The HALF-DAY Tour is a 5-hour tour that begins to give you the feel of being a local Chicagoan and a local photographer. Whether you prefer the iconic Chicago tourist locations or desire more to see the “locals” version with some of our unique and hidden gems, you’ll be shown unique perspectives and be challenged to photograph differently than you have been.
This tour is generally a blend of walking and public transit.
Tour start / end locations are not the same location. Not to worry, we either end somewhere not far from where we began (or your stay location) or I accompany you back, depending on your plans and comfort level.
DURATION: 5 hours
Price: $420* USD
What’s included in the price:
What’s not included in price:
Additional People:
TIP: If you're a light chaser, check HERE for sunrise, sunset and Blue Hour times before deciding your start time. Select your travel month. The dates are along the left side of the chart. On this site, Blue Hour would be considered the "Civil Twilight" Start or End.
- Aug, 01, 2022 -
I booked my tour sort of last minute after stumbling across Teresa's page. I am glad I did! She was so helpful, personable, and completely involved with helping me figure out a package and what I like to shoot/accomplish. We had an initial call to discuss my photography goals while visiting Chicago and she was able to add in some of those things that only a local seasoned photographer would know. This was a wonderful experience; I even learned new ways to tell stories and compose shots from Teresa. I truly feel like I was shooting with a long time friend opposed to a guide. I will definitely be booking again when I return to Chicago - thanks again Teresa!
- Oct, 04, 2019 -
Exceptional Experience! - Teresa designed a custom route to photogenic spots in Chicago I would never have found. Along the way she taught me about "Urban Photography", professional and cultural graffiti, and photo composition. I've been a serious amateur photographer for twenty years, and have been on professionally guided tours in Europe, the Caribbean, and all over the US. I learned more with Teresa, and had a great time to boot. One afternoon isn't enough to cover the fascinating sights and perspectives in Chicago. I'm going back for more with Teresa.
- Jul, 09, 2019 -
This was a great tour. Teresa is a great instructor and guide. She has helped me look look at scenes differently. Cannot wait to return to Chicago to take this tour again.
- Mar, 13, 2019 -
I had a wonderful tour and improved my photography skills with the help of Teresa. Teresa is a great instructor, tour guide, and very personable.
- Apr, 12, 2014 -
Great opportunity to visit Chicago - For me it was a very interesting tour with a lot of insights about the architecture and the history of the city. It gave me the opportunity to see the city through a different perspective and I thank again very much for all the nice hints for taking some nice shots.
- Apr, 13, 2014 -
Great way to spend a day in Chicago - From the start Teresa was helpful and asked lots of questions to make sure the tour was right for me. Having arrived after 23 hours of traveling I was met at 8.00am and our walk commenced. Teresa knows this city and made sure she imparted as much information as I could handle and buildings their architects. She also know just where to go to get the right Photos of the city now. The skyline is changing with all the building and she cares with a passion about how some of the old sights are being destroyed. This is a great tour and well worth the money and will be tailored to your needs, you will get image overload but its great fun. Book it now!
- Jun, 11, 2014 -
Don't Miss this Tour! A Tour Through A Lens outing is a fantastic way to get to know Chicago and to come home with some great photos. My guide, Teresa, is very knowledgeable about the city and is willing to share secret spots to capture the best photographs. Booking and paying for the tour were both easy. Before the tour, Teresa got ahold of me to ask about what I was interested in seeing and what my photography goals were. She made sure that I got the shots I wanted when the light was perfect. She also showed me parts of the city and views I never would have known about without her help. After the tour, Teresa sent me some really helpful feedback, including suggestions for other places to visit. This is a great tour and well worth every penny!
- Jun, 23, 2014 -
Wow! An incredible experience, not to be missed. I had a recent business trip to Chicago. It was my first visit to the city so I scheduled a few extra days to take in the sites. I consider myself a "hobbyist" photographer and wanted to maximize my time shooting some of the incredible architecture, historic sites and hotspots of Chicago. I came across the "Tour Through a Lens" website searching for photography tours. I was attracted to the idea of a completely customized tour that fit my schedule and the locations I wanted to visit. I contacted their founder, Teresa Peek. She was extremely personable and asked all the right questions to fully understand what my expectations were from the tour. Although I wasn't looking for a technical "learn how to shoot" experience (I wanted to maximize my time on the tour, not on my camera), Teresa provided some great tips and tricks that I found very useful. She is a master at composition, something I feel I lack in my work. One of the highlights of our tour was taking the "L" train and transit system. I would not have considered this mode of transportation on my own but with Teresa's "how-to" guidance, I used it to get around the entire next day. Teresa is extremely passionate and knowledgeable about the city of Chicago and its historic landmarks. We spent the afternoon on the river walk and captured "blue hour" at the Alder Planetarium in the evening. It was great touring together as being on my own, I found myself looking over my shoulder, worrying more about my camera gear than photo composition. If you enjoy photography and are looking to experience Chicago like never before, I highly recommend contacting Teresa at Tour Through a Lens!
- Sep, 01, 2014 -
A Great August Day - I live in Chicago but still booked Tour Through A Lens to experience the wonders of the city I was born in. I had a wonderful 5 hour tour with Theresa. Seeing some things I had never seen and looked at other things in new way. I had a really fun experience with Theresa and learned lots of tips from her on the use of my camera and approaches to framing/taking awesome pictures. I would give this a very high recommendation!!!
- Sep, 04, 2014 -
Have a Few Hours in Chicago..spend with Teresa Great personal attention. Showed Chicago in a unique way. Knows the ins and outs of the city. Next visit, I will call again.