Posts

Interview with Erin Colley - Mastermind behind Topeka Zoo's Santa's Magical Forest

Image
We've been blessed to be able to attend Zoo Lights most nights this year and photograph so many beautiful people from Topeka and the surrounding areas! I wanted to highlight Erin Colley because she is responsible for putting this segment of Zoo Lights together - Santa's Magical Forest. She has outdone herself. Absolutely perfect. Zoo Lights runs through the end of the year! Make sure to come out!!   T.H. Peterson: When you first started planning Santa’s Magical Forest, what was the vision in your head? What did you hope families would feel when they walked through it? Erin: When I first started planning Santa’s Magical Forest, my vision was to transform Big Gage into something completely unexpected—almost like stepping inside a snow globe or a Hallmark Christmas movie. The Topeka Zoo Lights staff had decided to move Santa indoors from his previous space in Holiday Village, and they graciously invited me to design his new space. I didn’t want people to feel like they were in a...

Holly and Brian's beautiful day - Amazing country wedding - Burlingame, Kansas

Image
Brian and Holly’s wedding was one of those days that just felt good from start to finish. We photographed their wedding on their property overlooking the countryside just outside of Burlingame, and it was absolutely beautiful. It was a crisp, cool day, the kind that makes you want to bundle up a little closer to the people you love. Friends and family traveled from all over to be there, and you could feel how meaningful it was for everyone to gather together and celebrate Brian and Holly. These two are such a great couple—so loving and clearly crazy about each other. Their connection is something special, and it was evident in every glance, smile, and quiet moment they shared. The ceremony took place outside under a tent, which honestly was probably a good thing because it was pretty chilly out. Afterward, everyone warmed up with tacos from a food truck that was so good, and the entire evening was filled with laughs, smiles, tears, hugs, and more laughing. There was just this incredi...

Interview with Kendall Smith - Perry Lecompton Class of 2026 - Topeka's Best Senior Portraits

Image
Kendall’s senior session was one of those that just felt easy from the start. He’s a genuinely nice guy—laid back, friendly, and great to work with—which always makes for a fun session. We kicked things off downtown in an alley and got some really strong shots right away. Kendall has a great smile, and it showed up naturally in those photos without any effort. From there, we headed to the Capitol and grabbed some awesome images with that classic Topeka backdrop. After that, we found an incredible neighborhood filled with peak fall color, and the timing couldn’t have been better. The trees were glowing, and the fall vibes were on point. We wrapped things up at Gage Park with a more country, rustic feel and even more fall color to work with. Kendall was a solid subject the whole time, and everything just flowed. Before we knew it, the session was over—and it was one of those shoots that reminds us why we love senior sessions so much. T.H. P.: What are your plans after high school? Ken...

Chloe's newborn session - Interview with Mom - Topeka's Best Newborn Photographers

Image
Little Chloe came into the studio at just three weeks old, and we were instantly smitten. She’s one of the tiniest newborns we’ve ever photographed, but wow—she came with a big dose of personality. With all that beautiful hair and her bright, expressive eyes, she kept us smiling from the very beginning. Mom and Dad are absolutely crazy about her, and it shows in every moment. Chloe made so many funny little faces that we couldn’t help but laugh right along with her. Toward the end of the session, she finally relaxed and drifted off to sleep, giving us the chance to capture those peaceful, dreamy shots everyone loves. We were able to get so many beautiful photos of her, from her wide-eyed expressions to her tiny, sleepy poses. She’s incredibly adorable, and spending time with her and her parents was truly a joy. All in all, it was such a fun session, and we loved every minute of it. T.H. Peterson: How did you come up with Chloe's name? Carleigh: At our gender reveal we actually ...