Lakefront Trail View
This stretch of Chicago's Lakefront Trail near North Avenue Beach puts you right at the water's edge with an unobstructed southward view of the city skyline rising above Lake Michigan. The combination of open water in the foreground and dense downtown architecture in the distance makes it one of the more reliable spots for classic Chicago cityscape photography. Shoot from the shoreline to include the lake's surface as a foreground element, or move back onto the path to incorporate the beach and any activity along the waterfront. A telephoto lens in the 70-200mm range works well for compressing the skyline, while a wide angle lets you emphasize the water and sky. Sunrise is the standout time here, with warm light catching the east-facing facades of the buildings and calm water offering reflections on quieter mornings. Parking is available nearby, and the trail is flat and easy to walk in either direction to fine-tune your angle. (Chicago, Illinois, United States)
