Covered in this post—

What Makes A Photogenic Event Space
Architecture, Skyline, Style, & Lighting
Choosing the Right Venue for Your Event
Event Photography With MCP

The Windy City is a magical place for any event manager. With a seemingly endless menagerie of event spaces to choose from, ranging from iconic to raw and hyperlocal, choosing an event space that fits your needs in Chicago has never been easier. But with so many choices at your disposal, how do you narrow down your list?

Chances are, size, space, and budget are at the top of your list – and rightfully so. A component that is often overlooked is how photogenic the event space is compared to others on your wish list. Each event space has different qualities that can come to life when captured by a professional photographer, so it pays to pay attention to this important detail.

Whether you are building up hype in the weeks leading up to the event, creating engagement opportunities the day of, or using content generated to promote your next event, choosing one that looks great on camera cannot be overstated.

The Mark Campbell Productions team has decades of experience working at Chicago’s most photogenic event venues, both big and small. Backed by a full production team, we can help you bring your event to life with amazing photos and video content.

What makes an event space photogenic

There are far too many event spaces within the Chicago metropolitan area to list them all in a single article. Rather than spotlight event venues that may, or may not, fit your needs, we would prefer to give you ideas on what to consider as you explore event spaces. Every event space can be photogenic, especially if you know which qualities to look for in your search.

Architecture

Architecture and Chicago have become synonymous with one another, we even have our own architecture term – Chicago School – so of course this would be our first stop on the list. The simple fact is that architecture stands out in photographs.

Whether it is the clean lines of modern architecture or the Gothic spires of Tribune Tower, architectural features are visually appealing and can make a great backdrop for your event. These components are designed to be both beautiful and functional, meaning they can add a layer of complexity to each photo that will draw the viewer in and keep them engaged.

Skyline

If architecture is option 1a, the skyline is sure to 1b. Honestly, there was quite a bit of debate within the MCP team on which to list first. Simply put, it is hard to go wrong when choosing an event space that showcases Chicago’s amazing skyline. From the Magnificent Mile to the shoreline of Lake Michigan, the skyline you choose can tell a story all on its own.

This can be an incredible component, and it doesn’t matter the time of day. Midday rooftop venues offer amazing views of the cityscape, while nighttime happenings create a unique ambiance that is reflected in each photo taken.

Style

While it can be easy to get caught up in the first two on this list, it is important to note that style matters. Not every venue’s style will be a perfect fit for your event, and should you try to force a square peg into a round hole, it will show up in photos.

What do we mean by that? A glamorous ballroom might be a great option for a gala event where everyone is dressed to the nines, but does it make sense for an industry conference where salespeople will be schmoozing in golf polos and cross trainers? Don’t get us wrong, contrast can work, but there is a fine line between chic and completely mismatched.

Lighting/Mood

Similar to style, the lighting and mood of the event space will be very clear with any photo taken. There are a number of dimly lit, gritty speakeasies reflecting Chicago’s prohibition era that make great intimate event spaces, but they might not be ideal for every company or organization.

As you walk through the event space, pay close attention to the lighting in certain areas such as entrances or places where guests will naturally congregate. These are great funnels for an experienced photographer to capture candid moments throughout the event, and knowing ahead of time that lighting will be an issue will set the team up for success.

Choosing the right venue for your event

Now that we have given you a little food for thought, the time to go forth and conquer is at hand. But before we send you out into Chicagoland in search of your next event space, here are three tips that will help in your journey.

Include the event photographer

Far too many event managers add a professional photographer well after the event space has been chosen. Admittedly, there is nothing wrong with this approach, but it is a missed opportunity to include the person, or team, that will be behind the lens.

Our suggestion is to include the photographer as soon as the search begins. This will allow them to provide critical feedback on components that will impact the shot list and the final product.

Consider your guests

At the end of the day, the event is about the guests and their experience. As you walk the floor of an event space, consider how your guests will interact with different aspects of the venue. A rooftop space with an amazing view of the city’s skyline might make a great backdrop in the summer months, but not when the temperature drops below freezing and the wind is howling during the winter months.

Visit more than once

We get it, you are busy, and you may only get a chance to tour a venue once or twice. The more time you spend in an event space the better. Additional walk-throughs can help you see details you might have missed on the initial visit that can directly impact the photos being taken. If exploring outdoor venues, vary the time of the visit. See how the space looks midday versus the evening, or even at night. You might find a space doesn’t work particularly well at the time you had slated your event.

Event Photography With MCP

There are hundreds of amazing event spaces across the Windy City, and narrowing down your list can seem a bit overwhelming. Hopefully, this list will provide you with a starting point as you begin your search. The event space is incredibly important, as are the people that you choose to capture photos and video content for your event.

The Mark Campbell Productions team is comprised of amazing photographers and videographers who can help breathe life into your next event. With our full production team at your disposal, we are ready to help in every phase of the process to ensure that we shine as bright of a spotlight on the event as possible.

Connect with our team to learn more about our services, and get a customized quote today.

Exploring Chicago’s Most Photogenic Event Venues