Garst family downtown - Unique and fun summer session downtown Topeka - Topeka's Best Family Photographers

 We met up with the Garst family in downtown Topeka to get some really unique family portraits at a location that we do would be awesome. We went under the Kansas Avenue bridge and guts so much variety and just that little block of space, and it looks amazing. Their outfits all matched the background, and their fun personalities definitely made the session so fun!  The love that mom and dad have for each other and the love that they have for their children were so strong and it was amazing to capture it during their session. They were laughing and hugging and had some of the cutest most unique family portraits that we’ve ever taken. What a great spot for a great family. We know you were going to fall in love with this amazing urban mini session.










Book your own session by booking at bit.ly/MayJuneSpecial

or email tommy@thpetersonphoto.com or call 785.793.2492 or 785.213.0812

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kaleo's newborn session - Interview with mom - Topeka's Best Newborn Photographers

Image
Kaleo came into the studio for his newborn session, and from the moment he arrived, he was so calm and sweet. He was such a beautiful baby, completely content, and made the cutest little faces throughout the session. We captured some really special images of Kaleo all by himself, soaking in those tiny details that change so fast in these early days. It was one of those sessions that just felt easy and peaceful from start to finish. Mom and dad are absolutely crazy about him, and you can feel that love in every photo. We also took some images of Kaleo with both of them, and those are always some of my favorites—simple, genuine moments that mean so much years down the road. Being able to photograph a family during such a special time in their life is something I never take for granted, and I’m so thankful I got to be a part of Kaleo’s newborn story. T.H. Peterson: What did you think when you first saw Kaleo? Mary: Wow! We did it finally! Felt like we would never get that moment but ther...
Read more

Interview with Adrian Romero - Topeka West Class of 2026 - Topeka's Best Senior Portraits

Image
Adrian is a senior at Topeka West, graduating with the Class of 2026. She’s been playing soccer since 3rd grade, and her love for the game really showed during her session. She’s confident, driven, and full of energy—and on top of that, incredibly photogenic with a beautiful, bright smile. We spent a lot of time focusing on her passion for soccer, and it was clear how much it means to her. At the end of the session, we headed out to the water at Shawnee Lake, just in time for the most incredible sunset. The sky lit up in a rich orange glow, giving us the perfect backdrop. Adrian looked amazing against the lake and sunset, and we captured some truly stunning images. It was such a fun evening and a session to remember! T.H. Peterson: What classes are you looking forward to your senior year? Adrian: I’m looking forward to earning my CMA during my senior year. T.H. P: Why is TWest a great school? Adrian: Because students have many different opportunities to explore and excel in. ...
Read more

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...
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

Jax's 4th Birdday Party!!! Splashing and crashing like Angry Birds! Topeka, KS Children's Portrait Photographers

Image
 So recently we had an opportunity to photograph Mr. Jax's birthday party! He was turning 4 and it was right up my alley, ANGRY BIRDS!!!! My four year old has me hooked. It was so much fun and perfect for a hot day like this one. Jax and all his buddies partied on this giant inflatable water slide. Even some of the parents jumped on and got in on some of the action. Jax was in a great mood and ready for the party! There were tons of great expressions and fun shots but as always had to narrow it down. So here's  a select group of images I think nicely portray how much fun we all had that day!  The top cake was DELICIOUS! AND that bottom cake is just insane. Love it!!  Splashing and crashing!  Even the little ones were jumping in!  Doesn't that water look amazing!  Get him!  Jax busting moves in the pool!  Love that face! Love the alligator's expression as well!!!  This kid ha...
Read more

Interview with Ayden Crosswhite - Washburn Rural Class of 2026 - Topeka's Best Senior Portraits

Image
I had the chance to photograph Ayden, a Washburn Rural senior, and even though this was a shorter session than usual, we captured some truly amazing images. We started at Washburn Rural, where we highlighted his passion for football. Ayden was relaxed, easygoing, and brought a great smile to every shot. Right from the beginning, it felt like everything came together naturally. After that, we headed downtown to one of my favorite grungy spots, and Ayden was up for anything. The time flew by, and before we knew it, the session was over. His personality really shines through these portraits — confident, genuine, and full of life. I’m excited about how these turned out. Thanks for checking it out! T.H. Peterson: What are your plans after graduation? Ayden: I’m undecided. I’m very passionate about football, but I don’t know where I will ultimately end up. T.H. P.:   Something you liked about your session with us? Ayden:   It felt natural, like I had done a hundred shoo...
Read more

Eric and April's Wedding Reception - 6th Avenue Ballroom - Roaring 20s theme - Topeka Wedding Photographers

Image
Eric and April's wedding reception was truly an experience. It was unique and special and so much fun!! They had a destination wedding so they hired us just to shoot their party now that they're back and could invite all their friends and family. There's so many things I loved about their party. I loved the theme of the party. Everyone participated and had amazing outfits. I loved the food, it was from Aboud's and it was AMAZING!!! I really enjoyed the highlight video they shared of their wedding with the guests. Many great reactions and moments. April and Eric are such a great couple. They are perfect together. They have awesome friends and family. Their bridal party was great too. So much fun and personality. Thank you for checking out their blog post and we hope you enjoy! Make sure to check out their video at the bottom! Now for the fun part! Watch this video! Lots more highlights as well as video clips. You'll love it! So many great...
Read more

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 ...
Read more

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...
Read more

Interview with Brody Haas - Washburn Rural Class of 2026 - Topeka's Best Senior Portraits

Image
Brody’s senior session was such a great time. We started downtown Topeka at sunset, and right away he had the best smile. He’s got such a friendly look that makes him easy to be around, and we laughed a lot as we went. The light that evening was perfect, and it felt like everything lined up for his pictures to turn out amazing. After downtown, we went over to Kaw River Park and got some shots by the water. The sun was shining through just right, and those ended up being some of my favorite photos. Brody was so easy to work with, and his pictures are some of the best senior photos I’ve taken this year. T.H. Peterson: What are your plans after high school? Brody: My Plans after high school are still undecided but I want to attend college for forensic science. T.H. P:   What classes are you glad to be done with? Brody:   I'm glad I finished most of my math and english classes as they were super hard. T.H. P:   A teacher you like at Rural? Brody:   I really ...
Read more