Little Things

One of our favorite families came out for a quick spring outdoor studio shoot last week.  These "Fab Four" siblings missed spring picture day at their school, so we improvised here at the studio.  Every so often it's great to get a group shot of siblings and their individuals as well.  It doesn't have to be torture - just schedule a time to drop by the studio and you'll be in and out in under 30 minutes!

Throw in a couple different crops and an Easter card to send out, and it has the feel of an hour long session without the headache!  After I saw these images, I finally rallied and sent our kids over for a quick "school shot" on the traditional backdrop.  We usually do it in September - but March works for me!

"Enjoy the little things in life for one day you will look back and realize that they were the big things"

Have I Gone Mad?

Weddings are great, we love weddings.  The excitement is unparalleled, wedding days are like no other.  But then you have Theme Weddings.  Theme Weddings take all of that excitement and blast it into the universe for joy to be felt by all that attend.  Last year's "Alice in Wonderland" wedding was unique and fabulous.  I could post over 100 images simply of guests enjoying themselves and the party, everyone seriously looks thrilled to be at this event.  And really, who wouldn't have been?  Here are some of the favorites from that day of the bride and groom:

Amazing Alice and Wonderland Bouquet done by Chico Florist

To see a Derek and Joi's full wedding gallery follow the link below:
http://www.onlinepictureproof.com/markthauphotography/albums/weddings/412009

Recent Portraits

Last weekend Mark was out at Chico State for a great Senior Portrait Shoot.  There is something about upcoming graduations and the excitement that is addicting, it's a great slice of life to be a part of.  Brandon and Cody combined their shoot - it's always nice to combine the senior portrait shoots with a friend, it combines a sitting fee and gives you someone to hang with during the shoot.  Looking at these images, you can just tell that these two young men are right on the verge of a new endeavor, young adulthood is a great age!  These are just a couple images from two sets of poses, the entire shoot captured a multitude of different looks for each, including the standard yearbook tuxedo shot of Brandon in our studio at no additional charge.  

It's also worth mentioning that these images are Straight Out of The Camera.  No editing done yet.  This spring light is fabulous for portraits and skin tones.  The final images will be touched up per request, but I love the images just how they are as well. 

"What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Best of luck to you both!

For more senior portrait samples, visit http://www.thauphoto.com/portraits-senior.aspx

Weekend Work

Mark and his crew spent Saturday out in Orland shooting the local Orland Softball League and Orland Little League team pictures.  It is always a great time out there, the parks provide good backdrops and we've been out there enough over the past few years that our clients have our systems down.  Shooting team sport "Picture Days" is rewarding in that our clients are so often happy to see us.  In an industry (youth sports photography) that often doesn't focus on quality and customer service, we love bringing in a change of pace to the local leagues.  It's really not difficult for us to offer quality portraits and products at prices comparable to the national companies, and yet still be friendly about it.  Works out as a win-win for everyone.  

And Buddy Shots?  Coach and Kid Shots?  NO PROBLEM!  Just jump right in and add it to your picture package or grab a new envelope.  

And as my own kids are starting up their Little League seasons, we'll try to remember this quote:

"Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game."

-Michael Jordan

Taylor and Josie

We are knee deep in our "spring pictures" for schools around town.  This time of year, we set up an outdoor portrait shoot, get everyone's picture taken and send proof images home with an order form for each child.  Parents get to see the images before they buy them, and we get to add in a little creativity to the standard "school picture".  When the weather cooperates, it's one of our favorite times of the year.  These images are from "Stepping Stones", a fabulous preschool and day care in Chico.  With Spring Break this week, we had fun with all of the kids from infants to school age.  And Josie, the faithful black lab, jumped in with Taylor for some of our new favorite pictures!

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves 

you more than he loves himself.” 

― Josh Billings

Can we bring our dog on the photo shoot?  The answer is YES!  Provided we are shooting in a dog friendly environment, Mark thoroughly enjoys throwing a four legged friend into the mix.  Pets are part of the family, and add a whole layer of love to the images.  Who wouldn't want a picture with their best friend?

Cameron and Nicole - October 2013

Cameron and Nicole's wedding day was a day of attention to details and of the joy these two bring to their everyday lives.  Held at Creek Haven Vineyard Estates in Chico, it was a dream to photograph with an abundance of creative options to choose from.   Indoors and outdoors, October can't be beat at Creek Haven Vineyard Estates!  It was a gorgeous day and we were thankful to be a part of it.  

"Where there is love there is life."

Mahatma Gandhi

To view Cameron and Nicole's complete online gallery, see the webpage below:

http://www.onlinepictureproof.com/markthauphotography/albums/weddings/386699

TBT - Sisters

Thursday wouldn't be complete to leave these off!  Thursday might just end up being my personal day on this blog!

  "You know full well as I do the value of sisters' affections: There is nothing like it in this world."

Charlotte Bronte

Love watching these two dynamos growing up! From this...

..to this.  Their legs may be longer, but some things don't change.

Happy Thursday!

TBT - Spring

"Time moves in one direction, memory in another."

William Gibson

While looking through spring pictures, I came across these gems in my personal files.

How can each year just get better? 

I can't wait for the wildflowers to pop again this spring - and now I'm motivated to capture some new looks from this beautiful girl!