Photos at Lake Ellyn
If this sounds like it is right up your alley for your photoshoot, here are a few tips when it comes to planning your session.
Dress for the weather
First, make sure you are dressing for the weather. You really are going to be outdoors for the entire session and since it is right on the water, it can sometimes be a little cooler. I was recently there in the spring and it was still pretty cold.
If you are going anytime that the weather is a bit cooler, I would definitely suggest dressing in layers. This will do one of two things.
First, it will ensure that you are totally comfortable the entire session. If you get a bit colder, you can just throw on your extra layer to warm up. Although it may not seem that cold to begin with, you have to remember that you are just going to be standing around and not moving too much so bringing more clothes to keep you warm is a great idea.
Second, it also gives you more variety in your photos. Something as simple as putting on a jacket, button up, scarf, etc can make your outfit stand out and look different. This means with just one simple piece of clothing, you can have an entirely different look!
If you are planning a session in the warmer months, keep in mind that there is some shade, but you’ll also probably be out in the sun. It can get a bit warm so be sure to wear lighter, thinner clothing that will keep you cool.
It may also be a great idea to plan sessions in these warmer months earlier in the day or later in the afternoon. This way you are not out during the hottest part of the day (and you’ll get better lighting!)
Take time to explore the area
You also want to take some time to explore the area and pick out the perfect places to take pictures. The lake itself is a good size and there are plenty of great spots around it. There are even some small piers with wooden benches that you can stop at.
Keep in mind that this is a public park as well so there may be other people around. If you are planning your session in the summer months, you may find more people around (which is another reason why it is a great idea to do the session earlier in the day).
However, if you take the time to do a bit of scouting, you can definitely find spots around the lake that are a bit more private.
Finally, since this is a public park, there are also events that are held here throughout the year. As you are planning your session, you want to be sure that nothing major is going on in the park that day.
While you can’t really control having other people around the lake and the park on a normal day, you can definitely avoid having your session when the town is having events at the park and there are no quiet places to escape to.
Bring along your pets
And last but not least, one of the best things about couples photos at Lake Ellyn is that the park is pet friendly. This means that you don’t have to leave your furry friends behind when it comes to your photoshoot.
Let’s be honest, our pets are part of our family and our story, so why shouldn’t they be a part of our photos? Bringing your pet to your session not only makes for a more fun and relaxed atmosphere, but it also gives you unforgettable memories with every part of your family.
If you are thinking about bringing your pet along, here are some tips to make it as smooth as possible.
First, you want to make sure that you have some treats and some water for them. Especially during the summer months when it is hotter outside, these are definitely going to come in handy. You can also bring along any toys that they are always playing with or that can catch their attention for photos. Bonus points if the toys make a fun noise!
Second, think about what photos you want them to be a part of. Odds are you aren’t going to want them to be in every single photo, but you still want them to be a part of the session.
If you can, try coordinating with a friend or family member so that they can bring your pet to the session and stay with them when they are not posing for the camera. This may mean coming halfway through and picking them up, or bringing them towards the end of the session so you can finish with some photos with them.
Having someone take care of them during the photoshoot is going to help keep you more relaxed so you aren’t worried about where they are or if they are okay the entire time!
Final Thoughts on Lake Ellyn Couples Photos
So, if you are looking for an outdoor location for your photoshoot that has great views and a beautiful atmosphere, Lake Ellyn is the perfect place for you. With so many different areas to go to and access year round, this is a dream location in the Chicago suburbs.
And, if you are still looking for the perfect photographer to capture these moments for you, I’d love to chat! You can click here to learn more about my photography services or you can head over here to get in touch and start planning your own couples session!
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