Discover the Best Lemont Photography Spots with Hilltop Photo Co.

Brigid Presecky
Sep 9
4 min read

Updated: Oct 23

If you’re searching for a Lemont photographer or planning a family photography session in Lemont, downtown Lemont is the perfect backdrop. It’s my all-time favorite location! With its mix of historic charm, natural beauty, and urban textures, the village offers endless options for stunning portraits. Here are my favorite spots for Lemont photography sessions:

1. The I&M Canal

The I&M Canal is one of the most popular spots for Lemont photography. Its water views, greenery, and leading lines create a timeless backdrop for family portraits. Whether you want a relaxed, nature-inspired vibe or a classic landscape setting, the canal gives your Lemont family photography session a beautiful balance of history and scenery.

Woman and child smiling outdoors on a sunny day. She's hugging him from behind, with greenery and a bridge in the blurred background. — Front Street: I&M Canal

2. Stephen Street

Stephen Street offers one of the most breathtaking views in downtown Lemont. Facing south, you’ll capture sweeping scenes of the town with gorgeous depth and character. Photographers can frame this spot perfectly, making it a standout location for family photography sessions. The combination of scenic overlook and small-town charm makes it a must-stop for portraits.

Three people in light clothing cross a sunny street in a quaint town, surrounded by historic buildings and parked cars. Vibrant, cheerful scene. — Stephen Street, facing South

3. Canal Center Adjacent

Just off the main path, the Canal Center (formerly known as Safety Village) area offers that typical "nature-inspired" look most people love for family portraits. Thankfully, you can get the nature look and the urban look in the same session. Just walk towards the Canal Center and keep walking along the path, and you'll have a wide-open line of trees to choose from.

A smiling couple wearing light blue tops hold hands and walk outdoors against a backdrop of lush green trees. — Canal Center; East

4. Canal Street

Canal Street provides a mix of small-town charm and classic urban details; it really does look like a Hollywood studio backdrop. Have you been to Midwest Street at Warner Bros.? Trust me, it looks the same. Only here, the shops are real! (Please shop! There's Mabel's Market, 1 Happy Girl Boutique, and more. To eat, there's Matt's BBQ, Digs on Canal, and Hughie Mcclafferty's on the corner!) If your session is in the morning, you'll have little to no traffic to get the perfect shot! But even if it's crowded, you can still capture authentic, relaxed moments.

Five women stand smiling in colorful dresses on a sunny street. Background includes people, trees, and a food truck. Pleased mood. — Canal Street: Fall on Canal '24

5. Main Street

Main Street brings vintage storefronts, brick details, and historic architecture to your portraits. Depending on the time of day, you’ll get beautiful golden hour lighting (as you can see below; a wedding outside of 223 Main) and shadows that make your Lemont photography session feel unique. It’s one of the most iconic shots you can get in Lemont. This is a great spot for couples and individual portraits, but I still recommend it for family sessions, too! (Just, you know, look out for cars!)

A couple kisses in the middle of a quiet street lined with parked cars and shops. The setting sun casts a warm glow on the scene. — 223 Main Street

6. The Steps

The steps! "Pick a step, any step!" is my line whenever I lead a family to these steps connecting the north side of the canal to the south side (directly across from Next Mex). These steps in downtown Lemont are a hidden gem for portraits. Families love the layered look these steps provide, perfect for group shots during a Lemont family photography session. It’s a simple yet powerful way to add dimension to your portraits. Have an extended family? Bring them here; there's room for everyone.

A family of five sits on stone steps, smiling. The setting is casual, and the mood is warm and joyful. The image is in black and white. — I&M Canal Bridge & Steps

7. The Bridge(s)

The downtown Lemont bridges are classic spots that every Lemont photographer loves. With stunning views of the town (on whichever bridge you choose), it’s a striking location for family portraits or individual shots. Sunset sessions on the bridge create some of the most breathtaking Lemont photography. Here, you can see Marbella of Lemont on the right and St. Matthew Lutheran in the center.

A family of five smiling outdoors. They wear blue and pastel clothes. Trees and buildings in the background. Warm, happy mood. — I&M Canal Bridge

8. The Murals

The Lemont murals add a splash of creativity and color to any Lemont photography session, especially for engagement photoshoots or wedding portraits (if you're getting married at The Bridge, the mural on the left is located directly behind the building). These vibrant backdrops are perfect for clients who want something playful and modern in their portraits. A skilled photographer can use the mural to create bold, unforgettable images.

9. The Parks (with Permission)

Lemont is home to beautiful parks that make excellent backdrops for photography. Legion Park, for example, adds that gazebo touch straight out of Stars Hollow (Gilmore Girls). If you’re working with a Lemont photographer, be sure to check with the Lemont Park District for permission before scheduling your session in one of these spaces. With the right approval, the parks provide stunning outdoor options for your Lemont photography session.

A couple walks hand in hand on a tree-lined path under a partly cloudy sky, conveying a peaceful, sunny day mood. — Legion Park

10. The Magical Blue Building (aka The Living Room); a Lemont Photographer's Dream Backdrop

No list of Lemont photography spots would be complete without the “magical blue building,” known as The Living Room. This coffee house and event space is not only run by some of the nicest owners in town, but it also provides a truly unique backdrop for portraits. The bold blue exterior stands in stark contrast to the natural tones of downtown Lemont, while the rustic brown door adds warmth and texture to your images. Many a Lemont photographer has fallen in love with this spot, and it’s easy to see why. Be sure to check out and support The Living Room; it’s a gem for both the community and for Lemont family photography sessions.

Five people walk arm-in-arm on a bridge, seen from behind. Trees and buildings in the background create a calm and connected mood. — The I&M Canal Bridge

These top 10 places a Lemont photographer loves for photos highlight just how special downtown Lemont really is. From the history of the I&M Canal to the sweeping views along Stephen Street, the character of Main Street, and the hidden charm of the stone steps, this village offers endless variety for portraits.

Lemont is truly one of the best towns in the Chicago suburbs for photography. Whether you’re booking Lemont family photography, senior portraits, or just want to capture your story in a meaningful place, these spots give you the perfect backdrop. Working with a local Lemont photographer ensures you’ll get the most out of these locations while creating timeless images your family will cherish for years to come.

Remember, at Hilltop Photo Co., we strive to be Chicagoland’s go-to photographer for life’s most meaningful moments, from intimate family milestones to large-scale celebrations. We are committed to traveling wherever your story takes us to deliver timeless, heartfelt imagery.