Cherished Traditions at Lake Almanor
A special Mother’s Day tribute to my wife and partner in life, Emily.
Majestic, yet typical, Lake Almanor sky at sunset with a paddleboarder enjoying the end of day calm.
Celebrating Emily's Role in Our Business This Mother's Day
We often playfully suggest that our business cards might better read “Emily Thau Photography” and “Mark Thau Photographer.” This gentle ribbing is more than just a joke; it’s a testament to the blurred lines of our roles, reflecting a partnership where Emily’s contributions are not only essential but deeply valued. This Mother’s Day, I want to give a heartfelt shout-out to my wife and business partner, Emily. The life we’ve woven together and cherished here in Northern California over the past 24 years has surpassed my wildest dreams.
Happy Mother’s Day, Emily!
How We Make It Work:
As a husband and wife team at Mark Thau Photography, we've found success through a well-defined division of labor. My passion lies behind the camera, where I meticulously attend to all aspects of photography and equipment. Coupled with my affinity for business operations, I ensure that every event is approached with an organizational plan to create a stress-free picture day for all.
Emily, on the other hand, thrives in managing the intricacies of our business. Her forte lies in managing the details that keep our business humming. With a passion for numbers and spreadsheets, she ensures our operations are efficient and organized and constantly moving forward. Our systems demand meticulous attention to detail, and despite our efforts to streamline processes and leverage technology, we prioritize human oversight for every image and order. This commitment ensures the highest quality and contributes significantly to our success.
Lake Almanor: A Centerpiece of Our Family Traditions
Alongside our professional life, our shared outlook on life and our dedication to living authentically have been our compass, guiding us through the journey of growing our business and nurturing our family. A central theme in our household is the value we place on relationships and the significance of investing in people and experiences.
Part of our life's fabric is getting out into nature, visiting National Parks, and our most cherished tradition—our annual trips to Lake Almanor with friends and family. Nestled on the edge of Plumas County, near Lassen Volcanic National Park, we enjoy staying in a special home with direct access to the lake that has been in Emily’s family for nearly 50 years; this place holds a deep significance for us. It’s where we can immerse ourselves in the great outdoors for hours on end, surrounded by the company of our loved ones.
Celebrations at Lake Almanor have become a hallmark of our summers. If you’ve experienced a 4th of July at Lake Almanor, you know it’s an unforgettable vibe. The day begins with the charming Chester parade, reflecting small-town Americana at its finest. As the sun sets, the excitement builds for the fireworks display over the lake, painting the sky with bursts of color. This day encapsulates the essence of summer: swimming, boating, water sports, trout fishing, hiking, camping, and more. A celebration where the motto is “The more, the merrier.” It’s a welcoming atmosphere where friends and family drop by to say hello and end up staying to enjoy the festivities and outdoor activities all day long.
Stories behind my Lake Almanor Gallery:
These getaways also fuel our passion for photography. Lake Almanor presents endless photography opportunities with its breathtaking beauty. Daily, we are captivated by stunning sunsets and the serene lake that practically begs to be photographed as the day winds down. Over the years, my collection of images has expanded, capturing the essence of this picturesque setting and its ever-changing moods.
Each year adds new dimensions to this evolving gallery of natural wonders. Exploring the west shore, especially along the Lake Almanor Recreation Trail, offers unique perspectives for photography, showcasing spectacular views of the lake, shoreline, nearby mountains, and wildlife. The trail, a paved 19-mile path suitable for hiking and biking, runs along the lake's west shore, providing non-motorized access to some of the most photogenic spots. Additionally, the public boat launches allow for easy access to different parts of the lake, opening up opportunities to capture the lake's beauty from various angles and activities.
Featured Landscape Photos
4th of July on Lake Almanor: While man made fireworks are something you can count on for this holiday, nature is fickler. For that reason, a show in the sky like this is a bonus. Include link (added link to title of image text).
Kayaking into the Storm: A familiar summer afternoon, rough waters, amazing clouds and the heat of summer - anticipating a summer thunderstorm in the next few hours, this has Lake Almanor written all over it. If you don’t ski by 10am, you may miss your chance!
Evening Paddle on Lake Almanor: I often see locations and keep a mental note to return at an ideal time. I wanted this one for over a decade! This is a spot just down a hill and right off the road. The problem for me was finding someone that could carry a kayak down the hill.
Lassen with the Stars: When I had the vision of what I wanted for this image there were 3 requirements. There had to be an amazing sunset. I wanted the stars portion to be looking out of our galaxy rather than towards the core. The final image needed to be long and vertical. For my entry into this type of photography I wanted the print to be distinctive!
Afternoon Lake Clouds on Lake Almanor, California: This is one of my favorite views of Mt. Lassen from Lake Almanor. There are parts of the lake that get busy with boats, but this area can be relatively empty in comparison.
Balancing Work, Life & Art
Balancing work and life can be a significant challenge, yet the rewards of pursuing common dreams and goals together are immeasurable. In our case, photography serves as a compass, guiding our shared vision and fostering community engagement. It allows us to continuously appreciate the relationships we cultivate and the natural beauty that surrounds us.
Give the gift of serenity with a landscape print from our cherished collection of photos from the shore of Lake Almanor or other pieces from Nothern California.