The Butterfield Family - Ted Ensley Gardens at Lake Shawnee - Topeka's Best Family Portrait Photographers

 


We met up with Gail and her family for a family session at Shawnee lake and we had so much fun and her grandchildren left us cracking up the entire time. They had a great time calling us funny names like “princess” and everybody had such genuine smiles. We are so excited to share these with you!  Thank you for checking out this session!













To book your own session, please call Tommy or Holly at 785.793.2492 or 785.213.0812 or email tommy@thpetersonphoto.com



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Interview with Jack Donovan - Rossville Class of 2026 - Topeka's Best Senior Portraits

Image
Jack’s senior session took place at the golf course at Lake Wabaunsee, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect day. The sun was shining, the sky was a deep blue with just a few bright clouds, and the course looked beautiful. Jack has been playing golf since he was little, so it was special to photograph him in a place that means a lot to him. He’s a senior at Rossville High School—super friendly, easy going, and has a great smile. Jack made the session fun and relaxed, and it honestly flew by. We’re excited to share some of our favorite shots from his Class of 2026 session! T.H. Peterson: What classes are you looking forward to most your senior year? Jack: The class that I am most looking forward to taking my senior year is Government. T.H. P.: What are your plans for summer?  Jack: I plan to play a lot of golf this summer and hangout with my friends. T.H. P.: Best course you’ve ever played on?  Jack: The best course I have ever played on is Prairie Dunes in Hutch. T.H. P.: ...
Read more

Interview with Brenner Beninga - Washburn Rural Class of 2026 - Topeka's Best Senior Portraits

Image
I’ve known Brenner for a little while now, and his senior session was exactly what I expected—full of energy, laughs, and plenty of shirtless moments (classic Brenner). We did his shoot at his family’s farm, which was the perfect spot for him. Between the pond, the barn, the greenhouse, and the chickens running around, it felt like home—and he was totally in his element. He pulled out toe touches, a backflip, and even some wrestling moves mid-session. Only Brenner could make a senior photo shoot feel like an action movie and a comedy show rolled into one. What I love about Brenner is that he’s always 100% himself. He’s hilarious, super athletic, and genuinely a good dude. He cheers, wrestles, trains MMA, and has big dreams of stepping into the cage one day—and I believe he’ll get there. He came into this session so excited, and it made the whole experience even more fun. I’ve always admired his confidence and drive, and I can’t wait to see where life takes him. He’s got a big heart, ...
Read more

Interview with AJ Gallegos - Shawnee Heights Class of 2026 - Topeka's Best Senior Portraits

Image
We had an awesome time photographing AJ for his senior photos! AJ is a wide receiver for Shawnee Heights and such a great guy — super friendly with a smile that made our job easy. He brought along his best friend Aiden, the quarterback, and the two of them made the whole session a blast. You could tell they’ve been through a lot together on and off the field. Time flew by and before we knew it, we were done! We started at the Kansas Museum, then headed to Shawnee Lake, and finished up at the Shawnee Heights football field. The weather was perfect, and AJ’s whole family was there to cheer him on. It was one of those sessions that just felt special — full of laughs, great energy, and memories we’re sure AJ and his family will hold onto for a long time. T.H. Peterson: What are your plans for this summer? AJ: Attending Football camps ,Hanging out with friends ,building my faith.  T.H. P.: What classes are you looking forward to in your senior year? AJ: College public speaking,sports l...
Read more

Interview with Taylor Swygert - Silver Lake Class of 2026 - Topeka's Best Senior Portraits

Image
I had such a great time photographing Taylor, a senior from Silver Lake High School. She plays softball and had an incredible season, even making it to state where her team took 2nd place! Taylor is full of personality—funny, outgoing, and just a joy to be around. Her family came along for the session, and you could feel how close and supportive they are. It made the whole experience even better. We started the session at Echo Cliff, which was absolutely beautiful. Then we made our way to downtown Dover for some fun shots, and we ended the evening at the Silver Lake ball fields to capture her love for the game. The sunset light was perfect, and the whole session felt relaxed and special. Taylor is an amazing young lady, and I loved getting to celebrate this big milestone with her. T.H. Peterson: What are your plans after high school? Taylor: I plan to go to college, play softball, and major in Graphics.  T.H. P.: Classes you are looking forward to your senior year? Taylor: I’m mos...
Read more

A Perfect Day for Cole & Lauren at Arterra Event Gallery - Lawrence, KS Wedding

Image
Cole and Lauren’s wedding at Arterra Event Gallery in Lawrence, KS was absolutely perfect. It was a beautiful day filled with love, laughter, and so much personality. Surrounded by a small group of close friends and family, the atmosphere was intimate and joyful. The bridal party brought a ton of fun and creativity—so quirky and full of life! Cole and Lauren chose to wait to see each other until the ceremony, and when Lauren walked down the aisle, the emotions were overwhelming. There were tears, smiles, and so much love in the air. It was short, sweet, and truly moving. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed mouthwatering hors d'oeuvres and an incredible meal catered by Macelli’s—every bite was as beautiful as it was delicious. The toasts brought even more tears and laughter, as family and friends shared heartfelt words about the couple. When it came time to dance, the energy was high and everyone had a blast. The celebration ended with a magical bubble send-off, a perfect ending to a...
Read more

Interview with Paxton Willmet - Silver Lake Class of 2026 - Topeka's Best Senior Portraits

Image
I had a great time photographing Paxton, a senior at Silver Lake High School. We took most of his photos on the football field and in the weight room—two places that really show who he is. Paxton is not only a football player but also a dedicated powerlifter. He throws up some seriously impressive numbers, and it was awesome to capture that strength and focus on camera. Paxton brought his mom and girlfriend along for the session, and we got some great images with both of them. You can tell he’s got a strong support system, and that always makes a difference. He’s got a great smile, an easygoing personality, and he’s clearly smart and driven. I have no doubt he’ll do big things in the future! T.H. Peterson: Dream job? Paxton:   A financial advisor T.H. P.:   Song you listen to every time you workout? Paxton:   Animal I Have Become T.H. P.:   What fitness goals do you have? Paxton:   To squat 500 pounds T.H. P.:   Something you liked about your session with ...
Read more

Interview with Briar Dobbie - Jeff West - Class of 2026 - Topeka's Best Senior Portraits

Image
Briar’s senior session at the Kansas History Museum was such a joy to photograph! Even though we shot in the middle of the day, the light was absolutely amazing, and it lit up her great smile in every photo. Briar was so much fun to be around—her personality made the session fly by, and she brought such a relaxed, happy energy to the shoot. From the first photo to the last, Briar was all smiles and full of life. Her laughter was contagious, and she made every spot at the museum look like it was made just for her. I loved getting to capture this special season of her life! T.H. Peterson: What are your plans after high school? Briar: I’m going to Washburn for nursing school! T.H. P.: Classes you're looking forward to next year? Briar: Weights and Peer Tutor T.H. P.: What kind of student are you? Briar: The kind that’s ready to be out of school. T.H. P.: First thing you do when you get home from school? Briar: See my puppies then lay in bed T.H. P.: Something you liked abou...
Read more

Interview with Ciara Frye - Seaman High Class of 2026 - Topeka's Best Senior Portraits

Image
I’ve known Ciara since she was just three years old and have had the joy of photographing her over the years. Watching her grow into the beautiful, confident, and smiley young lady she is today has been amazing. She’s now a proud member of the Class of 2026 at Seaman High School, where she cheers with so much spirit and energy. Her personality is truly perfect for photos—so full of life and joy. For her session, we spent time downtown and then headed to Seaman High for some shots that showed off her school pride. As we wrapped things up, the skies turned dark and dramatic, and we could tell a storm was on the way. Later that night it poured, but the risk was worth it. The moody sky added such a cool, bold vibe to her final images. I’m so thankful I got to capture this big milestone for Ciara! T.H. Peterson: What’s your go-to hype song before a big performance or game? Ciara: Highway to Hell- ACDC. T.H. P.: What would your dream job be? Ciara: Air Refueling W ing with the Air National ...
Read more

How to Prepare for a Photo Session - Topeka's Best Family Portrait Photographers

Image
Select outfits that will make for a timeless portrait. Choose practical clothing items, and keep the location and time of year in mind.  Select clothing items and accessories that are not too distracting or that you will have to adjust often during the session (think long necklaces or ruffled tops on a windy day).  Keep in mind the weather, wind speed, and humidity/chance of rain.  If you have littles, bring them some snacks to help give them incentives during the session.  This can help us to get kids to cooperate and make or break a session.  If it is windy, wear your hair up.  Trimming your bangs/hair slightly to keep them out of your eyes is a great idea, too! Use product like mousse, gel, pomade, and hairspray to tame your mane!    Pick shoes that will be easy to walk in at the location of the session.  For example, high heels are not recommended for sunflower shoots, but would look great in an urban/downtown ...
Read more

Interview with Shelbi Hilton - Shawnee Heights Class of 2026 - Topeka's Best Senior Portraits

Image
Shelbi is a senior at Shawnee Heights High School, and photographing her was such a joy! We started at her home, and her backyard was like a hidden park—full of gorgeous spots for pictures. Shelbi has the sweetest personality and a smile that lights up every photo. She was so easygoing and fun to be around, which made the session feel relaxed and natural. After that, we made our way to Shawnee Lake, and the timing couldn’t have been better. The sun was setting right over the water, giving us the most beautiful golden light. Shelbi’s laugh is the kind that makes you smile just hearing it, and it showed through in every shot. It was one of those sessions that felt more like hanging out with a friend than work. T.H. Peterson: What are your plans after high school? Shelbi: Studying to be a Sonogram Tech. T.H. P.: What is keeping you busy this summer? Shelbi: Work, friends & family. T.H. P.: What kind of student are you? Shelbi: A loud one! T.H. P.: What is something about your ...
Read more