Where Do I Take Homecoming & Prom Pictures in Spokane?

Dressing up fancy, getting pictures taken, and heading out with friends for a big high school dance is sooo much fun! Sure, there’s a lot of responsibility that goes into it. You have to find a date, pick out the perfect suit or dress, plan the evening, figure out transportation, remember your tickets, and somehow managing to be the best date possible all at once. It’s a lot of things to accomplish. But who cares about all the steps! Homecoming is a high school experience that cannot be missed. 

Most schools hire a photographer for the dance itself, and those photos turn out great. But the “one pose, snap, and move on” style doesn’t always capture the real energy of the night. In my experience, the photos that get shared and loved the most are the ones taken beforehand — with your date, your friends, your whole group — even if the lighting isn’t perfect, you’re standing in a parking lot, or half the group is staring at the wrong shattered screen phone camera. Those photos matter because they capture the real excitement that’s been building for weeks, or even months.

So, parents and students, let’s make those “before the dance” photos even better by starting with a great location. And if you would like a professional photographer to handle the poses, lighting and photo editing, send me a message! I would love to discuss your dance photos. Below are some of my favorite spots around Spokane for homecoming and prom pictures. 

Places for Homecoming & Prom Pictures in Spokane

1. Manito Park Manito is a classic for a reason. When the flowers are in bloom, it’s absolutely spectacular and offers plenty of pretty, protected corners to shoot in.
2. Huntington Park (Downtown Spokane) Urban landscaped courtyards that lead to sweeping views and even a chance to walk down for some dramatic scenes with the Maple street bridge in the background.
3. Finch Arboretum is easy to get to and one of the best spots in town for rich, colorful fall foliage.
4. The Lilac Bowl at Riverfront Park features a heavy wooden bridge with downtown Spokane or the clocktower as your backdrop, and it’s close to some perfect dinner spots.
5. A Home Base – Discuss with your friends and parents to determine whose home will be the gathering spot with the nicest yard, porch or park within walking distance and go there!
6. Centennial Trail at the Spokane Convention Center offers an easy-access riverside path with beautiful sunsets, and the convention center’s glass adds gorgeous bounced light to your photos. If your school dance is nearby – consider this location.
7. The trails outside Gonzaga’s Jundt Art Museum and Lake Arthur are a hidden gem. You’ll find lovely scenery and water views that fit the formal dance bill perfectly. Parking at WSU Spokane or Gonzaga Law gives you access to a lovely pedestrian bridge over the Spokane river.
8. Centennial Trail across from CenterPlace Regional Event Center offers stunning river views. Since many dances are held right there, it’s an easy spot to snap photos before heading inside – just be ready to join the crowd.

A few local spots when outside of Spokane:

1. Fish Lake Park in Cheney is a gorgeous location. The park has a beautiful mix of wooden walkways, sandy shores, and water for a variety of backdrops.
2. Eastern Washington University has lovely tree lined promenades and beautiful blooming trees in late spring.
3. The cliffs at Medical Lake’s Waterfront Park offer some of the most spectacular sunsets around. This spot has easy access and a stunning grass textured backdrop that photographs beautifully.
4. Saltese Flats, just outside of Liberty Lake, has easy access, and rolling hills of tall grasses that photograph beautifully. As the sun gets lower, Mica Peak becomes a lovely backdrop as well.
5. Whitworth University — Tree-lined walkways and historic brick buildings make for a classic, elegant backdrop, just a few minutes from Mead or Mt Spokane high schools.

Wherever you decide to go, the most important thing is capturing that real excitement of the night — the laughter, the nerves, the anticipation. A great location just gives that energy the perfect backdrop to shine. Happy dancing!

Interested in chatting about private dance photos for you and your partner or your entire group of friends? Say hi!

Learn why you should hire a photographer instead of just using the school’s dance photographer and check out rates here: Make Your Night Unforgettable with a Spokane Homecoming & Prom Photographer!