Photographing the Chicagohenge
As a photographer, capturing the essence of Chicago's urban landscape is always a rewarding challenge. One of the most captivating events to photograph is the semi-annual phenomenon known as "Chicagohenge," where the sun aligns perfectly with the city's east-west street grid during the equinoxes. This year, the spring equinox occurred on March 19, 20 & 21, offering a spectacular display for both sunrise and sunse.
Understanding the Chicagohenge
Chicagohenge happens twice a year, during the spring and autumn equinoxes, when the sun rises and sets directly along Chicago's meticulously planned east-west streets. This alignment creates a stunning visual effect as the sun is framed by the city's towering architecture. The term draws inspiration from England's Stonehenge, where the sun aligns with the stones during solstices.
Optimal Viewing Times and Locations
In 2025, the prime dates to witness Chicagohenge were March 19 to 21. Sunrise and sunset times during these days were approximately:
March 19:
Sunrise at 6:54 AM
Sunset at 7:01 PM
March 20:
Sunrise at 6:53 AM
Sunset at 7:03 PM
March 21:
Sunrise at 6:51 AM
Sunset at 7:04 PM
For optimal photographic opportunities during Chicagohenge, positioning yourself on any east-west street is effective. Popular spots include Kinzie Street, Madison Street, and Randolph Street, particularly between State Street and Michigan Avenue, as they offer clear views of the sun framed by the city's iconic skyscrapers. This year, we chose to capture the phenomenon from Madison Street, which provided a stunning backdrop for our photographs.
Photographic Experience
This year, I chose to capture the sunset on March 20 from Madison Street. Arriving about 40 minutes before sunset gave me enough time to set up my equipment and observe the changing light conditions. The area was already packed with photographers and spectators eager to capture the phenomenon. As the sun descended, it aligned perfectly with the street, casting long shadows and bathing the urban landscape in a warm, golden glow.
Equipment and Settings
To effectively capture the essence of Chicagohenge, I used a mirrorless Sony a6300 equipped with a 17-70mm lens for photos & a Sony RX100 for video, providing versatility in framing both wide-angle shots and closer compositions. Key settings included:
Aperture: Set at f/5 to ensure a deep depth of field, keeping both foreground and background elements sharp.
Shutter Speed: Varied between 1/60 to 1/400 seconds, adjusting for the changing light as the sun set.
ISO: Maintained at 100 to minimize noise and retain image quality.
Experimenting with Creative Techniques
Photographing Chicagohenge isn’t just about capturing a perfectly aligned sunset—it’s also an opportunity to experiment with different techniques to create unique images. This year, I explored slow shutter speed photography to capture the movement of traffic and pedestrians while keeping the glowing sun sharp in the frame. By using a tripod and adjusting my shutter speed to a few seconds, I was able to create light trails from passing cars, adding a dynamic energy to the stillness of the sun’s alignment. Playing with exposure settings and composition allowed me to create a variety of shots, from crisp cityscapes to more abstract, motion-filled images. Whether it's long exposure, bracketing for HDR, or even using reflections from puddles or glass buildings, trying different techniques can add a fresh perspective to this iconic event.
Tips for Future Chicagohenge Photography
Arrive Early: Popular viewing spots can become crowded. Early arrival ensures a prime position and ample time for setup.
Use a Tripod: Stability is crucial, especially in low-light conditions during sunrise or sunset.
Experiment with Angles: While straight-on shots are compelling, exploring different perspectives can yield unique compositions.
Be Mindful of Traffic: Many optimal spots are active streets. Prioritize safety and be aware of your surroundings.
Photographing Chicagohenge is a remarkable experience that combines the city's architectural beauty with celestial events. Each occurrence offers a unique opportunity to explore light, shadow, and composition in an urban setting. I look forward to sharing my images from this year's event and hope they inspire fellow photographers to capture this phenomenon in the future.
For those interested in witnessing Chicagohenge, mark your calendars for the next occurrence during the autumnal equinox in September 2025. It's an event that truly showcases the harmonious blend of nature and urban design in Chicago.