September 17th – 20th, 2025
Filter Photo Festival is a multi-day celebration of photography that takes place every September in Chicago. The 2025 Festival will be held September 17th - 20th at the Columbia College Chicago Student Center, centrally located downtown in proximity to museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions.
Programming includes portfolio reviews, workshops, lectures, and artist talks. Additionally, exhibitions will be hosted at Filter Space gallery in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood.
Portfolio reviews are a central element of the Festival. During a portfolio review, an artist is able to share work directly with local, national, and international photography professionals, including gallery directors, curators, editors, and publishers. Emerging and established photographers are welcome to sign up for these twenty-minute, one-on-one sessions.
An important part of the Chicago arts community since 2009, Filter Photo Festival has hosted an impressive roster of established artists and photographers as Festival Keynote Speaker including Catherine Opie, Liz Deschenes, Penelope Umbrico, Carrie Mae Weems, Mona Kuhn, John Chiara, and Rodrigo Valenzuela, among others.
Registration opens May 21st for Filter Photo Members, and May 28th for the general public.
The 2025 Filter Photo Festival will be headquartered at the Columbia College Chicago Student Center, with a room block reserved for attendees just steps away at the famous Hilton Chicago.
The Hilton Chicago is located near the Student Center on Michigan Avenue and overlooking Grant Park, Lake Michigan, and Museum Campus.
We have secured an exclusive rate for Festival attendees of $229/night. Reservations are due by August 18th.
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM
Location: Hilton Chicago | 720 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Filter Photo is dedicated to the health and safety of our community. Masking at Festival events will be optional.
Filter Photo is dedicated to an open, inclusive, accessible, and supportive environment for all of its patrons, staff, and volunteers. More details about accessibility can be found on our Accessibility page.
Visitors needing accommodations are invited to contact us before the Festival so we can arrange accommodations to support your experience.
Filter Photo’s Non-Discrimination Policy describes our expectations as we work together to maintain a respectful environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. View our Non-Discrimination and Whistle Blower policies.
FRAGMENT & FLOW: ON PHOTOGRAPHY & NARRATIVE
with Kristine Potter
September 17th, 2025, 9 AM – 5 PM
Date: September 17th, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT
Early Bird Pricing: $275
Location: Columbia College Chicago Student Center 754 S Wabash Ave
Registration opens May 21st for Filter Photo Members, and May 28th for the general public.
MORE INFO
SHAPING & EDITING WITH INTENTION
with Clint and Alex Woodside of Deadbeat Club
September 18th, 2025, 9 AM – 5 PM
Date: September 18th, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT
Early Bird Pricing: $275
Location: Columbia College Chicago Student Center 754 S Wabash Ave
Registration opens May 21st for Filter Photo Members, and May 28th for the general public.
MORE INFO
THE PORTRAIT REVISITED
with Andrea Modica
September 19th, 2025, 9 AM – 5 PM
Date: September 19th, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT
Early Bird Pricing: $275
Location: Columbia College Chicago Student Center 754 S Wabash Ave
Registration opens May 21st for Filter Photo Members, and May 28th for the general public.
MORE INFO
