Summer Weddings

Every wedding is unique.  And summer weddings in general have their own flair.  Out of town guests from long and far, making a vacation out of the celebration.  Heat, always heat, and glorious air conditioning of the indoor receptions.  There is an energy throughout the day that is contagious and unbeatable.  

These images are from Mark and Sharon's wedding last summer.  I was flipping through images and remembered seeing all of the details that came together to make this day fabulous, so I had to post it.  

The sun lit ceremony and the colors throughout; bright greens, pinks and yellows.  And below are the littles.  Flower girls and ring bearers are priceless!

Outdoor Studio - This weekend's sneak peak

We are beyond fortunate to have access to our outdoor studio right now.  We can tie in formal studio shots with a beautiful outdoor setting as well.  It's the best of both worlds.  Here's an image from yesterday's senior portrait shoot.  Hard to believe they accomplished this and the formal tuxedo shot in an hour shoot.

"To be free is to have achieved your life."

Tennessee Williams

Little Patriot

"We know what we are, but know not what we may be."

William Shakespeare

We had this handsome 2 year old in for a mini session this week.  It was a home run.  Happy kid, great images with an unique twist and it was all done in a time frame that worked for him - quickly!  If you are looking for a quick studio session to get a couple quality images, this is the way to go.

CSU Graduates

Spring is the season for CSU Chico graduate shoots.  So much so that Mark was able to secure the gown and sash a couple of years ago so that our grads always have the option of that shot.  I'm sure he can dig up a cap as well, although for photo shoots most prefer not :).  (How do you style your hair under those things?) This is Marisa, an engineering grad next month, and working with her has been a blast.  Mark found some new areas oncampus and was able to highlight her experience here at Chico State.  

Grads will pay for the hour session fee ($75), swap the cap and gown for a few different outfit looks and wander the campus showing off their favorite spots to Mark.  Then we will create custom graduation announcements with a collection of photos and usually mom and dad are ecstatic to have updated pictures of their young adult.  Truly a way to please the parents as you head out on your own into the real world, always a good plan! 

"Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."

Lao Tzu

Congratulations Marisa!

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

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

Magic Numbers

Performance Packages, Lifestyle Shoots, Fine Art Portraits - it all has to cost something right? 

The Magic Number around here these days is $325.00.  

No matter what you call it, whether you need more time devoted to the shooting or photoshop, or if you want more from the product side of your investment, it all seems to work out to around $325.

1-2 Hours at a sporting event or performance and a solid bank of 15 digital images (likely more "bonus" images, but 15 is a safe start for all) = $325.00

2 Hour Lifestyle Shoot in your home or at a location of your choice, many poses, digital artwork on your favorite 5 Images = $325 

1 Hour Portrait Shoot in a Natural Setting shot with the intention of getting "that" shot for a 16x20 Fine Art style float mount print, plus 5 media style low resolution images for your use on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or however you choose = $325.00 (16x20 is an estimate of size, other options are available)

Consults before all of these ventures will help you convey what you want, how we'll make it happen for you and any additions or deletions you'd like to your package.  (Yes, of course we're flexible and customize packages - just tell us what you want!)

Mark is super excited to transfer some of his attention and energies to the portrait side of our business this year, so if you are wondering "do they do that?" the answer is yes.  We've realized that our best portrait shoots are those that Mark is allowed the time to really work with our clients and not rush everyone through.  We'll gradually start focusing more and more on this style.  And yes, that brings to question, so what about the ever popular mini-sessions - that is to be determined!

"The value of an idea lies in

 the using of  it."

Thomas A. Edison

Performance Package

'Tis the season in our life where we are chasing kids EVERYWHERE.  While we squeeze in our own fun and friends, there is also no shortage of choices for "what to do today".  Our business seems to evolve as our life evolves.  Our wedding pictures inspired Mark to start shooting weddings, our preschool needed a picture day (we just shot Laura's Daycare and Preschool last week to mark our 8th year), Little League and soccer pictures needed some quality management, etc, etc.

In response to the "action age" we've hit with our own kids, we've seen new opportunities. We were fortunate enough last fall to spend a day with the Durham Jr. Trojans shooting action throughout the day of games.  It was a monumental challenge to represent all of the players - perhaps not the greatest challenge for Mark with a slight perfectionist disorder - I'm not sure of a day last year that he worked harder.  But the pictures that came back were well worth it!  And it got us thinking, wouldn't it be great to be available to pop out to a baseball game, soccer game, piano concert, or ___________ (you fill in the blanks), and focus on one client and give them some amazing memories of these lightning fast moments of childhood.

Here's a collection from our day in Durham (And yes, imagine Mark attempting to get a collection for every player on the field, for all 5 games in the Northern California summer heat)

Give whatever you are doing and whoever you are with the gift of your attention.

Jim Rohn