When Jocelyn rolled into her senior session in Hays, we made it a full Hays tour. We worked downtown brick walls for an editorial-magazine vibe, hit Fort Hays State for fountains, archways, and a hidden bridge in the green, then closed at Frontier Park where she stood on stones in the middle of the creek with trees and water all around her.

Spring is hitting that perfect stride right now, the weather is mild, the colors are popping, and everything just feels fresh and alive. It is one of the easiest times of year to get clean, vibrant images without fighting harsh light or extreme temps. Now is the perfect time to get in on the colors, but my calendar fills fast heading into late spring and summer, so if you are thinking about photos at all this year, it is a good time to lock something in.

I met up with Richie and April Braun out at their farm in Brownell, Kansas on a quiet morning with soft light across the land. The property is full of character, weathered barns, old metal, and wide open Kansas sky in every direction. We spent about 45 minutes walking the farm, keeping things relaxed and natural, and capturing a mix of candid, creative, and intimate moments that reflect who they are together.

Sometimes the best kind of road trip is the one with no real destination. Lyla and I set out just wanting to get out of the house, listen to some good music, and see where the road took us. What started as a simple drive turned into a fun little Kansas adventure, taking us through Hays, Ks, Russell, Ks, and a few other small towns along the way as we kept our eyes open for anything interesting enough to stop and photograph.

Locations that could become the perfect setting for your senior, engagement, family, or wedding photos. A strong backdrop can completely change the feel of an image, and urban spaces have a way of making portraits feel cinematic, bold, and full of story.

Each year, I only set aside a limited number of spots specifically for senior sessions, and I’m already about halfway booked. If you’ve been thinking about spring, summer, or fall senior photos, now is the best time to start planning so you can get one of the better spots on my calendar. I also try to keep things flexible. I leave room each week for reschedules in case someone gets sick, weather changes, or plans shift, so there’s a little breathing room if life happens.

Today’s outing was a short one, only about thirty minutes, but it was enough to remind me why I keep going back to Ellinwood, Ks. I try to make time for little street photography trips like this a few times a week, and Ellinwood always feels worth it. For such a small town, it has a surprising amount of variety. The downtown has a lot of charm, and the town has done a great job holding onto its historic character in a way that still feels alive instead of staged.

The day after Easter, my daughter Lyla was out of school for the holiday, and the weather was too good to waste. It was warm and just about perfect for getting out of town for a while, so we hopped in the car and headed toward Wilson Lake near Sylvan Grove, Kansas.

Not long after we got there, the clouds started rolling in and changed the whole mood of the afternoon. What started off bright and open turned softer, darker, and a little more dramatic in the best way. We drove up on Wilson Dam first to take in the views, then spent the rest of the time following the winding roads that circle the lake. It felt like one of those drives where the scenery keeps shifting just enough to hold your attention, and the changing light made everything feel even more cinematic.

There’s a routine I’ve come to value because it keeps my eye sharp and keeps me creatively engaged. After I drop my daughter off at school, I like to spend the first hour or so of my day driving around Great Bend, nearby towns, and the backroads in between, simply paying attention to what stands out. It gives me a chance to step away from the daily noise for a bit and settle into a quieter, more grounded place.

Blaiz and Lara were married on March 28, 2026 at Black Walnut Wedding Venue in Great Bend, Kansas, surrounded by the people who love them most. After photographing their engagement session in the summer of 2025, it was especially meaningful to be there again for the wedding day and to see everything come full circle. From the start, there was an easy warmth to the entire celebration that made the day feel personal, joyful, and full of heart.

Campain Photos for Craig Musser.

On March 23, 2026 Craig Musser formally announces his candidacy for the United States House of Representatives representing Kansas’s First Congressional District. Running under the banner of the United Kansas Party, Musser enters the race with a commitment to principled service for the good of all Kansans.

Weston and Abby’s engagement session at Frontier Park in Hays, Kansas was a simple, meaningful way to celebrate this season before their August 2026 wedding. Familiar surroundings and an unusually warm spring evening made these images feel personal, natural, and true to their connection.

St. Patrick’s Day / Spring Break Week / March 2026 - A few images I snapped while watching live music and wondering downtown in Lawrence, Ks.

They Watch Us From The Moon are from Lawrence, Kansas, USA. Images were photographed by Stephen McAnulla Photography in 2026. All rights reserved.