A new monthly update!

A piece I shot for the Austin American- Statesman: http://www.austin360.com/recreation/content/recreation/stories/2009/11/09/1109fitcity.html

Thao Nguyen/FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN 10/17/09

The women take a hike through the resort to an outlook onto the lake as part of the Desperate Housewives retreat at the Balcones Springs Fitness Camp and Spa near Marble Falls on October 17, 2009.

Thao Nguyen/FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN 10/17/09

A healthy array of fresh fruits, yogurt, grain bread and oatmeal were among the selection for the after hike breakfast as part of the Desperate Housewives retreat at the Balcones Springs Fitness Camp and Spa near Marble Falls on October 17, 2009.

Thao Nguyen/FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN 10/17/09

Mary Bell, 49, of Austin skips the pilates class to catch up on her reading while her roommate Susan Ourston, 53, of Austin takes time to finish her coffee from breakfast during her weekend as part of the Desperate Housewives retreat at the Balcones Springs Fitness Camp and Spa near Marble Falls on October 17, 2009.

Thao Nguyen/FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN 10/17/09

The women participate in a Pilates Mat Class taught by Maurine Sullivan as part of the Desperate Housewives retreat at the Balcones Springs Fitness Camp and Spa near Marble Falls on October 17, 2009.

Thao Nguyen/FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN 10/17/09

Bessie Zgourides, 44, of Houston, TX stretches her back during the Pilates Mat Class as part of the Desperate Housewives retreat at the Balcones Springs Fitness Camp and Spa near Marble Falls on October 17, 2009.

Thao Nguyen/FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN 10/17/09

Laura Thomas, 31, of Burnet enjoy some fresh hand picked pomergrants off of a tree at the resort with Houston resident Carrie Rigas, 40 and Bessie Zgourides, 44, as they enjoy their weekend getaway at the Desperate Housewives retreat at the Balcones Springs Fitness Camp and Spa near Marble Falls on October 17, 2009.

Thao Nguyen/FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN 10/17/09

Laura Thomas, 31, of Burnet receives a massage from Brenda Young on a balcony overlooking the lake as part of the Desperate Housewives retreat at the Balcones Springs Fitness Camp and Spa near Marble Falls on October 17, 2009.

Ali and Suzanne's wedding.

The Christian family at Butler Park.

Driving into Port Aransas for my birthday.

Shoes before soaking.

Shadows on the Port Aransas Inn.

Dennis on the docks.

His bait.

Ed fishing on the docks.

Shadows and fun.

Beached jellyfish.

x2

Hi-way cutting up fish at the cleaning station.

The pile of fish caught from an 8 hour deep sea trip at Deep Sea Headquarters in Port Aransas, TX.

Playing with natural lights.

Catching the stars.

Tennis for AA-S: http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/highschool/2009/11/07/1107preptennis.html

Thao Nguyen/ FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN 11/06/09

New Braunfels junior Tanner Brown plays doubles with Matt Dooley (not pictured) and defeated Houston Memorial players Amir Rahbar and Riechman in the UIL team tennis state tournament at the World of Tennis in Lakeway on November 6, 2009.

Thao Nguyen/ FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN 11/06/09

New Braunfels junior Tanner Brown plays doubles with Matt Dooley (not pictured) and defeated Houston Memorial players Amir Rahbar and Riechman in the UIL team tennis state tournament at the World of Tennis in Lakeway on November 6, 2009.

Thao Nguyen/ FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN 11/06/09

New Braunfels senior Lilly Kimball competed against and beat her opponent Katie Davis from the Houston Memorial team in the UIL team tennis state tournament at the World of Tennis in Lakeway on November 6, 2009.

Thao Nguyen/ FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN 11/06/09

New Braunfels senior Lilly Kimball competed against and beat her opponent Katie Davis from the Houston Memorial team in the UIL team tennis state tournament at the World of Tennis in Lakeway on November 6, 2009.

Thao Nguyen/ FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN 11/09/09

Delilah arrives in Austin on November 9, 2009 after being transported from Afghanistan. She is currently staying with her owner's sister in law Laura Fleming. http://www.statesman.com/search/content/news/stories/local/2009/11/10/1110afghandog.html

Pre-shoot random shot.

Pre-shoot preparation shot.

Business portrait for http://okbird.com/

Business portrait for http://okbird.com/

Social and offbeat fun!

I felt as if it was time to give the blog a few photos to play with. Many of these are just random shots from life in the past few weeks.

Ashley.

My Converses.

A random shot that I somehow enjoy.

A fun group photo. Imagine how awesome this would be if I was standing overhead shooting your group of friends! (I wouldn't cut out anyone and it would be a creatively fun photo of course! :))

A good night departure shot.

Candle vigil walk for Justin Gabriel.

Candle vigil walk for Justin Gabriel outside of the Stevie Ray Vaughn statue at Lady Bird Lake surrounded by friends and family.

Friends, family and the Austin city lights.

Seaholm Power Plant ACL after party.

Seaholm Power Plant ACL after party.

Quick family portrait.

Some new ones!

Pro boxer Alexis Camacho.

A few portraits of Scott.

Both cute.

This is a sheep that my boyfriend's mother created and gifted to me this past weekend. It is said that you hang her on your doorknob and every time her little bells ring, that means that fortune is said to be coming your way. :)

The first time I saw one was boyfriend's car and he explained it to me, then when his mom came to visit, she presented one to me. He must have told her that I thought it was quite adorable.

I just enjoy the photo on the back of the book replacing his face! :)

AMTGARD- Nocturnis

A few snippets from a live action role play group in Cedar Park, Texas.

An oldie

Here's an old photo from the archive... figured I should stick to the boxing theme! :P I didn't post this earlier because I got stuck about 15 feet or so from the ring and so had to use a zoom lenses. Most of the photos caught some great action, but it also caught the rope running straight through their faces!

Jesus Chavez vs Michael Katsidis on April 4th, 2009 at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas.

Police Activities League hosts Boxing Clinic with Jesus Chavez and sponsored by RunTex

A few of my favorite shots from the boxing clinic.

Joshiah Reyes of the Bully Unit and Ricky Medina of the SAPR club fight it out at the Friday July 10, 2009 boxing show. Reyes went on to win the fight.

Ricky Medina with his trainer during the quick break between rounds at the Friday July 10, 2009 boxing show.

Joe Haros from the Pit Boxing Club goes against Brandon Hilts from Richard Lords Boxing gym at the Friday July 10, 2009 boxing show. Hilts came out on top of the fight.

With his father on one side and pro boxer Alexis Camacho on the other side, Xuan Machado of the Castillo Boxing Club gets his gloves removed at the end of his fight at the Friday July 10, 2009 boxing show. Machado claimed the win over his opponent Ulysses Herrera of the 2nd Chance Boxing club.

Facebook fan page for Blue Firefly Studio

Blue Firefly Studio on Facebook

Vision Magazine- July Edition, China

So if you happen to be in China, go pick up a copy of Vision magazine and see my 3 page spread Elvis story!

I don't know if I'll ever see a hard copy of it, but here is a glimpse of what the badboy looks like! :)

I'm in the culture section starting on page 208!

(This is what the cover of the mag looks like this month, I didn't shoot this btw)

http://www.youthvision.cn/

Training with Jesus Chavez photos

Recently I got the opportunity to photograph Jesus for an article for Pam LeBlanc's FitCity column which can be found here.

Thao Nguyen/ FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 06/15/09

Jesus Chavez at the boxing gym annex at the RunTex on Riverside St on June 15, 2009.

Thao Nguyen/ FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 06/15/09

Jesus Chavez at the boxing gym annex at the RunTex on Riverside St on June 15, 2009.

Thao Nguyen/ FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 06/11/09

Jesus Chavez works out Pam LaBlanc and other students in the boxing gym annex at the RunTex on Riverside St.

Thao Nguyen/ FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 06/11/09

Jesus Chavez works out Pam LaBlanc and other students in the boxing gym annex at the RunTex on Riverside St. on June 11, 2009.

Thao Nguyen/ FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 06/11/09

Crayton Carrozza, 9, (left) gets his hands wrapped by Jesus Chavez while his brother Coby Carrozza, 8, watches and waits for their training session to begin at the boxing gym annex at the RunTex on Riverside St. on June 11, 2009.

Thao Nguyen/ FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 06/11/09

Jesus Chavez wraps Crayton Carrozza's hands as they prepare for a training session at the boxing gym annex at the RunTex on Riverside St. on June 11, 2009.

Thao Nguyen/ FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 06/11/09

Jesus Chavez works with Coby Carrozza, 8, in the boxing gym annex at the RunTex on Riverside St. on June 11, 2009.

Thao Nguyen/ FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 06/11/09

Jesus Chavez works with Coby Carrozza, 8, in the boxing gym annex at the RunTex on Riverside St. on June 11, 2009.

Thao Nguyen/ FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 06/11/09

Crayton Carrozza, 9, (left) punches a bag with his brother Coby Carrozza, 8, at the boxing gym annex at the RunTex on Riverside St. on June 11, 2009.

Ben and Faith's wedding

Last Friday I had the pleasure of photographing Ben and Faith's wedding in Arlington, Texas. Congrats to the gorgeous couple! :)

My cousin's wedding in Seattle

Flowers from Pike's Market.

Lobster

Gma and relatives preparing the gifts for the tea ceremony.

My cousin, the groom, Tim

Pinning on the boutonniere.

Tim with the bouquet.

Going to cars to load up and head to bride's house.

Plum wine for the tea kettle.

Delivery.

Ceremony.

Doan, bride, on phone with lost limo driver.

:)

Congratulations Doan and Tim! :)

Vi and Chris at the park

Vi Nguyen and Chris Tong hanging out at the park near Lady Bird Lake in Austin, Texas.

Some editorial work from the past few months!

02/04/09 Thao Nguyen/For AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Danielle Salon a music teacher who was on TLC's What Not to Wear shows off her new wardrobe and her new look on February 4, 2009.

02/04/09 Thao Nguyen/For AMERICAN-STATESMAN

A few pieces of jewelry from Danielle Salon a music teacher who was on TLC's What not to Wear shows off her new wardrobe and her new look on February 4, 2009.

02/10/09 Thao Nguyen/For AMERICAN-STATESMAN

In the next 3-4 weeks the Austin PD will be testing out a small handheld bluetooth enabled fingerprint scanner that will allow the officers to check the fingerprint database for any matches on people for post arrest or for those who consent. Holding the Blue Check system device is Jerry Pena.

02/10/09 Thao Nguyen/For AMERICAN-STATESMAN

In the next 3-4 weeks the Austin PD will be testing out a small handheld bluetooth enabled fingerprint scanner that will allow the officers to check the fingerprint database for any matches on people for post arrest or for those who consent.

2/20/09 Thao Nguyen/For AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Craig Toungate, a local singer/actor, has produced a one-man show about his great great grandfather's adventures to the Alamo when he was 18 years old.

April 2, 2009, Photo by Thao Nguyen/For AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Wimberly residents Mark Krotzer, his aunt Barbara Timko and Phil Krotzer sit out on the porch and enjoy their wine and beer while Mark's wife takes the wine tasting class at Clifford's Original Wine Bar. The owners made it a private club open to all so that they are able to serve alcohol while being in a dry county. The are open Thursday through Saturday 4 pm through 11 pm.

April 30, 2009. Photo by Thao Nguyen For Austin Fit Magazine

Berry parfait

April 30, 2009. Thao Nguyen/For AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Jennifer Nettles (left) and Kristian Bush of Sugarland performs at the Frank Erwin Center on April 30, 2009.

April 30, 2009. Thao Nguyen/For AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Jennifer Nettles (left) and Kristian Bush of Sugarland performs at the Frank Erwin Center on April 30, 2009.

April 30, 2009. Thao Nguyen/For AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Jennifer Nettles (left) and Kristian Bush of Sugarland performs at the Frank Erwin Center on April 30, 2009.

May 8, 2009. Photo by Thao Nguyen for Austin Fit Magazine

Mark Blumenthal- Founder and Executive Director, Editor, HerbalGram & HerbClip

May 1, 2009. Photo by Thao Nguyen for Austin Fit Magazine

Dr. Slaughter from the Nasal and Sinus Center of Austin.

April 29, 2009. Photo by Thao Nguyen for Austin Fit Magazine

Jogi Bhagat, yoga instructor for Yoga Solutions

May 15, 2009. Photo by Thao Nguyen/For AMERICAN-STATESMAN

A silver Aston Martin DBS as seen at the John Eagle European dealership on 12989 Research Blvd., Austin, TX.

May 15, 2009. Photo by Thao Nguyen/For AMERICAN-STATESMAN

A carbon black Aston Martin DBS as seen at the John Eagle European dealership on 12989 Research Blvd., Austin, TX.

May 15, 2009. Photo by Thao Nguyen/For AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Writer Pam LeBlanc sits in an Aston Martin DBS silver, red, carbon black as seen at the John Eagle European dealership on 12989 Research Blvd., Austin, TX.

May 28, 2009. Photo by Thao Nguyen/For AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Susan Lubin, Nina Seely, Marcia Levy, and Janice Ryan look through a personal photo album that Karen Spellings, a friend of Farrah Fawcett brought for the evening to share with others. Guests gather for a Farrah Fawcett charity event in order to help raise money for Locks of Love on the evening of May 28, 2009.

May 28, 2009. Photo by Thao Nguyen/For AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Lisa Bradford fills out a contribution form for Locks of Love at a gather for a Farrah Fawcett charity event in order to help raise money for Locks of Love on the evening of May 28, 2009.

May 28, 2009. Photo by Thao Nguyen/For AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Nina Seely (right) announces to the guest that the American Cancer Society had sent over a poster of Farrah Fawcett and she wanted guest to sign it so they could send it to the family. The guests came to gather for a Farrah Fawcett charity event in order to help raise money for Locks of Love on the evening of May 28, 2009.

May 28, 2009. Photo by Thao Nguyen/For AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Gail Chovan checks all the trivia sheets to determine the winner of the Farrah Trivia Contest that they put on as part of a gathering for a Farrah Fawcett charity event in order to help raise money for Locks of Love on the evening of May 28, 2009.

May 28, 2009. Photo by Thao Nguyen/For AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Hosts Nina Seely, Gail Chovan, and MP Mueller all gather for a Farrah Fawcett charity event in order to help raise money for Locks of Love on the evening of May 28, 2009.

Thao Nguyen/ FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 05/30/09

Joel Beard, 28, makes an orange screen printed beet with the help of Ashley DeVille, 24, during Skillshare Austin's 2nd Annual Full Weekend Event on May 30, 2009 at Space 12 on 3121 E. 12th St.

Thao Nguyen/ FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 05/30/09

Finn Skuldt, 5, with the help of his mom, Cory Skuldt, 29, teaches the Handknitting session during Skillshare Austin's 2nd Annual Full Weekend Event on May 30, 2009 at Space 12 on 3121 E. 12th St.

Thao Nguyen/ FOR AMERICAN-STATESMAN, 06/06/09

Jessie D'Aoust, 39, and Shawn Bryan, 43, stand and talk about the watering hole they had planned to spend the afternoon at while Julianna Potter, 23, and Avery Holton, 28, (center) climb out of the dried out Twin Falls in the Barton Creek Greenbelt on June 6, 2009.

A few random photos of Vi

Skill Share Austin

I spent the weekend hanging out with a great batch of people and documented and produced an audio slideshow of the Skillshare Austin Workshop weekend.

http://thaophotography.com

Click. Visit. Watch. Listen. Enjoy! :)

The hard workers of Skillshare Austin: Chris, Virginia, Cory, Charity and David.

Graduation Party

This is just a random photo from a graduation party I shot this weekend! I love how the cowboy hat contrast with the ladies in white :)

Midori sours

Underwater photography :)

Chris and Vi.

Kevin.

Oz.

Rachel's senior photos

You gotta have some by the tower right? :)

My favorite from the whole take... something about the colors and composition that I love about this image!

A little robe action on the Drag!

Updates

Lots has changed for me lately when it comes to my photography. Something dawned on me about last week and the way I function and do business has changed a bit and already I'm seeing changes and even had contact and/or booked a shoot or two. 

So that always brings some sort of happiness! :) I've also finished my postcards, flyers and business cards. By next week hopefully I'll start to put them around town a bit! 

Also did I mention you can also find me on theknot.com? 

Also officially Blue Firefly Studio as seen on Facebook!

Facebook!

The world is advancing... least in my photo world! Thao Nguyen = Thao Nguyen photography = Blue Firefly Studio has a facebook fan page!

Come check out my work consolidated into one place!

Facebook page

the kitty, the red snapper and the salmon

Product shots

So I was given the task of providing samples for a client. They wanted fitness related products. I built a homemade light box and this is what I came up with-

This is actually my snack for tomorrow.

My daily vitamins!
Some sunscreen I bought a long while ago.

My green onion chicken on rice with baked veggies.

The lock that I love from India! (the link it has to fitness is that its the lock I use when I go to the gym!) :)

piggies and horses

Twas a gloomy day, makes for flat images. I picked these two out of the whole bunch as my favorites. The pig reminds me/smells like my old pig Romeo. :)

XFC- February 27, 2009 at the expo center in Austin

Roy Babcock (Lone Wolf MMA) defeats Matthew Green (Round One)

1st rd 2:32 tap out by rear naked choke

Daniel Gibson (Adrenaline Fight Sports) vs Chris Trammel (grapplers Domain) - I forget which one of the two this was, I am almost certain it is Chris Trammel with his manager.

Dodge and Burn blog

It's me! go check it out. It's a blog about Diversity in photography. Enjoy! :)

 http://dodgeburn.blogspot.com/2009/02/photographer-interview-thao-nguyen.html

under the bridge

A random quick portrait under the bridge in the park on Valentine's day.

House of Commons fire

Austin firefighters work to put out the 2 alarm fire on the 3rd floor of the House of Commons Co-op on 2610 Rio Grande St. which caught on fire some around 3 p.m. The cause is fire is suspected to be from a hot glue gun that had been forgotten overnight. 

This was my wonderful house ;'( 

homegrown carrots!

I live in the House of Commons Co-op in Austin, TX. We have a cute little garden in the front yard. These are some baby carrots that were planted a few months back. :)

Austin, my new home!

So I've moved in and been here officially about 9 days. Yesterday was Vietnamese new year as well as a good and productive day for me. 

I finally got a P.O. box in Austin. Then I went and got a DBA (doing business as) for Blue Firefly Studio. Swung over the paper and signed my freelance contract. Got a call later for a gig the following day! yay! 

Then to top it off, mom calls and tells me that my assignment that I had shoot about 8 months ago finally ran in the paper. I had cover art  and some inside art in the Boys Scout magazine Boy's Life (which I can't see yet cuz they are at home in DFW) :)

Productive day! Supposedly according to tradition, what you do on new years, will essentially be what you will be doing all year. So for most people they play and don't work so that they can have a carefree year. I worked, and I loved it. I hope I have a photo filled year! :)

http://boyslife.org/section/magazine

Willy

A quick photo session with Willy, one of the housemates from my co-op the House of Commons.

Matthew Isisah Rodriguez

Marissa had her son Matthew Isisah Rodriguez on December 27, 2008. He was 3 lbs, 1 oz, and 16 cm. 

Brrr...

I dunno how I survived Syracuse! It rained and iced over in Arlington, TX today. 

Winter park

My sister at the park in Mansfield, TX.