Hyatt Centric, The Loop, Downtown Chicago

Guest room updates and a rooftop challenge in the heart of Chicago — captured across two seasons and one bold aerial plan.

High rooftop view of Hyatt Centric’s Aire bar surrounded by Chicago skyscrapers.
Project
Client:
Aimbridge
Location:
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Time:
Autumn 2022 and Spring 2023
Shoot Type:
Two Partial Shoots
Challenge:

While the guest room and lobby work was smooth, the rooftop shoot brought its own set of challenges. To properly capture Aire in context—not just the view from it—I needed aerial perspectives. That meant planning and executing a drone flight off the rooftop in the center of the Loop, right beside the curved Chase Building. With FAA approvals secured, I launched from the rooftop, navigating unpredictable thermals and wind currents in the “Windy City.” The drone worked overtime holding position, and landing it on the roof required nerves and a bit of patience.

Solution:

Pre-planning was key. With approvals in place, I carefully selected flight windows around wind conditions and used just enough airtime to capture the rooftop in its environment without compromising safety. The result: layered, urban compositions that not only highlight the rooftop bar itself but also position it within the architectural story of downtown Chicago.

Final Deliverables:

54 Images plus food and beverage images over two visits.

Usage:

For Hyatt Official Web Site and Local and regional marketing for the hotel and restaurant

Nighttime rooftop lounge at Hyatt Centric surrounded by high-rise lighting. • Title:'
Street-level entrance of Hyatt Centric The Loop with vibrant neon-themed window graphics.
King guest room at Hyatt Centric The Loop with city-facing windows and clean design.
Double queen guest room with classic windows and sleek workspace at Hyatt Centric.
Nighttime rooftop lounge at Hyatt Centric surrounded by high-rise lighting. • Title:
Heritage lounge at Hyatt Centric with wood-paneled walls and leather seating.
Elevated rooftop view of Hyatt Centric with seating area and large mural.
Evening detail of Aire rooftop bar with red stools and interior bar lighting.
Hyatt Centric rooftop with branding and mural surrounded by downtown Chicago.
Daytime view of Aire rooftop bar with modern seating and Chicago skyline.
Sunset rooftop lounge at Hyatt Centric The Loop with fire pit and city skyline.

Chicago has always felt a bit like home—from the architecture to the rhythm of the city. Shooting at the Hyatt Centric in the Loop was especially rewarding. Not just because of the rooftop access or the view, but because of how it all came together—the support from Christopher and Daniel at Aimbridge, the historic building with its modern edge, and the simple joy of photographing in one of the best cities in the U.S. I even managed a layover lunch with the team after the project—proof that the best shoots are always about great people as much as great images.

Need to showcase a rooftop — from above?

Urban rooftops need more than pretty lighting. They need planning, timing, and FAA approvals to show what really makes them shine. From drone logistics to ground-level detail, I’ll help you capture your rooftop in its full context — safely, legally, and beautifully.