My Favorite Spokane Activities and Photoshoot Locations
Spokane Family Photographer
It’s time to talk all about Spokane! This beautiful lilac city has such a special place in my heart and I cannot wait to share with you my favorite photoshoot locations and post-shoot activities. It’s been over a year and a half since my husband and I moved to Spokane, Washington so I feel like I can now *safely* recommend these favorites of mine. Whether you're local to Spokane or traveling through on a vacation, these locations will be sure to satisfy and provide a gorgeous backdrop for your photos! Obviously, there are so many more gorgeous locations in this area to photograph, so if you have another idea or suggestion for your shoot, I’m all ears! These just happen to be family-friendly and gorgeous year-round.
My Go-To Spokane Photography Locations
This park is absolutely gorgeous! This spot is a safe bet to take your photos at any time of your and when the flower displays are in bloom during the summer.. WOW. The colors are absolutely stunning. This is a great place to take family photos and couples’ photos. You really cannot go wrong with this gorgeous park. It also has great walking trails and is a perfect place for a picnic post photo shoot.
Out in Spokane Valley, right off of the Centennial Trail, is a great view of the Spokane river and the mountains in the background. Mountains, river, trees, this spot encapsulates all the best of living in the Pacific Northwest.
Downtown Spokane/Gonzaga Area
If urban scenes are more your vibe, downtown Spokane has beautiful buildings and architecture that make great backdrops for photos! In addition, you can easily make your way over to the city’s most beloved college campus, Gonzaga. This beautiful university hosts the basketball elite and is a gorgeous campus for photographs. The buildings throughout the campus are stunning and the Spokane River flows right next to the campus making it a stunning location. I love returning here for grad sessions multiple times in the spring and I have also photographed headshots at this location!
Looking to escape the city? The community of Green Bluff is perfect for you! Local farmers open their farms throughout different times of the year to photographers and the results are incredible! Christmas tree farms in December, Cherry blossom trees in May, lavender blooms in July and so much more! Green Bluff is an absolute gem. It’s also a great place to take children to have some fun. You can pretty much get all of your weekly produce up there when the fruits and vegetables are in season, which is such an added bonus!
Mount Spokane and Riverside State Park
Spokane is lucky enough to be home to two beautiful state parks. If outdoorsy photos are more your family, you cannot go wrong with the parks!
What are you doing after your session?
One of my favorite things that my clients do after a photoshoot with me is plan another family activity post-shoot to make the day even more special! I just love that idea and think it is a great way for families to associate happy memories with photoshoots. Spokane has amazing activities and restaurants to check out post-shoot. Here are some of my favorites!
My Go-To Restaurants In Spokane
The Flying Goat: In my opinion, the most delicious pizza in Spokane. Great atmosphere, but make sure you get there early to secure a table! My favorite pizza is the Fairview while my husband prefers the Wellington.
Chaps: You need their brunch. It is so good. The restaurant is so cute and cozy. They also have an incredible patio during the warmer months! Don’t skip their delicious baked goods or the Chaps Scramble.
Crepe Sisters: Savory and sweet options (I always get one of each). The pickett and the maple leaf have single-handedly helped me recover from my big workouts during Ironman training.
Umi Kitchen & Sushi Bar: Delicious sushi, neat underground bar! The absolute perfect spot for a date night after your couples session.
Downriver Grill: A great place to grab brunch or dinner. The food is exceptional and the staff Is so welcoming!
Bruncheonette Spokane: Are you sensing a trend that I love brunch? This place is delicious! The food is amazing and they have a huge menu of craft cocktails to choose from.
Other Activities for after your family photos:
Take a hike at a state park: Bowl and Pitcher in Riverside is a Spokane classic. I take everyone who comes to visit me to this trail because it is an easy hike that most people are comfortable with and the views are incredible. If you are here in the winter, don’t forget about the skiing on top of Mount Spokane. There, have great run options for all skill levels and the lodges are a great place to warm up and enjoy a delicious hot chocolate.
Grab an ice cream cone at Scoop and go for a nice walk down the Centennial Trail
Head up to Green Bluff and get ready to pick the most delicious, in season cherries, peaches, apples, pumpkins, flowers and so much more!
Grab a Lime scooter and zoom around downtown
Try your hand at ice skating on the Numerica Ice Ribbon
Walk around Riverfront Park in Downtown Spokane: kids will love the giant red wagon slide and the trash eating goat! There is also a huge playground not far from here that would be a real treat for any child!
Bonus: If you have Instagram, make sure to give SpokaneEats a follow! She posts about the best restaurant, activities and happenings around the Spokane area. She always has great recommendations.
And there you have it- some of my favorite photoshoot locations and post-shoot activities! I hope more than anything that you and your family can make incredible memories after taking photos together.
Cheers!
-Meredith “The Camera Kidd”
