Sean Thonson

About Sean Thonson

I grew up, quite literally, with a camera in my hands. My father taught graphic design and photography at Humboldt State University, and from a young age I took advantage of his knowledge (and his darkroom) to begin a lifelong study of light and composition. That passion led me to a degree from ArtCenter College of Design and a successful career as a photographer, cinematographer and director.

I love visual storytelling and creating drop-dead gorgeous images. I’ve directed spots for virtually every prestigious automaker, including Ferrari, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus, as well as clients including Dove, Gillette, Dow and JP Morgan Chase. My 16-spot “Remember to Breathe” campaign for Travel Alberta captured the province’s mountains and wilderness in all their splendor. I’m equally at home on scripted broadcast spots and docu-style branded content, and I direct and shoot my own work.

Extreme sports and exploring the outdoors are a big part of my life. As a lifelong surfer and diver, I’ve experienced the world’s oceans and rivers from above and below, from the cenotes of Mexico to the blue holes of the Bahamas to the shark-filled waters off Hawaii. I’m most at home when the world is liquid and the depths are unexplored, and I’ve created memorable underwater sequences throughout my career. There are no tricks: my understanding of light and ability to shoot action in nature come from experience.

Sean Thonson – REEL

• British Columbia Tourism – Super Natural
• BMW – Right to Drive
• New York State Tourism – Happiness
• Gillette – World's Scariest Shave
• Dow – Energy
• Jeep – Mud Pie
• Travel Alberta – Albertan
• Dow – Water
• J.P. Morgan – The Bean Project