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

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?
Kendall: Not 100% sure yet, but I’ll figure it out before graduation.

T.H. P.: What is something you like about your session with us?
Kendall: The difference in locations.
T.H. P.: How would friends describe you?
Kendall: Not sure.
T.H. P.: What is something that makes you feel confident?
Kendall: Computer knowledge.
T.H. P.: First thing you think when you wake up in the morning?
Kendall: I don’t want to get up yet.
T.H. P.: Last movie you saw—what did you think?
Kendall: Terrifier 3 was the worst of the three movies.
T.H. P.: Favorite thing Mom cooks?
Kendall: Sushi bake.

T.H. P.: What would your dream job be?
Kendall: I don’t have one.

 
T.H. P.: What is your superpower?
Kendall: Being an annoyance.
T.H. P.: Favorite teacher?
Kendall: Casey Packard — Math teacher.





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 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

Malaki's Newborn Session - Interview with Mom - Topeka's Best Newborn Photographers

Image
Baby Malakai was an absolute dream during his session. At just two weeks old, he showed up with a full head of hair, the cutest little expressions, and the most chill personality. He let us pose him in all the sweetest setups, and every time he relaxed into a new pose, it just made all of us smile. Hanging out with him and his parents made the whole session feel easy, calm, and really special. Mom and Dad were fully in love, and it showed the entire time. They were just gushing over every tiny stretch, yawn, and smirk he made. Watching their excitement as we captured these moments was one of my favorite parts of the day. It was such a fun session, and I’m so grateful I got to help preserve these early memories for their family. T.H. Peterson: How did you come up with Malaki's name? Emme: We couldn’t decided for sure on a name,so we looked into biblical names and I fell in love with Malachi but liked the Malaki spelling more! T.H. P.: How is life getting adjusted to having a new ba...
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

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 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

Mallory + Chris - Rea Wedding - Central Presbyterian and Heritage Hall

Image
Chris and Mallory said their I do's on May 24, 2014 and we were there to capture all the love and emotions and crazy moments. Mallory looked stunningly beautiful on her special day! Chris was definitely all smiles and even seemed a little nervous before the ceremony but when Mallory walked down the aisle, there was no denying how happy he was.... he even shed some tears! That was awesome to see! These guys are such a sweet couple and looked so happy together. We're thrilled with their images and we're excited to present them here. Enjoy!!! Watch the slideshow here! Also, we'll be posting these and more to our Facebook page shortly! Tommy and Holly Peterson tommy@thpetersonphoto.com 785.793.2492 | 785.213.0812 scranton, ks
Read more

Abby and Tanner's Wedding Reception - Beautiful fall wedding - Reynold's Lodge - Shawnee Lake - Topeka Wedding Photography

Image
Abby and Tanner’s celebration at Reynolds Lodge was such a beautiful day. Even though they were already married in Tennessee, it was clear how much it meant to them to gather everyone here in Kansas for a special reception. We truly hit the peak of fall—those bright red trees behind the family photos were unbelievable. The whole place felt warm, colorful, and full of joy. Their friends and family were so happy for them, and you could just feel that everyone was excited to finally celebrate the newlyweds together. The reception itself was so much fun. Once the DJ started playing, the dance floor never slowed down—everyone was laughing, dancing, and having the best time. And the food… I seriously couldn’t believe it was all homemade. You could taste the love that went into it. What stood out most to me was how close everyone seemed to Abby and Tanner. You could tell they’re surrounded by people who truly love and support them. It was such an honor to capture all of it.   Now for the...
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