I've been neglecting this old website, but just in case anyone was interested... here's the link to my new blog (and a sample of what you might find there:
These first 3 tips about scheduling your Newborn's Photo Session are also included in the Pricing Section:
1 - Newborns are best photographed within the first 2 weeks of life (maximum 14 days old), with 3-10 days being optimal. This is important for maximum sleepiness and curliness for poses. However, if you aren't concerned about the baby sleeping for the photos, we can photograph your newborn up to a maximum of 4 weeks old. After that time, your infant will be considered a "Baby" under Portrait guidelines and will be booked under Portrait photography pricing. 2 - The best time to schedule a newborn session is during your second trimester of pregnancy. We will put your due date into our calendar as a tentative session date. Once baby is born, please contact us (email or text) and we will work with you to set the official session date. I usually schedule only one due date per week. 3 - Last minute newborn inquiries are always welcome and I will do my best to schedule you--but there is no guarantee I will be able to fit you into my calendar if you try to book after your baby has already been born and is still under the age limit. Please send me an email or a text as soon as you know you want photos and I will let you know my availability. You may also find these additional tips helpful when preparing to schedule for your Newborn's Photo Session: All newborn sessions will take place in the comfort of your own home. You will receive tips on how to prepare a space in your home as part of your Newborn's Session Package in the form "Parent's Guide to Your Newborn's Photo Session." When you schedule your newborn's photo session with me in advance, I "pencil in" your due date into my calendar. As your due date approaches I will check in with you to see how your pregnancy is progressing and to give you a parent prep guide for you session. After your baby is born it is very important that you contact me so we can schedule the official time and date for your newborn's photo session. I don't schedule any photo sessions on Sunday due to religious reasons. But I will be happy to work with you any other day of the week. Boys only: If you are having your baby circumcised, please schedule your session for either before the procedure or at least 3-4 days after the procedure to allow for healing time. 4 Tips to a More Peaceful Newborn Photo Session ![]() I love newborns! They are so cute and sleepy (well, most of the time!). But the brand-new phase unfortunately doesn't last long. Having photos of these first few days of life is so valuable to both the parents, extended family and especially to the child when they get older. But it's not always easy to capture beautiful newborn images: they can be squirmy, hungry, gassy and have all sorts of little problems that can affect their debut photo session. Since I've started photographing newborns, I've come across a couple of articles that have been very helpful to making your baby's newborn photo shoot a more pleasant experience. And maybe these tips might even help you adjust as a new parent! This first one is from an absolutely fabulous newborn photographer from Austrailia, Kelly Brown. I've watched a few of her online workshops and she is great. "Helpful Tips for Soothing Baby to Sleep Before a Photo Session" by Kelly Brown The next one is from Florida photographer Rachel Durik. She has some great baby soothing tips in her article: "6 Important Soothing Techniques for Newborn Photography" Here's the condensed version:
For more information about newborn photography and helping to calm your baby during a photo shoot, check out my Pinterest board "Newborn Inspiration". As noted in our Pricing page, I ask my clients that prior to the photography or videography session they sign a consent form to release the photos or video taken during the session back to the photographer to use on the photographer's website. However I also give clients the option to decline the release of the photos or video taken during your session (and to please notify the photographer before the session).
This means that they can still get great photos from me but I will not be able to use them for any advertising purposes in my portfolio. In this day and age, I can understand when a client wishes to retain their privacy which is why I give my clients the option to decline the photography or videography release of their images. But how can you easily tell people that you liked your images if they can't see them? Well... That's where the reviews come in. If you decide that you really liked my work, but you'd rather I not publish your photos, you can write a review for me to post here on my website. That way you can maintain your privacy, but I can still have a little bit of material to work with to boost my own business. I will post reviews as I receive them here in the blog section of the website. Thank you in advance for working with me! -Jessica Esplin State College Area Photographer Please remember that even if you decline the release of your images the photos or video taken by the photographer during the session are protected by Federal Copyright laws and may not be altered, copied, transmitted or used in any way without prior written consent of the copyright owner, Larkspur Photo. These images may not be entered in any photography or other competition or contest without the expressed written consent of the photographer. Commercial use of the images is prohibited. We've lived in State College for a year and a half now and in that time I've found many wonderful outdoor locations for photo shoots. Some I found from exploring and others I found from asking fellow photographer friends. I hope this list will help those who are trying to decide on a good place to take portrait photos. See the map below each description for specific locations. ![]() Talleyrand Park - This is a major park located along Water St in Bellefonte, PA. It has lots of fun backgrounds to work with. On the south side there is a large field with the old brick Match Factory to the south side. As you go through the park, there are three picturesque pedestrian bridges. My favorite bridge is the one that is furthest south, although the one in the middle is a lot of fun for layering too. Anywhere along the creek that runs under those bridges is a nice back drop too. On the north end of the third bridge there is a gazebo that is nice for individual portraits. There are a variety of trees in the park which add a nice touch in the springtime and in the fall. Additionally there is a railroad that runs around the west side of the park. (See update below!!!)*** On the north side there is also a small railroad depot station and an old railroad car that children can play on. Considering the large range of scenery, this is a great place for a photo shoot for large or small groups. ***It has come to my attention that photographing (or any form of trespassing) on or near railroad tracks is ILLEGAL!!! I have removed all previously taken railroad photos from my portfolio and I no will no longer accommodate any requests to photograph on or near a railroad track in order to run a lawful business and to preserve the safety of all those participating in my sessions. Read this article about railroad photography and safety for more information. ![]() The Penn State Arboretum - This is another of my favorite places to do portrait shoots due to the variety of backgrounds to work with. Since it is an arboretum, there are many different types of plants, trees and flowers. Toward the southeast end of the property there is a fountain; it may look picturesque, but it actually has a tendency to wash out the background making it difficult to work with. However further to the south from that fountain there is a small foot bridge surrounded by tall grass. This a great spot at sunset when the sun plays off of the texture of the grass. Around to the southwest there is a small reflecting pond. This can be a great spot for individual portraits, but not as much for groups. As you go around the loop, there are many colored and textured walls that make nice backdrops. Just past the reflecting pond there is an area that is covered by a trellis. There are some benches there that make for nice medium sized group shots. Back to the north end there is a covered pavilion that offers many different angles for working with individuals or groups. On either side of the pavilion is a large lawn that works well too. The lawn to the north is more picturesque as it offers a large view of the valley beyond. Overall, the Arboretum is a great place for individual or medium sized group portraits. It has come to my attention that any commercial photographer must first register their business and receive permission from the event and marketing coordinator to do a session at the Arboretum. Check out the guidelines here. ![]() Spring Creek Park - This is a somewhat secluded park in the Houserville area of State College. As the name suggests, Spring Creek runs through the park. It is a nice area, a typical park with play equipment and open fields. My favorite part is an old rustic looking bridge that goes over the creek on the west side. It is also a great park to play with my children, especially in the summer time when it's hot. Tudek Park - This park was recommended to me by another photographer; it is located on the northwest side of State College. If you go to the wrong end of the park on the northeast side like I did my first time visiting, it looks like a dry field and not much to look at. But if you go to the side of the park on the northwest side off of Herman Dr that has the butterfly gardens, you will have a much better time with your photo shoot. Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg - I haven't actually been here yet, but a photographer friend of mine suggested it as a good place to take photos. I'll update this post after I've been there. Email me if I missed a place that you love for photo taking and I'll review it for a follow up post!
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AuthorHi, I'm Jessica, the photographer. Here on the blog I'll be posting any tips that I think would be helpful to clients or other photographers. Archives
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