Montrose Beach Pier
Montrose Beach Pier stretches out into Lake Michigan with a distinctive curved breakwater that doubles back on itself, creating natural leading lines and geometric compositions you rarely find at a city beach. Walk to the far end of the pier and shoot back toward the Chicago skyline, which sits low on the horizon and looks especially striking at sunrise when the light hits the water from the east. The curved wall itself makes a strong foreground element, and shooting low along the concrete can add drama to almost any condition, from calm reflections to crashing waves in stormy weather. A wide angle lens works well for capturing the full arc of the pier, while a telephoto lets you compress the skyline. Parking is available nearby and the pier is open and walkable year round, though icy conditions in winter require caution. (Chicago, Illinois, United States)
