This popular Asian photoshoot experience just landed in Chicago—and it’s as fun as it looks

Our team at Time Out recently named West Town the coolest neighborhood in Chicago, noting that it’s a magnet for the city’s coolest new openings. We’re reminded that’s the case once again thanks to the recent opening of one of Chicago’s coolest new experiences: Tokofoto, a self-service photo studio in the Ukrainian Village.

After trying something similar themselves during a trip overseas, Tokofoto co-founders, Jennifer Liu and Elizabeth Xu, decided it was time for Chicago to have its own version of the ultra-popular Asian experience. 

The new photo studio at 860 N. California Avenue makes taking professional photos easy—and a lot of fun. You don’t need to worry about finding a photographer or having equipment. Simply show up and start snapping.

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On a recent visit, I booked a 50-minute session (you can also reserve 20 minutes) and arrived with two easy outfit changes in tow. Behind the lobby, smartly appointed with mid-century modern furniture, inspiration from previous shoots and decor referencing Asian pop culture, is the photo studio. 

Inside the small room, the setup is ready to go, with a professional camera, light, clicker, background color of your choice (pink, blue or white) and a desktop and large monitor for reviewing shots. Tokofoto also provides props like flowers, glasses, blazers and seasonal items like fake pumpkins, plus chairs and stools of varying colors and sizes. 

There’s no photographer in the room (you use a clicker to take photos), so there’s no need to be shy in front of the camera. One of the best aspects of this experience is that you can see a preview of the shot on a large monitor, which allows you to adjust your hair, angle and pose before snapping. Plus, you can choose the soundtrack for your shoot.

The 50 minutes were over before I knew it. As someone who usually doesn’t like being in front of the camera, I actually had fun taking photos of myself—something I’ve never said before. Because there’s no photographer in the room, I was able to let my guard down, experiment with poses and props, and even leave with a new favorite photo of myself. 

This experience certainly does not replace the need or luxury of having a photographer shoot your photos. It is, though, more cost-effective: Liu says the entire experience with a photographer can cost an average of $300, whereas Tokofoto’s rates are $80 for 20 minutes and $150 for 50 minutes. 

For those prices, up to two people can join the shoot, and you’ll take home two prints of your choice. You can also add on additional people, pets, digital photos and more prints. 

I’m already thinking about gifting the experience to people in my life for the holidays. It's also a great activity for a friend group, a couple, a dog or for yourself just because. 

Thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and accessibility, this cool experience is a welcome addition to Chicago’s coolest neighborhood.