Sunset Hike with the K Family - Manhattan, KS Photographer

As a family of five, they snuggled, giggled, and brought high levels of adorable energy to our session together. This time of year, sunshine can be hit or miss, and these folks not only had sunshine but nothing short of a glorious sunset. It was the perfect setting to celebrate their togetherness as a family and get a few wiggles out on some nature trails along the way.

Thank you all again for reaching out to me for your fall family photos!

Interested in booking photos of your own? Contact me here.

Ashleah & Ian’s Wedding at The Brownstone in Topeka, Kansas

Their wedding day was maybe the first with quintessentially fall weather, having everyone reaching for sweaters to keep warm. The leaves were just starting to really turn, and it was perfect timing for Ashleah and Ian’s autumn nuptials. They both prepared for the day at The Brownstone and shared a first look on the patio. There they shared a few moments seeing each other for the first time as bride and groom, and not long after that, they exchanged rings, vows, and had a handfasting ceremony on the property.

So many guests gathered to pour out their love and extend their well wishes to the two of them, and with a quaint cocktail hour, delicious dinner, a cake cutting, and a bit of dancing, they celebrated their night away and had more than a few memorable moments on that sweet day this October.

Ashleah and Ian - thank you again for letting me capture your love, and I’m just so happy for the two of you! All the best

Interested in booking photography services? Contact me here.

Eleanor Jan . Newborn . Manhattan, Kansas Newborn Photographer

The sweetest little Eleanor Jan came into the world this September, and getting the opportunity to spend some precious moments of her fresh-to-the-world life with her and parents was an absolute joy. While getting to see her truly was wonderful, almost more delightful was seeing the way her parents whole-heartedly adored her. This baby is certainly wholly and deeply loved!

Thank you again, Merideth and Keenan, for letting me capture these sweet moments with you!

Ella . Class of 2022 Senior . Manhattan, Kansas High School Senior Photographer

Ella is a creative and inspiring Shawnee Heights High School senior, and for her senior session, she was drawn to the natural beauty and abundant plant life of Ward Meade Park in Topeka, Kansas. It was fun to see her walk through memory lane in the sentimental location and also identify plants like a pro. She has aspirations of studying architecture next year, which leaves no one to wonder if she’ll design a beautiful life after high school.

Thanks, Ella, for letting me capture this iconic moment in your life, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you!

Interested in booking your own session? Contact me, Emma, here.

Zetta . Class of 2022 Senior . Manhattan, KS Senior Photographer

Zetta is stylish, fierce, and ready to take on the world… just as soon as she gets her high school diploma anyway. Photographing her in Topeka was such a blast as we did some top quality hair flips, struts, and dreamy lens flare moments to take with her as she conquers her future, whatever it may hold!

Enjoy a few favorite frames from this fun senior session for future 2022 grad, Zetta!

Interested in booking your own session? Contact me, Emma, at hello [at] emmahighfill [dot] com.

Heather & Kelvin . A Capital Plaza Hotel Wedding . Topeka, Kansas

It was an emotional, heartfelt, sweet, sweet wedding day, like a huge hug, where everyone was utterly beside themselves and delighted to see Heather and Kelvin get married. Tears were common, and sentiment ran thick as everyone gathered and prepared for their ceremony.

With clouds covering every inch of the sky, they saw each other for the first time in their wedding attire just outside of the Kansas Capitol building, and the joy that this day had finally arrived was evident in both of their demeanors. Together they and their loved ones took photos, and then they returned to the Capitol Plaza Hotel for their ceremony and reception.

Taking every moment they could, they loved, hugged, and thanked their guests, and then they commenced to party like, I don’t know… they just got married?! Kelvin and Heather’s reception was a multicultural one, uniting his Nigerian culture and her rural Kansas upbringing. It made for a delightful convergence of customs that, though different from one another, pointed towards a common feeling: jubilee.

Thank you, Heather and Kelvin, for letting me be a part of your day, and I wish you the best moving forward in life… married, and, if you don’t mind my saying so, stinkin’ gorgeous.

Are you interested in photography coverage? Contact me, Emma, at hello [at] emmahighfill [dot] com.

The T Family . Manhattan, Kansas Photographer

For years I’ve had the pleasure of photographing this family, first before there were any kiddos in the picture, and now with their youngest turning three soon and their oldest starting Kindergarten. It’s incredible how much people can grow and change before you eyes, and the sweet T family is no exception. But some things, however, seem to stay the same, like the way Hudson will still do anything for gummies, and the way Greyson is always impossibly, just as their parents are wildly gorgeous and full of endless mushy gazes.

This year, as an added bonus, I got to spend a little time with their momma, Kelsey’s, parents. The love between these guys extends through the generations, friends!

Thank you all again for having me join you, and I can’t wait to see your family grow even more as the years pass!

Interested in a session of you own? Contact me, Emma, at hello [at] emmahighfill [dot] com.

Amber & Preston . The Brownstone Wedding . Topeka, KS

On a delightfully warm late summer’s day, Preston and Amber found themselves at The Brownstone in Topeka, Kansas dressed to the nines and ready to say “I Do.” When I arrived, they finished getting ready and exchanged gifts. Much to their delight, and as a testament to their 8 years in one anothers’ lives, they gifted each other the same card with their gifts. These two know each other, folks, and they have a connection you want to see in two people on the precipice of tying the knot.

The tables were decorated with dried wildflowers from family property, and it only added to the sense of authenticity that they brought to their wedding day. Something I loved about the two of them was that they arrived to be themselves, and honestly displayed their love to all of their nearest and dearest family and friends.

Seeing their tears, belly laughs, and sunset slow dances made me so honored to have them in front of my camera for a day. Thank you both again for letting me be a part of it all, and I wish you both the best as you step into life as a married pair!

Interested in wedding photography services? E-mail me, Emma, at hello [at] emmahighfill [dot] com.

Mercedes & Richard . A Stone House Engagement . Manhattan, KS Photographer

Mid-session I looked at Richard and Mercedes and said, “This looks so English-countryside,” and Mercedes excitedly responded, “That’s what I was going for!” Only a place like Stone House at Prairiewood was able to align with her vision, complete with manicured lawns, neutral tones, and some very Pemberley vibes. We explored the property where they plan to marry next year, chasing sunshine, and making plenty moments for sweet romance.

Mercedes and Richard had a delicate, assured adoration for one another, and seeing them interact filled me with joy. The way they explored the property, eager to be near one another each step of the way, and even more eager to show their love for the photos, made me so excited for their nuptials next year.

Thank you both for a lovely evening, and I wish you both the best as you continue through your engagement!

Book photography with me, Emma. E-mail me at hello [at] emmahighfill [dot] com.

Erin & Justin . The Brownstone Wedding, Topeka, Kansas

It was a beautiful September day, that was just warm enough to remember it was not quite fall, and together, Erin and Justin invited all of their nearest and dearest to come together and join them in a celebration of their love and commitment to one another at The Brownstone in Topeka, Kansas.

Erin emitted the utmost happiness on her wedding day, and I can’t say I’ve seen any bride of mine throw her arms up with joy as much as she did. This woman was ready to be married to her now husband, Justin, and get married they did! Her feelings of excitement for her wedding seemed to be contagious, as everyone else seemed to match their joy and elation for the union of these two.

Thank you both for trusting me with the documentation of this special day, and I am just so deeply happy for the two of you!

Seeking wedding photography? Contact me, Emma, for more information at hello [at] emmahighfill [dot] com.

A D Family, Extended Family Session . Manhattan, Kansas Family Photographer

The D Family invited me to join them to photograph their extended family over Labor Day weekend. While there were many moments of tears from the very littlest ones, everyone seemed to be in high spirits due to the opportunity to be in one another’s presence.

Living in separate cities, they took advantage of the opportunity and made time to photograph one another while they were together for the holiday. I can’t think of a better use of time on a holiday, if I do say so myself!

The giggles, snuggles, tickle-fights, and hugs could have gone on for days, and spending a few moments with them made me feel like a part of the family myself. Thank you all again for letting me be a part of these sweet moments!

Interested in booking your own extended family session?
E-mail me, Emma, at hello [at] emmahighfill [dot] com!

A Weekend in Summit County, Colorado 2021 . Manhattan, Kansas Photographer

Just this past weekend, I took a very brief, long-feeling but short-in-reality girls trip to Summit County, Colorado. Previously, my only memory of the area had been on a road trip while passing through that mountainously dense section of Colorado. This time however, I was given the opportunity to stay and linger for a few days in that gorgeous part of the state.

Sitting at around 9,000 feet above sea level, me and my plains-familiar friends were as awestruck by the beauty as we were our difficulty adjusting to the altitude. Who knew that oxygen deprivation could be a difficult thing on the system? While we had some ambitious hiking and sight seeing plans, we found ourselves having to adjust our pace to our energy and wellness levels.

From the second we got there, we were taken by the beauty, especially that of the sun setting behind the nearby mountain peaks. We didn’t know their names, (ok—one was called Buffalo, another Wichita, and in all reality things felt a little too Kansas as far as that went, so… I’ll pretend I didn’t know their names)—but we were none the less entranced, taking cell phone photos and videos out the car window as we drove to dinner.

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For our first evening, we went out to dinner at a Breckenridge restaurant called Cabin Juice, located in the Gravity Haus hotel. It had quintessential ski-town vibes and an incredibly pleasing menu - rack of elk with couscous, leg of lamb with fingerling potatoes, grilled sourdough with whipped butter, not to mention local beer. We left that place happy campers… er… skiers? While I didn’t take my camera to dinner, just let your imagination do the work. It was dang good.

The next day, I snuck out for sunrise over the Dillon Reservoir. Normally, scenic overlooks are not my thing. Rarely do they seem to offer worthwhile views, but this particular spot just off I-70 before the Frisco turnoff was a real winner. I highly recommend it if you’re in the area and looking for a high-reward low-effort sunrise/mountain view. Literally - I parked my car next to semis and RVs and clicked my shutter. It could not have been easier or more beautiful.

We all grabbed coffee then headed out for our first (and incidentally my last) hike of the trip on the Lily Pad Lake Trail in Silverthorne, Colorado. It’s a pretty heavily trafficked trail, and when we got there around 9:00 AM, the parking lot was full, so we parked back at our AirBnB and walked to our hike. Most of the hike was in the forest. Being surrounded by aspens and evergreens felt like something out of a movie. It seemed like everyone and their dog was there too, and I began to feel like I made a mistake leaving mine at home! Not only that, but everyone was just super happy. Blame it on the oxygen deprivation, but everyone seemed pleased to pause and chat for a while amidst taking in the beautiful scenery, forest, and wildflowers.

The trail completes at Lily Pad Lake, not to be confused with the lily pad covered pond just before the lake (not that we were confused (we were definitely confused)). The 1.5 mile trek had a delightful resting point, and we all took in the sunshine as momma duck swam by with her quacking ducklings and the occasional dog took a swim in the cool, high-altitude water.

Exhausted, I pretty much called it a day, and we all spent time exploring the area at our own pace, despite having other hikes planned.

The next day, three of us had planned to hike a 14er. Only one of us had ever hiked one, so we were pretty nervous but excited for the challenge. We awoke at 3:30 AM, and eventually reached an incredibly rocky road—one I bought new tires for, in fact. One mile from our trailhead, I got a low tire pressure warning and got out to discover I’d punctured a tire on a rock.

With the help of kind strangers, we managed to change my flat, put on my donut, and slowly, slowly, slowly make our way back down the mountain and eventually to a mechanic in Frisco, Colorado. Did I forget to bring my camera, because I was so focused on the hike? Yes. I’m sorry to literally everyone for not having any photos of the event.

The entire situation was emotionally and physically exhausting (like I said, the altitude was hard on us). Feeling especially drained, I opted out of an afternoon hike, and spent the time exploring shops in downtown Breckenridge with two of the girls while the other two explored North Ten Mile Creek Trail. They loved it, and if you’re interested, I’m sure they’d be happy to gush about it’s wonderfulness.

For our last day, we all got up for sunrise together before grabbing breakfast and heading out of town. Having a moment to take it all in with the other girls before running back to Kansas might have been my absolute favorite.

With full bellies, happy hearts, and bodies finally adjusted to the altitude, we left Colorado and returned to the sunflower state once again.

Interested in booking photography with me? E-mail me, Emma, at hello [at] emmahighfill [dot] com.

Everly . Manhattan, KS Newborn Photographer

Sweet little Everly was born in August, and she came into the world not just as the freshest, most loved daughter of her parents, but also as a little sister. Her little brother was full of enthusiasm for his sister and for life in general, and getting to take a few moments to pause and appreciate the newborn and incredible life handed to her was truly lovely. From swaddling her to laying her in her mother’s wedding dress, wrapped in the lace of her train, her newborn photos were so precious.

All the best wishes and love to the B family as they embrace their new status as a family of four! Thank you again for welcoming me to this milestone!

Interested in booked your own newborn session? Email me, Emma, at hello [at] emmahighfill [dot] com.

Aspen Construction . Manhattan, KS Interior Design and Branding Photography

Some dreams come together one day at a time, and for Rachel and Hans, it’s been one brick, one sheet of drywall, and one paint swatch at a time. Since returning to Topeka, Kansas in 2020, they’ve been developing their business, Aspen Construction, where they combine Rachel’s knack for interior design and Hans’ experience in construction and as a former tiny house carpenter.

They flipped this house and put their heart and soul into every detail. Getting to photograph the space and also grab a few branding headshots for them while there was the precious culmination of hard work, beauty, and the pursuit of small dreams. See this gorgeous home, that’s unfortunately but happily off the market, and be sure to give Aspen Construction a follow to stay in the loop about what they’re up to!

With photography services based out of Manhattan, Kansas, I’m always happy to travel!
Contact me, Emma, at hello [at] emmahighfill [dot] com with all inquiries.

Merideth & Keenan . Ted Ensley Gardens, Topeka, KS . Maternity Photography

Merideth is someone I’ve known for several years, and she carries this beautiful, bouyant, clever spirit. When she reached out to me in regards to her newborn and maternity photography, I could not have been more excited not only to capture her beauty but to also be alongside her for some vignettes in this life-changing moment in her and Keenan’s life.

They decided to have their maternity session at the Ted Ensley Gardens in Topeka, KS next to Lake Shawnee, because several years prior they chose that very spot to commit their lives to one another and get married. How appropriate that where they started their life together as one, they also chose to have photos taken to celebrate their creating a whole new life altogether.

The sentimentality is upsettingly heartwarming.

Best of wishes to these two as they move forward in life and love, and I cannot wait to meet their sweet little baby so very soon!

Needing maternity and newborn photography? Contact me, Emma, at hello [at] emmahighfill [dot] com.