Wow, what a fun way to start off the first Tanzania Thursday of the new year!  For this edition, I have some exciting news to share.  One of my favorite images from the trip was chosen for the article on the Thirst Relief Benefit Shoot. 

For those of you who haven't heard of Wedding Style magazine, within the industry it is considered one of the best magazines out there.  Grace Ormonde has staked her name on the visual appearance of this magazine.  If you were to look through it, everything is done very classy and pleasing to the eye.  The first time I came across the magazine, it instantly became a must read because I was so impressed with the layout, the images, and the style that Grace features.  I remember showing Stacey it for the first time and we both said "We want to be in there, how cool would that be".  Mark one off the bucket list I guess :).  In all actuality, I just feel honored to have my name next to any of the other people who went on the trip.

I encourage anyone who hasn't read Grace's magazine to take a look.  I think you would agree that her magazine is top notch!  Without further delay, here is the article.  My image is of the boy getting a piggy back ride on page 104.  We are hoping this is just the first of many future appearances.  Thanks Grace!

Recently I have been noticing the incredible job (and money) that Chanel puts into it's commercials.  I recently saw the commercial for the COCO CHANEL perfume and had to rewind it just for how inspiring it was visually.  There was tremendous use of color and light to balance the dark tones, fantastic use of reflections, and some great composition throughout.

One thing that I have noticed more and more is that the longer Stacey and I have been doing photography, the more we see things in a new light and are inspired by things we come across everyday.  With all of that said, if you haven't seen it already, here is the commercial. 

P.S.  For some cool information about Chanel is dubbing an "advertising film", you can go to CHANEL COCO MADEMOISELLE.

So Stacey and I will try to put a wrap on 2009 in the next week or two with our thoughts on the year that was.  However, in the spirit of looking forward, I wanted to share this image with you.  I love what this picture represents to me and our business.  The ship feels like life and how it continues to move forward.  Continuing with this theme there are shafts of light and a couple of darker streaks.  I find it very symbolic and has a calming effect.

In closing, Stacey and I hope that the sun may shine upon you and your loved ones this new year!

Stacey and I have been given the wonderful opportunity to capture "The Nutcracker" as performed by the Wausau Dance Theatre a number of years now.  Between photographing it and taking Lauren twice, we have probably seen the live production about 7 - 10 times.  Yet, I still look forward to coming back every year.  I am continually amazed at the grace and elegance that the dancers have.  It always renews an appreciation of a different art-form, and stretches our abilities as photographers.  What made this year extra exciting was that it was the 40th Anniversary production by the Central Wisconsin School of Ballet.  Needless to say they pulled out all the stops for this special occasion by bringing in international guest dancers Irina Dvorovenko and Maxim Beloserkovsky. 

At this point you may be asking how two Minneapolis wedding photographers end up shooting a ballet in central Wisconsin.  Stacey is originally from Wausau and we had shot a wedding there a few years back for Alicia and Mark.  Mark runs the lighting for the Grand Theater in Wausau and has worked on the production of the ballet before.  Long story short, they saw his wedding pictures and were looking for a similar style of coverage for their next production.  We jumped in not knowing what we were getting into, but couldn't have been happier that we did.  Since then, we have covered a number of their ballets and have had the privilege of getting to know Madame Karkar (the founder of CWSB), along with her daughter and son who head up WDT.  They always treat us so well, and while doing so, Lauren has developed a little crush on Patrik.

Now that you know the back story, why don't we get on to the good part, PICTURES!  We have posted a few of our favorites below, and have also put together a SLIDESHOW with some of the highlights of this year's ballet!  We would like to thank Annaluna and the rest of Wasuau Dance Theatre for having us capture this special 40th Anniversary production! 

P.S.  If you want to take a look at some of last year's highlights, you can find them HERE!

 

As I sit here looking out at the snow, the Christmas tree, and take in the smell of the holidays, it makes me pause to think about friends, family, and loved ones both near and far.  It makes me think about the fun dinner we just enjoyed with Stacey's family.  It makes me think about the joy in our kid's eyes as they wake up in the morning.  It brings a smile to my face, and makes me want to do more in life.  The one thing I love about this time of year is creating traditions and memories.  Some of my favorite Christmas memories growing up were the simplest, but they almost always centered around traditions.  I am thankful for so much that sometimes I have to step back and take it all in. 

We hope that this Holiday Season has brought happiness and good memories to you all!  With that in mind, we at Staja Studios would like to wish all of you, particularly our family, friends, and clients a very Merry Christmas!  We are truly blessed for the part all of you have played in our lives!
 
In closing, here are a few images of some good times we shared this Christmas season!