[KittoBakaOtaku]

I was just wondering if anyone had any good cosplay locations in Chicago that they'd like to share... I do a LOT of cosplay photoshoots and good backgrounds make pictures just so much more awesome ~

Like for example, I go to college in Florida so me and my friends have gone a few times dressed as Kingdom Hearts characters to Downtown Disney cause it's so perfect for those pics ~

(I also went around Paris dressed as Axis Powers Hetalia America (on July 4 randomly ZOMG LMAO))

Cause it's kind of fun, cosplaying at places that AREN'T conventions...(though maybe that's just a weird Florida thing?? I dunno~ xDD)

So what kinds of places in Chicago would ppl recommend?? I live near there, so over the summer (when the blizzard of death is GONE) I hope to get some good pics with the city as the backdrop...maybe Millenium Park, cause one can *never* have enough GIANT SHINY BEAN pics...xDD

[Scott]

I can't name any locations as I don't live in Chicago, but any cosplay photography is a good thing. aka: I approve of this thread.


I think in general, nice open areas a good for bokeh (background blur) and what anime doesn't have an opening theme with the characters in a big expanse either standing there or running/walking. haha

Also, depending on the character being cosplayed, finding a location that fits the anime is a good way to make the background relevant.

[KeySmash]

I agree. Good backround will depend on the cosplays.

But I think that the best place to cosplay in my opinion, has to be the Chicago Botanic Gardens. It's very big so there is more of a diversity.

Who wouldn't want a big shiny bean in the backround!!

Millenuim Park is such a fun place to cosplay. But be aware of the weather. I once cosplayed Itachi in Millenium Park on a really hot day. (Hot day+thick black clothing does not mix). So you don't wanna wear something to thick or heavy during the summer.

[Naruto Kun]

As what everyone else said find a good area that gives your cosplay a good detail on the character and blend in on the scene and I have cosplayed downtown in Millenium Park as well as Naruto in all the orange gear and it was hot and sweaty at the same time esp if your trying to move fast in a cooler area from fans and tourists

[KittoBakaOtaku]

Scott, on 02 February 2011 - 03:37 AM, said:

I can't name any locations as I don't live in Chicago, but any cosplay photography is a good thing. aka: I approve of this thread.


I think in general, nice open areas a good for bokeh (background blur) and what anime doesn't have an opening theme with the characters in a big expanse either standing there or running/walking. haha

Also, depending on the character being cosplayed, finding a location that fits the anime is a good way to make the background relevant.

xD glad you approve~

Yea, Chicago's good for city-scape bgs and it has some parks for those more open bgs...I've never really tried to make a bokeh pic before but it sounds like something I could get photoshop to do...

Unfortunately just a few of the animes I have cosplays for are set in modern day settings so that sort of limits my character-fitting backgrounds...:/~

KeySmash, on 02 February 2011 - 04:09 AM, said:

I agree. Good backround will depend on the cosplays.

But I think that the best place to cosplay in my opinion, has to be the Chicago Botanic Gardens. It's very big so there is more of a diversity.

Who wouldn't want a big shiny bean in the backround!!

Millenuim Park is such a fun place to cosplay. But be aware of the weather. I once cosplayed Itachi in Millenium Park on a really hot day. (Hot day+thick black clothing does not mix). So you don't wanna wear something to thick or heavy during the summer.

Awesome, thanks for the tip...I don't think I've ever been to the Botanical Gardens (which is sad, cause I've lived all my life in the suburbs) but I'm going to definitely check it out now... (SHINY BEAN FIRST THO~ xD)

Haha, yea unlike conventions outside shoots don't include airconditioning...lol But I think I'd be ok for the most part, cause I make all of my costumes, so I use light fabrics and omit the lining on most of them...xD (<- aka *LAZY cheating...* haha)

Naruto Kun, on 02 February 2011 - 06:14 AM, said:

As what everyone else said find a good area that gives your cosplay a good detail on the character and blend in on the scene and I have cosplayed downtown in Millenium Park as well as Naruto in all the orange gear and it was hot and sweaty at the same time esp if your trying to move fast in a cooler area from fans and tourists

I suppose I can't really beat the heat in a lot of costumes...but anything's ok for the sake of cosplay *__*~~

Actually I guess if it really got too hot in Millenium Park I could always go stand under the water-face-walls lol...I might even get a cool pic of that if I could manage to snap a pic when all the random little kids are not in the shot for a brief instant...lol

----------------------
BTW what about beach pics then? I don't really go to the beach in Chicago much, but there's got to be one that's less crowded...lol I guess there's not many options so I could just go there and do some research when I'm back in Summer~

[KeySmash]

Hahaha that good to hear that you make your cosplays light. I also live in the suburbs so it's really hard to go to Chicago, so when I have the chance I TAKE IT.

[Voxx]

Well it would be perfect in Chicago right now if you were cosplaying as the Ice Climbers!

[Scott]

KittoBakaOtaku, on 02 February 2011 - 11:20 AM, said:

xD glad you approve~

Yea, Chicago's good for city-scape bgs and it has some parks for those more open bgs...I've never really tried to make a bokeh pic before but it sounds like something I could get photoshop to do...

Unfortunately just a few of the animes I have cosplays for are set in modern day settings so that sort of limits my character-fitting backgrounds...:/~

For example, what cosplays? Your profile looks like Kingdom Hearts, so that's one. Haven't played it, so I can't offer any suggestions on that one.

Once out of the Chicago metro area, the scenery drastically changes to open and flat. Those could be an option too.

Amusement parks and other touristy places could even work depending on the anime. For example, there is a place called Midway Village in my city that has a full late 1800s town setup. midwayvillage.com
Places like that might require a bit more effort to make sure what their photography policies are though.

schläfrig Kätzchen, on 02 February 2011 - 12:41 PM, said:

Well it would be perfect in Chicago right now if you were cosplaying as the Ice Climbers!

I "cosplayed" me being on a cruise today (which is where I got the shirt over a month ago now) ...Maybe that's close enough, at least for me. Snow is a pretty harsh background, so it would be a challenging shoot, but fun.

[jman321]

heres a couple cool places ive thought of or actually been to: starv rock, the dunes, lake michigan, lincoln park, lincoln park zoo, sears tower, any mall, a police station, museum of science and industry, aquarium, sextoystore lol, the woods,
yup theres my ideas

[opimus.rm]

jman321, on 02 April 2011 - 04:34 PM, said:

heres a couple cool places ive thought of or actually been to: starv rock, the dunes, lake michigan, lincoln park, lincoln park zoo, sears tower, any mall, a police station, museum of science and industry, aquarium, sextoystore lol, the woods,
yup theres my ideas

If you Cosplay at the police station the police will be very happy to take your picture.

This post has been edited by opimus.rm: 02 April 2011 - 05:01 PM

[excel excel]

opimus.rm, on 02 April 2011 - 05:00 PM, said:

If you Cosplay at the police station the police will be very happy to take your picture.

Are you being sarcastic? They are just talking about where they would like to do cosplays. Leave the snark out of this and just be kind enough to answer without the unnecessary comments. Seriously. They are just that. Ideas. Im sure they will kindly ask them to either leave the premises or ask permission first before doing things like this. Listen jman, if you want to do these pics you can kindly call them if its ok before going out to do this. The Youmacon photoshoot for their calendar was a good example of this. Just tell them what your purpose is and they will gladly answer your questions.

[levelsixtyseven]

I plan on visiting Chicago's infamous millenium park for fun kicks. Would probably be a fun place to cosplay and take photos.

That's cool! You live in Florida. There's a high chance I will move there in. Sarasota to be exact

[IchigoKitKat]

Anderson's Japanese Garden is a pretty nice location. It's in Rockford though.

[Soy Sauce]

I'm not sure I over read something on this thread here, but this is just forewarning for anyone who wants to do a photoshoot at the Botanic Gardens. Most likely you would need a permit to do a photoshoot. I'm not sure what the price when they told us, but it was about $100 for the permit. Which isn't so bad if you have a large group going.

Me and my friends lucked out when we took our pictures at that location because we've finished our shoot. Unless you guys can by pass the service desk, you may get lucky.

Here's a few examples of me and my friend when we went during sunset hours at the gardens around September last year.

Umineko 1
Umineko 2
Umineko 3

[Dark Spellmaster]

Instead of the Botanic gardens if you want an interesting place, try here. Osaka Garden is located on Wooded Island (Paul H. Douglas
Nature Sanctuary) in Jackson Park.

It's got some really nice photo opertunities.

Another good place is Grant Park, Linconl park, and the butterfly room in the Nature Museum by the zoo. Another spot is the zoo itself because it has some great spots there that are used for weddings. The mansion around the North Side near the gold coast area. Water Tower is a good place too on the outside. I'd also say the Museum campus area, and the area around UIC.

[fotaku07]

Outside of Chicago in the burbs there's a few places I could recommend.

The Morton Arboretum in Lisle

Cantigny in Wheaton (This place not only has parks but it also has tanks outside the war museum that kids (and cosplayers) can climb on)

Any of the numerous forest preserves like Busse Woods in Elk Grove Village.

[delial]

I just thought about a good place to cosplay Silent Hill monsters, particularly nurses.

The broken down Cook County Hospital (Stroger I think), in the medical district o.o

[Scott]

IchigoKitKat, on 05 April 2011 - 11:40 PM, said:

Anderson's Japanese Garden is a pretty nice location. It's in Rockford though.

I agree, it's a very nice place for photos.

http://andersongarde...it/photography/

They allow cameras in there, but they limit the photos to personal use. Chances are cosplay photos would be okay if the equipment doesn't look too serious and you don't get in anyone's way (so they complain). It sounds like commercial permits are available though.

[Pashy-chan]

Meep meep!! A neat place that I've wanted to have a photoshoot at for the longest is the beach in Lake Forest. It's about a 20-30 minute drive from downtown Chicago, but unlike the shores of Lake Michigan here, it is enclosed off for the town itself and has been practically/is empty every time I've gone (Given, those were spring and fall months). I think it's prime for a shoot that takes place along an ocean-side, it's just so beautiful~ @.@

[levelsixtyseven]

Scott, on 17 April 2011 - 06:15 PM, said:

I agree, it's a very nice place for photos.

http://andersongarde...it/photography/

They allow cameras in there, but they limit the photos to personal use. Chances are cosplay photos would be okay if the equipment doesn't look too serious and you don't get in anyone's way (so they complain). It sounds like commercial permits are available though.

whaaat? this place looks so gorgeous!

but nuuuu! my equipment would be deemed too professional. so sad.

[Scott]

levelsixtyseven, on 25 April 2011 - 11:02 PM, said:

whaaat? this place looks so gorgeous!

but nuuuu! my equipment would be deemed too professional. so sad.

I probably worded that wrong. They allow SLR cameras and mono-pods in there. What they don't allow are tripods. I have taken a SLR in there quite a few times and never had any issues. The major thing to keep in mind is to not block pathways and such so people don't complain.

[levelsixtyseven]

Well then that's awesome! I'll definitely visit this Thursday for the fun.

[Scott]

levelsixtyseven, on 27 April 2011 - 08:40 PM, said:

Well then that's awesome! I'll definitely visit this Thursday for the fun.

You mean tomorrow...er I mean today? That's fast. Do you know this area? Restaurants are primarily on Alpine, East State, and East Riverside Blvd. if you are going to make a day of it. Anderson garden itself has a restaurant, but it is pretty pricey.

[AkaneD]

Well, if anyone lives near any of these locations, you can cosplay in Starbucks on Sunday.

[Emrys]

If you are downtown and need "historical" backgrounds there are a lot of cool setups at the Museum of Science and Industry (submarines, trains, spacecraft and aircraft of all kinds, Victorian main street, etc.) and the Field Museum (Egypt, Pacific Islands, lots of wilderness backdrops/animal, etc. plus the field/lakefront at the center of museum campus), although I don't know if they'd let you in the museums with any weapon props. The Lincoln Park Zoo and the area immediately around it are also very nice.

If you want prettyful gardens to romp through, there's the Chicago Botanical Gardens, or the Morton Arboretum (but that's all the way out in Lisle). All of the forest preserves and lakes are pretty and there's at least one cosplay gathering that meets there near Mitsuwa in the summer.

If you want pictures with Chicago architecture in the backdrop I would wait for a book fair/art fair/farmers market or something like that to come along so you have the whole street to work with - otherwise you are limited to trying to get good angles from the sidewalks.