Popular Photography Locations in
Spokane and Coeur d’Alene
Here are just a few of the best photo session locations in the Spokane & Coeur d’Alene area.
(Click any image for an enhanced view. Click the Location name for a Google Map link.)
Spokane Area Locations
Manito Park is a photographers dream location, a lovely park located on the South Hill of Spokane. The park features several gorgeous gardens - the Duncan Garden with its intricate layout, Rose Hill bursting with a riot of blooming roses in summer, the Japanese Garden with its reflection pond, and the Lilac Garden which is a must see in May when the lilac bushes bloom. Each garden offers a unique aesthetics, producing wildly varied looks all within a short walk of each other. The Japanese Garden is a particular favorite and is widely regarded as one of the most popular spots in the Inland Northwest.
Cons: As it’s surrounded by a pine forest, it can be quite shaded and dark by early evening so session timing is a bit critical. Best for: Engagement photos, senior portraits, wedding portraits, and family sessions.
A small but surprisingly lovely location on the Spokane River, it features a sandy beach, giant rocks and gorgeous views upriver. It seems to be a lesser known location which is odd, as the lighting is great and the opportunities for cool shots are many. Great for families, senior portraits, engagements and surprise proposals. Click any image to see a larger version.
Not my photo. Unknown photographer.
Arbor Crest Wine Cellars is a historical landmark, winery and event center perched 450 feet above the Spokane River Valley. The unbeatable views historical architectural and picturesque gardens make for a wonderful location for romantic photos. This location is excellent for surprise proposals, engagements, weddings and couples photography.
Cons: Must be over 21 yo old, not available Fri-Sun from May thru Oct, reservations are required and there is a fee. See details here.
Engagement photography, Huntington Park, Spokane
A small hidden gem of a park in downtown Spokane, staggering down alongside the Spokane River falls as it drops over the spillway and rocks. It’s a surprisingly lovely location with trees, benches, park and views up and down river. Best of couples sessions and senior portraits, may not be well suited for families with young children.
It can be hard to find at first - many locals don’t even know the name of the park. Parking is limited and not free, located directly across from the Mobius Discovery Center. The steps down to the park are just to the left of Mobius Center.
The Peoples Park is quite the surprise, filled with forests, meadows, hills and a river, located right in the heart of Spokane. Acres of vistas, nooks, logs, rocks and river offer a host of variety of portrait ideas. And with wide open skies the light is absolutely luscious. A wonderful location for surprise proposals, couples and family portraits.
James T Slavin Conservation Area
This location is an unassuming little gem low of rolling pastures surrounded by high, forested buttes. The 625 acre property contains ponds, upland pine and fir forests, wetlands, and grassy meadows…most of which we never see. A short walk of a block or two takes us thru knee-high grass meadows to the forest edge. Here, the combination of nature and golden light is a guarantee of lovely portraits for senior, family and maternity portraits!
Senior portrait in John A. Finch Arboretum
The John A. Finch Arboretum, in southwest Spokane, is 65 acres of tranquil park, trees, creek and woodland. It’s a lovely botanical collection of trees and woody plants, with the Garden Springs Creek wandering thru it, containing a wide variety of native and cultivated plants, fluctuating from native pine forests to shady rhododendron groves.
It’s a particularly lovely place in the fall as you can see from the senior portrait (and family) session here. Parking is plentiful and free and there is a public restroom.
Coeur d’Alene Area
Family photo session in Corbin Park
Family photography at Falls Park near Coeur d’Alene.
