So I figured it was about time that I try to post a few images while we are on our family vacation in Florida.  It all started a few months back when Stacey's sister was wanting us to go with her on a Disney Cruise.  She had just been through a very difficult year and wanted as much of her family to join her as possible.  After some very strong persuasion and an "offer we couldn't refuse", we decided to join her family.  Since we were going to be in Florida, we made plans to also spend some time with Stacey's parents in Naples and check in on some photographers we know in Miami. 

So far we have been blessed by wonderful weather and a great time.  We got to meet up with four of the people I went to Tanzania, Africa with and met some new friends.  My friends Ray Santana and Kenny Kim were holding the portfolio plus workshop at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, and while doing so, Laura Parker, Phillip Glickman, and David Burke were all coming in to attend or help.  We all share a unique bond by going to Tanzania on the behalf of Thirst Relief.  The next day we had plans to meet up with another photographer I met a few years ago at WPPI by the name of Carlos Baez.  When I told him we were going to be in town, he and his lovely wife invited us over for lunch.  They have the two cutest boys and were such gracious hosts. We had Cuban sandwiches (which I have grown to love) followed by the best Cuban coffee, and a wonderful conversation.  Carlos has been working in photography for over 20 years and has so much great information to share.  

We have one day left at Stacey's parents and then are on our way to the boat!  If all goes according to schedule I heard there will be a shuttle launch the morning we get back to dock.  If so, we should be able to watch it from the boat.  How cool is that!  We have been having a great time and will try to bring some of the Florida sun back with us!  Here are just a few odd and end pictures that we grabbed so far while on vacation. 

Visiting the Polynesian at Disney World where Stacey's sister and her family are staying





Lauren waiting for Tinker Bell to open up the fireworks (which she did if you look at the far right :)



Disney from across the bay at night



South Beach



The "house" that Versace built



This guy would sing on the side of Collins Avenue both days we were there



Starting Lauren off on the right foot!



At Naples chilling out with Stacey's parents









P.S.  If anyone has tried calling me, my phone went out of commission and we haven't been able to get it fixed.  Please either try Stacey or e-mail us!

Ok, I'll just come out and say it, we have been bad bloggers lately!  With that said, I'll do my best to explain why.  I flew out of town unexpectedly on January 10th for a week and Stacey had single mom duty with Lauren and Ian, "the tiny tornado", while I was gone.  We got a call that my dad was in the hospital in Lake Havasu, AZ with some heart issues.  I am happy to report that he didn't have a heart attack, but his heart wasn't "in rhythm".  The top of his heart was beating at a different rate than the bottom.  The good news is that they got it back into rhythm and I was able to take him back to his place.  The Doctors are keeping close tabs on him, but he is out!  In addition, I am very proud of him for taking on some changes he needs to make head first.  He told me that he lost 14lbs since leaving the hospital on the 13th. 

To make things a little more exciting, I flew home on the 17th, gave a speech for the local ABC chapter (Association of Bridal Consultants) on the 19th, and we left for a family vacation the morning of the 20th.  Needless to say it has been a bit chaotic at the Thon house!  Despite all the chaos, it has turned out to be a blessing in disguise.  I got to spend a week with my Dad (and a lot of different Dr's and nurses :), which was nice.  Plus, I had the chance to catch up with some old and new friends.  Roger and I were in each others wedding and have been friends since 4th grade.  He was kind enough to offer me a place to crash before I flew home from Phoenix, where I ended up spending the evening with his family.  To top things off, I was able to have lunch with Melissa Jill, a great photographer and friend from the Tanzania trip.  It was so good to spend a little time with them both! 

In closing I am going to leave you with an image of a sunset taken in front of where my Dad is staying this winter.  It was the best one of the week and I was so happy to be able grab a quick shot.  Check back later for my thoughts on the ABC speech and hopefully we can post some pictures while on vacation!

Wow, I am honored to be the feature speaker on Tuesday, January 19th for the Minneapolis Association of Bridal Consultants.  If anyone in the wedding industry is interested in coming, here is a link to the Evite.

I have posted the Title and small outline of the presentation below:






I hope to see you there!

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.