Barry Butler, Photographer

Barry Butler is a Chicago-based/Ireland-born, internationally published landscape and cityscape photographer.   Getting his start over 25 years ago, Barry, a self-taught photographer, has captured images from locales around the world, but he is legendary for his Chicago imagery.  Reporter Mike Lowe of WGN-TV nicknamed him “Chicago’s Picture Poet”.  Barry’s work has appeared in a variety of media spanning television, books, advertising and music album covers.  In 2022, Barry help create the cover, the back cover and the gatefold for Umphrey’s McGee album, “Asking for A Friend”.  Not only will his photos appear in local and national media outlets daily, but also Barry has been featured for behind the scenes experiences of his work or to share his photographic expertise on such outlets as the Weather Channel, CNN-Espanol, WGN-TV, 101.9 the MIX, WBBM-AM Newsradio, Fox 32 Chicago, WGN-Radio 720, National Public Radio WBEZ, WLS-AM, CBS-2 Chicago, ABC-7’s Windy City Live, WCIU-TV, iHeartRadio Chicago to name a few.  The Chicago Reader newspaper reader survey for 2021 named Barry as “Chicago’s Best Photographer”. The Huffington Post and Thrillist both have recognized his work for top Chicago photography.   Go to the “In the News” section of BarryButlerPhotography.com to view videos and articles.

In July 2020, Barry released his first photography portfolio book, “Chicago, A City Above All” containing over 100 images of the Windy City. The massively purchased debut has four sections - Light, Drama, Spirit and Flow. Imagery includes incredible sunrises and sunsets, views along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, how the city celebrates holidays and sports, and dramatic weather across the Chicago landscape. In August 2022, Navy Pier commissioned Barry for a 20-month photographic exhibit highlighting the Chicago area water system called, “Flow - Water Brings Life To Chicago”. In September 2023, Barry released his second book, “Chicago - Morning, Noon & Night” not only highlighting his imagery for Chicago at all hours of the day, but also his charitable work involving the restoration of Chicago Harbor Lighthouse.

You can also find Barry on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram where he posts photos taken that day.  You can try catch him on the ground, on top of rooftops or flying high in helicopters capturing moments in the Windy City.   You’ll often find him scouting sights or behind the camera in Chicago with his assistants Chopper and Tuskar by his side. 

Where to find Barry's art

This website has its own store. Click here to see what's available.

To exclusively purchase photos not shown on this website, please contact Barry at Barry@BarryButlerPhotography.com 

Purchase photos at John Plunkett Interiors in Wilmette, IL.   John Plunkett Interiors carries framed photos that are available exclusively at this location.  Click here to see their store

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