Exploring Spokane Through a Lens: Must-Visit Photo Locations

Exploring Spokane Through a Lens: Must-Visit Photo Locations. Spokane’s diverse landscapes offer a treasure trove of photographic opportunities. From urban architecture to natural wonders, this city is a visual feast waiting to be captured.

At Kelly Tareski Photography, we’re excited to share our favorite spots for stunning shots in Spokane. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your photography education journey, these locations will inspire your creativity and elevate your skills.

Riverside State Park: Nature’s Playground for Photographers

The Majestic Spokane River

Riverside State Park, a 9,194-acre expanse along the Spokane and Little Spokane Rivers, offers photographers an unparalleled canvas. The park’s centerpiece, the Spokane River, presents countless opportunities for stunning shots. To capture its beauty, photographers should visit during the golden hour (the first hour after sunrise or the last hour before sunset). This magical light transforms the landscape, creating ideal conditions for breathtaking images.

For striking river shots, photographers can experiment with long exposures. A neutral density filter and a sturdy tripod allow for silky smooth water effects, contrasting beautifully with the rugged surroundings. The park’s numerous trails and overlooks provide unique perspectives, encouraging photographers to explore and find their perfect angle.

Diverse Ecosystems for Every Style

Riverside State Park boasts a variety of ecosystems, catering to all photography styles. From dense pine forests to open meadows and dramatic basalt cliffs, the park offers a rich tapestry of subjects. The Bowl and Pitcher area features massive basalt rock formations that create a striking contrast with the flowing river. Early morning fog often settles in this area, adding an ethereal quality to images (perfect for those seeking a mystical atmosphere).

Wildlife Photography Haven

Wildlife enthusiasts will find Riverside State Park a paradise. The park houses a diverse array of animals, including deer, elk, and even moose in quieter areas. Bird photographers can capture ospreys, eagles, and herons along the river. For successful wildlife shots, photographers should bring a long lens (200mm or longer) and set up in a quiet spot. Early mornings and late afternoons typically offer the best wildlife activity.

Seasonal Splendor

Each season paints Riverside State Park in a unique light. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers and rushing waters from melting snow. Summer showcases lush green forests and provides perfect conditions for action shots of hikers and mountain bikers on the park’s trails. Fall transforms the park with a stunning palette of changing colors, creating a beautiful contrast against evergreens and basalt cliffs. Winter turns the landscape into a serene wonderland, with snow-covered scenes and frozen waterfalls offering distinctive photographic opportunities.

Portrait Paradise

The park’s diverse scenery makes it an excellent location for portrait photography. Its natural backdrops provide stunning settings for family photos, engagement shoots, or even professional headshots with a touch of nature. (Photographers looking to expand their portfolio will find endless inspiration here.)

As we move from the natural wonders of Riverside State Park, let’s turn our lenses to the urban landscape of downtown Spokane, where architectural marvels and city lights await to challenge and inspire photographers in a completely different way.

Capturing Spokane’s Urban Charm

The Iconic Spokane Falls

Downtown Spokane blends natural beauty with architectural marvels, creating a photographer’s paradise. The Spokane Falls stand as the centerpiece of this urban landscape. It’s easy to find great viewing points for the waterfalls, and they make for a great stroll in Riverfront Park and around the city. Photographers should visit during spring when the water flow reaches its peak. The Huntington Park viewpoint offers a unique perspective at sunset, as golden light bathes the cascading water.

Architectural Gems and Their Stories

Spokane’s downtown boasts historic buildings, each telling its own tale. The Davenport Hotel, constructed in 1914, showcases stunning architecture. Early morning light accentuates its intricate details best. The Fox Theater, a restored Art Deco masterpiece, shines at night. A wide-angle lens captures its ornate facade and neon signage beautifully.

Urban Street Photography Mastery

Street photography in Spokane demands a sharp eye and quick reflexes. The bustling Riverfront Park area teems with opportunities for candid shots. A prime lens with a wide aperture (f/1.8 or f/2.8) isolates subjects from busy backgrounds effectively. For a fresh perspective, photographers can shoot from hip level or use reflections in store windows to frame subjects.

Night Photography Techniques

As darkness falls, Spokane transforms into a canvas of lights. The illuminated Monroe Street Bridge provides a stunning backdrop for long-exposure shots. Photographers should use a tripod and set their cameras to a low ISO (100-400) with an aperture around f/8 to f/11 for sharp, noise-free images. Experimenting with shutter speeds between 10-30 seconds captures mesmerizing light trails from passing cars.

Elevating Your Urban Photography Skills

To enhance urban photography skills, workshops focused on cityscapes prove invaluable. These sessions cover advanced techniques for capturing Spokane’s vibrant nightlife and architectural wonders. (Kelly Tareski Photography stands out as a top choice for those seeking expert guidance in this area.)

The key to successful urban photography in Spokane lies in patience and exploration. Every corner of downtown holds potential for a stunning image, from grand architectural scales to intimate street life moments. As we shift our focus from the urban core, Manito Park awaits with its natural oasis, offering a stark contrast to the city’s bustling heart.

Manito Park’s Hidden Gems for Photographers

Seasonal Splendor in the Gardens

Manito Park, a 90-acre public park with arboretum, botanical gardens, and conservatory in Spokane, offers photographers a diverse array of subjects year-round. This verdant sanctuary boasts five distinct gardens, each presenting unique photographic opportunities.

The park’s formal gardens transform dramatically with each season. In spring, the Lilac Garden bursts with fragrant blooms, offering a sea of purple hues perfect for close-up floral shots. Summer brings vibrant colors to the Rose Hill Garden, where over 1,500 rose bushes create a stunning backdrop for portraits. Fall paints the Japanese Garden in warm tones, ideal for landscape compositions that showcase the interplay of light and foliage. Winter blankets the park in snow, turning it into a serene wonderland for minimalist photography.

To capture these seasonal changes effectively, visit the park during the golden hour – just after sunrise or before sunset. The soft, warm light during these times enhances colors and creates a magical atmosphere. For the best results, use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and boost color saturation, especially when photographing water features or foliage.

Mirror Pond: A Reflection Paradise

Mirror Pond, located in the park, offers photographers a chance to play with reflections and symmetry. Early mornings often provide still waters, perfect for capturing mirror-like reflections of surrounding trees and structures. Try different angles – get low to the ground for a unique perspective that emphasizes the reflection.

For more dynamic shots, visit the pond during autumn when fallen leaves create interesting patterns on the water’s surface. A longer exposure (1/15 to 1/4 second) can add a dreamy quality to your images, smoothing out any ripples in the water.

Macro Magic in the Gaiser Conservatory

The Gaiser Conservatory, a tropical oasis within the park, is a macro photographer’s dream. Here, you’ll find exotic plants and flowers year-round, offering endless possibilities for close-up shots. Bring a macro lens or extension tubes to capture intricate details of orchids, ferns, and other tropical species.

When shooting in the conservatory, be mindful of the challenging lighting conditions. The glass structure creates harsh shadows and bright spots. To combat this, use a diffuser to soften the light or visit on an overcast day when the light is naturally more even. Don’t forget to adjust your white balance to account for the greenish tint often present in conservatories.

Prime Locations for Portrait Photography

Manito Park’s diverse landscapes make it an ideal location for portrait sessions. The Duncan Garden, with its symmetrical flowerbeds and central fountain, provides a formal backdrop reminiscent of European gardens. For a more natural setting, the wooded areas near the Japanese Garden offer dappled light perfect for creating a soft, romantic atmosphere.

When planning a portrait session in the park, consider the time of day and potential crowds. Early mornings or weekdays tend to be less busy, allowing for uninterrupted shooting. Bring a reflector to fill in shadows, especially when shooting in areas with dense tree cover.

For those looking to elevate their portrait photography skills, local workshops can provide valuable insights into using natural light and park features effectively. (While several photography services offer such workshops, Kelly Tareski Photography stands out for its expertise in capturing the essence of Spokane’s natural beauty in portraits.)

Final Thoughts

Spokane’s diverse landscapes offer photographers of all skill levels a wealth of opportunities. From Riverside State Park’s rugged beauty to downtown’s urban charm and Manito Park’s serene oasis, our city provides an incredible array of subjects to capture. Each location presents unique challenges and rewards, allowing photographers to enhance their skills across various styles and techniques.

We encourage you to explore these locations and discover your own hidden gems throughout Spokane. Every corner of our city has a story to tell, and your unique perspective can bring these stories to life through photography. Your images will add to the rich tapestry of our city’s visual history.

For those looking to elevate their photography skills and create lasting memories of Spokane, Kelly Tareski Photography offers expert guidance and personalized services. Kelly’s approach to photography education ensures that clients receive stunning images and gain valuable insights into the art of photography. Her expertise can help you capture Spokane’s beauty in ways you never imagined (whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer). Exploring Spokane Through a Lens: Must-Visit Photo Locations.

Photo by Clay Elliot on Unsplash