When asking yourself about something to do near me in with a group of friends or family, consider
LATITUDE Chicago
Why LATITUDE Chicago is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
LATITUDE Chicago stands out as the Midwest's first and only 501(c)(3) nonprofit community digital lab, specializing in photography and digital arts. Located in the vibrant city of Chicago, this unique space offers affordable access to high-end digital printing and scanning equipment, empowering artists, photographers, students, and educators alike. Beyond just equipment rental, LATITUDE is renowned for its supportive environment that combines technical assistance with educational programming. Visitors and members can participate in a diverse range of social, academic, and artistic activities, including a fee-free monthly Artist-in-Residence program, which nurtures emerging talents by providing them with studio space and resources. The lab also offers full-service production projects for various clients, balancing commercial work with community-oriented accessibility. Situated at 2003 West Fulton Street, LATITUDE blends creative collaboration with technical expertise, making it an exceptional meeting place for friends and colleagues passionate about photography and digital arts. Its commitment to fostering artistic growth while providing excellent customer service defines its role as an inclusive cultural hub in Chicago.
Here's what people think of LATITUDE Chicago
As of recent, LATITUDE Chicago holds a 4.7-star rating based on 82 reviews.
User reviews of LATITUDE Chicago consistently highlight its high-quality digital lab services and the welcoming atmosphere cultivated by its knowledgeable staff. Positive feedback frequently mentions the excellent access to professional-grade printing and scanning technology that would typically be cost-prohibitive otherwise. Many users appreciate the educational support and creative problem-solving offered by the team, giving LATITUDE a reputation as both a community resource and a professional production facility. The Artist-in-Residence program is also celebrated for its inclusivity and role in supporting diverse artistic voices. On the other hand, some critical reviews point to occasional challenges, such as limited availability of certain equipment or scheduling constraints given the lab's community focus and nonprofit status. A few users have noted that the space can be busy during peak times, which might affect immediate access. Despite these minor concerns, the overall consensus remains highly favorable, emphasizing LATITUDE's unique blend of accessibility, expertise, and community-driven mission. This balance of quality services and strong arts engagement underpins LATITUDE Chicago's standing as a treasured resource within the local creative ecosystem.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Trey Mitchell
The best place in Chicago to get your film developed. I have used a few studios in Chicago to get my film developed and scanned. For one reason or another, I came away from the other places unsatisfied. This is not the case with Latitude. The staff is incredibly nice. Its an easy location to get to. Their turn around time is really good. And most importantly, the results are fantastic. I came back from a trip to Japan and dropped off 9 rolls with them. I had been planning this trip for years, and getting good results from my film photography was really important to me. I got the scans back from Latitude in just a few days (mind you I dropped off a lot of film), and they even refunded me for a roll that ended up being blank. The results of their development and scans left me emotional. You spend so much time shooting, reading light, and composing film, and you want those results to be nice. Latitude did an excellent job providing me with images that will last a lifetime. They even talked me down from getting unnecessary upscales to my images that saved me a lot of money. You can trust your film to be developed and scanned here. I did, and the results are truly incredible.
Jim Hill
I have been using Latitude to do all my fine art printing for 5+ years. Work is always of the highest quality and on time. I get many compliments on the quality of their printing from clients and galleries. I have no hesitation in giving them 5 stars.
Renee Royale
Working with LATITUDE was a dream come true. Keanna and the team took great care to make sure my prints turned out exactly how I wanted. They are also very meticulous with their printers which a great experience after having had prints from other places where the color tones were off. As an artist, I felt heard and respected and will definitely continue to work with them for all of my printing needs. As someone who is very picky with my files, I was thrilled that LATITUDE matched and exceeded my expectations. Plus, excellent customer service. Highly recommend!
Mary Martin
My family held an Art Show for my father , who died 20 years ago. Latitude did the prints we had made from the original pictures, charcoals, oil, and acrylics. Keanna and her team were unbelievably helpful and did their work to perfection! I would recommend this organization for any of your Artistic needs. We auctioned off the prints for a camp for people with disabilities and it was a resounding success. Thank you!
Liliet Reyes Oliva
If you’re a photographer looking to buy film or get your film developed/scanned, I highly recommend not wasting your time at Latitude. Their film fridge is almost empty—no Portra 400 or 800, for example. Developing alone (no scans included) takes 5-7 days, and they falsely advertise that they’ll develop and scan your film if you purchase it from them.
How to reach LATITUDE Chicago
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Website: None
Why LATITUDE Chicago may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at LATITUDE Chicago with your friends? Because this nonprofit community digital lab offers a unique blend of creative engagement and social connection that transforms any gathering into an inspiring experience. Whether your group shares a passion for photography, art, or simply wants to explore new creative technologies together, LATITUDE Chicago provides a welcoming environment that nurtures collaboration and learning. The spacious, well-equipped digital lab invites you and your friends not only to bond but to experiment with cutting-edge printing, scanning, and film processing tools in a way that’s both hands-on and accessible. Beyond just a venue, LATITUDE fosters a vibrant creative community where every meetup can become a memorable occasion to share ideas, celebrate artistic endeavors, or simply enjoy a lively atmosphere surrounded by intriguing works of art. With a superb rating of 4.7 based on over 80 reviews, it’s clear that guests appreciate the mix of expertise, support, and creative freedom available here. Rallying at LATITUDE Chicago means immersing your group in an environment where art, technology, and community intersect in exciting ways that keep everyone engaged and connected.
What activities can you enjoy at LATITUDE Chicago, and why is it ideal for group meetups?
LATITUDE Chicago offers a variety of engaging activities tailored to different group sizes and interests, making it an exceptional spot for your next gathering. Central to its appeal is the access to state-of-the-art digital and analog photography equipment, including high-end scanners and printers, as well as facilities to process 35mm and 120 color negative films. For groups with an artistic bent, the lab provides workshops and tours designed to introduce visitors to image-making techniques, printing processes, and the broader artistic community in Chicago. These educational experiences are customized to suit groups’ goals and can foster a sense of shared discovery, perfect for family reunions, school outings, or creative meetups.
Moreover, LATITUDE Chicago’s artist-in-residence program and rotating exhibits demonstrate dynamic collaborations that attendees can witness and engage with, adding an enriching layer to any visit. The space’s nonprofit mission encourages inclusivity and learning, making creative exploration accessible rather than intimidating for novices. Combined with social events like annual fundraisers featuring art, music, and refreshments, the environment at LATITUDE is as much about community celebration as artistic practice. This multi-dimensional approach—hands-on creative work, educational programming, and vibrant community events—makes LATITUDE Chicago a versatile and stimulating venue that enhances the group experience.
How does LATITUDE Chicago accommodate groups and support collaborative experiences?
LATITUDE Chicago is intentionally designed to accommodate both small and large groups, providing an ideal setting for meetups that seek a meaningful, interactive experience beyond traditional social venues. Its location in the West Town neighborhood offers convenient access, while the interior space includes a digital lab outfitted with ample equipment and workstations for group use. This supports collaborative projects where friends or family members can learn side-by-side, share technical skills, or experiment with photography and printing techniques together.
For groups interested in structured programming, LATITUDE offers customizable tours and workshops that can be tailored based on the group’s educational needs and interests. This adaptability ensures that whether you’re organizing a casual art outing or a more focused educational visit, there is an option to suit your goals. Individual tutoring sessions are also available for those who want personalized guidance, while group workshops allow for shared learning experiences. LATITUDE’s openness to hosting diverse groups—including art enthusiasts, students, educators, and photographers—creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages exchange and dialogue.
Furthermore, the organization regularly hosts events that blend socializing with artistic exploration. For example, their annual fundraiser combines music, refreshments, and dancing alongside art displays, making it a fun and engaging group event. This balance between education, hands-on work, and community celebration spells out why LATITUDE Chicago is perfectly suited for groups looking to connect creatively while enjoying each other’s company in a lively, inspiring environment.