How to Capture Chicagohenge
For four days in September, the sun sets along the east-west streets of the city, creating that iconic glow between the buildings. This year's fall Chicagohenge takes place September 19–22, with sunset happening between roughly 6:47 and 6:52 p.m. depending on the day. Whether you're shooting with a phone, your everyday camera, or a long lens you've been waiting for an excuse to use, a little preparation can make a big difference.
1. Scout Your Spot Before Sunset
Don't wait until the sun is already dropping to figure out where you're going. Look for a street with a clear view toward the horizon and interesting architecture, people, or other elements that can become part of your composition. Popular locations can get crowded, so arrive early enough to find your spot and get comfortable. And remember: the sun won't stay in the perfect position for long. Have your composition ready before the light hits.
2. Pick the Right Lens
Your lens choice can completely change the look of your Chicagohenge photos.
Wide-angle: Great for dramatic streetscapes that show the sun, buildings, and surrounding environment.
Standard zoom: A versatile choice if you want to move between environmental shots and tighter compositions without changing lenses.
Telephoto: Perfect for compressing the buildings and making the sun look larger in the frame. This is especially useful if you want that classic shot of the sun glowing between Chicago's buildings.
Not sure what lens will give you the look you're after? That's where renting can be a great way to experiment without committing to a new piece of gear.
3. Don't Forget the Basics
Before heading downtown, check the things that are easy to overlook:
Charge your batteries.
Clear space on your memory cards.
Bring an extra battery if you have one.
Pack a tripod if you're planning longer exposures.
Bring a lens cloth. Chicago weather has a way of finding your lens at exactly the wrong moment.
Give yourself time to test your settings before the good light arrives.
4. Shoot More Than One Exposure
The contrast between a bright sun and dark city buildings can be tricky for your camera. Start with your camera's normal metering, then check your highlights. If the sun is blowing out completely, try underexposing slightly to preserve detail around the sun and let the buildings fall darker. Don't be afraid to shoot a few different exposures. You can always decide which version you like best later.
5. Try Silhouettes
You don't always need detail in the buildings or your subjects. Position a person, bike, car, or architectural element between you and the setting sun and let it become a silhouette. The strong backlight can create a simple, graphic image with plenty of atmosphere.
6. Look Beyond the Sun
Once you've captured the obvious shot, turn around. The warm light bouncing off buildings, reflections in windows, long shadows, and crowds of photographers can all make interesting images. Try shooting both vertically and horizontally, and look for reflections or repeating lines in the architecture. Sometimes the best Chicagohenge photo isn't the one with the sun perfectly centered.
Ready for Chicagohenge?
Chicagohenge doesn't stick around for long, so don't let the right lens—or the right camera—be the reason you miss it.
Save 30% on rentals booked September 15–22 and get the gear you need to make the most of Chicago's golden hour. Use promo code HENGE30
Whether you're looking for a telephoto lens to compress the skyline, a wide-angle for dramatic architecture, or a tripod for creative long exposures, PROCAM can help you build the right setup for the shot. Book your rental, pick your spot, and be ready when the sun lines up!
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