Why You’ll Love Historic Long Grove

Located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Historic Long Grove offers a charming small-town setting filled with character, texture, and unique architectural details. Its historic buildings, brick pathways, covered bridge, colorful storefronts, and tucked-away green spaces create a beautiful variety of backdrops within a small, walkable area.

Historic Long Grove is a great choice for anyone who wants portraits that feel warm, timeless, and a little different from a traditional forest preserve session.

Family of four posing beside the flower-lined fountain in Historic Long Grove, Illinois.

What Makes Historic Long Grove So Special

  • Charming historic buildings and storefronts
  • The iconic Long Grove Covered Bridge
  • Brick and stone pathways
  • Rustic fences, stairways, and architectural details
  • Small gardens and green spaces
  • Cozy alleyways and hidden corners
  • Beautiful seasonal decorations
  • A mix of urban charm and natural backgrounds in one location

Best Sessions for Fabyan

✔ Senior Portraits

✔ Family Sessions

✔ Maternity Sessions

✔ Engagement Photos

✔ Personal Branding Sessions

Best Time of Year

Historic Long Grove photographs beautifully throughout much of the year, but each season creates a slightly different look.

Spring

  • Fresh greenery and flowering trees
  • Colorful planters and gardens
  • Soft, romantic backgrounds
  • Comfortable temperatures for walking

Summer

  • Lush green spaces
  • Colorful storefronts and flowers
  • Warm evening light
  • A lively downtown atmosphere

Fall

  • Beautiful autumn foliage
  • Warm tones and rustic textures
  • Seasonal decorations throughout downtown
  • A cozy small-town feel

Winter

  • Holiday lights and decorations
  • Festive storefronts
  • Charming winter portraits
  • A Hallmark-inspired holiday atmosphere

Session Tips

  • Weekday evenings are typically best for avoiding the busiest shopping and dining times.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended because we will move between several areas throughout downtown.
  • Neutral outfits, rich earth tones, denim, and layered clothing photograph especially well against the colorful storefronts and historic architecture.
  • Long Grove hosts several popular festivals and community events, so your session date should be checked against the village event calendar.
  • Some of the most interesting backgrounds are located near active businesses, so we will always remain respectful of customers, employees, and private property.

Things to Know

Because of the historic nature of downtown Long Grove, some areas include uneven brick pathways, steps, and narrow walkways. Strollers can be used, but smaller or lightweight strollers may be easier to navigate.

The downtown area can also become very busy during festivals, holiday events, and weekends. Weekday sessions usually offer a quieter experience and more flexibility when moving between portrait locations.