The Best Spots for a Family Photoshoot in Spokane

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Below is a guest post from my good friend Molly, one of the very first new people I ever met in Spokane! Molly Lindquist is an incredibly talented photographer (follow her on Instagram here!), coffee connoisseur, and explorer of Spokane. If you’ve been wondering where some hidden gems are for family photoshoots in Spokane, you won’t want to miss this post from Molly below!

When it comes to scenic spots for photos, Spokane certainly doesn’t lack in choices. Whether you’re looking for a downtown backdrop, wide open fields or forested landscape, there’s something for everyone here.

So how do you go about selecting the perfect spot for a family photoshoot when there are so many options? As a Spokane based portrait photographer, I’ve found that there are a few places here that just never miss. So read on for my top 5 places that I recommend for a photoshoot.

The Best Places for a Family Photoshoot in Spokane

5. The Duncan Garden Gazebo in Manito Park

Built in 2004, it has become an icon of Manito Park and lends a gorgeous backdrop for family photos. It sits on the South side of Duncan Garden and during the summer the garden is full of colorful flowers. It really works any time of year though, thanks to the large evergreen trees on the south side of it.

4. The Swinging Bridge in Riverfront Park

This spot for a family photoshoot takes you right out over the upper Spokane Falls and provides a spectacular backdrop for a photo. You have the Riverfront Pavilion, the Howard St Bridge and portions of the upper falls in the background. 

3. The lower viewing platform in Huntington Park

Dramatic waterfalls? Check. Incredible bridge? Check. River views? Check. This spot is a gem to take family photos at.

It’s an easy walk down but quite steep heading back up. Fortunately it’s quite a short walk and completely worthwhile.

This area does close down for winter but remains open most of the year. If a steep walk back doesn’t thrill you, or you can’t access the lower viewing platform, head over to the upper viewing platform instead.

2. Edwidge Woldson Park from the Cliff Drive turn off

Arguably the best views of downtown are to be had here, and it’s ridiculously accessible. Just pull off Cliff Drive, take a few steps and start taking some photos.

There are some Basalt outcroppings that work as seats or just add some variation to your photos but the view of downtown is the hero of this scene.

1. Bowl & Pitcher Swinging Bridge at Riverside State Park

Now as a professional, I need to have a permit to take portraits here, but if it’s an unpaid family shoot then you’re good to go as long as you’ve paid for parking. The Swinging Bridge is a short walk from the parking lot and has fantastic views of the giant basalt boulders that Bowl & Pitcher is known for. The bridge itself is interesting as a backdrop as well. I find it particularly beautiful after some fresh snow has dusted the boulders but any time of year here is stunning.

I feel like I just scratched the surface of the options that we have here in Spokane. Depending on the time of year, the backdrops change drastically as well. So I hope this has inspired you to get out there and start snapping some photos. I offer both in-studio and on-location professional photography and if you’d like to learn more about what I offer, you can do so here.