![Talleyrand Park](/uploads/2/5/4/9/25499825/7744015.jpg?201)
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.
![Penn State Arboretum](/uploads/2/5/4/9/25499825/9508124.jpg?214)
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.
![Picture](/uploads/2/5/4/9/25499825/3956925.jpg?144)
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.
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.