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Stepping back...
Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 06:20 PM
"Artists become veteran artists only by making peace not just with themselves, but with a huge range of issues. You have to find your work all over again all the time, and to do that you have to give yourself maneuvering room on many fronts - mental, physical, temporal."  - David Bayles & Ted Orland

I recently read this quote in a book I was re-reading last month called Art & Fear. I highly recommend the book to anyone in a creative field who is hungry & pushing to expand themselves. Whenever you're working to expand in some way there are unavoidably a slew of monsters the rear their ugly heads. What I'm becoming very aware of in my creative journey is how these monsters are signs that we are heading in the right direction. What I mean by that is these monsters (ie. our fears) are reminders that we're uncomfortable, and when we're uncomfortable we are growing, we are expanding. Fear is a necessary evil for creating anything worthwhile. I feel like in a lot of ways I'm at a point in my life where I am living and breathing this quote. I am having to find my work all over again in many ways, I'm going through a season of transition and expansion. I'm working to re-connect with the stories that I want to tell & how I can tell those better. Ultimately I'm getting in touch with the kind of work that I truly care about creating. Because of that, I've needed to give myself some space. Some more time away from the computer & away from this blog even to explore those things. I've stepped back from social media, twitter & Facebook in many respects. What I've discovered is that stepping back offers a lot of perspective on how much time I was spending reading through what others were doing via twitter/fb and less time on what I need to be doing. Places like twitter and Facebook create a culture that is driven by self promotion. It's a lot like stepping into an overcrowded room with everyone screaming something to the effect of, "look at all the cool stuff that I'm doing!!!" The byproduct of this is this overall feeling that what I was doing was never enough.... or that someone else's life and opportunities were better than mine. I hate feeling that way. It sucks. And if I can control what I read why not lessen or remove things that create more un-necessary noise? I'm not saying twitter & FB don't serve a purpose, they do, I just think they can sometimes muddy our creative genius.

In the process of stepping back from this blog & social media I've felt a kind of drive that isn't initiated by what others are doing or the fear of others, but rather one initiated out of the real & honest desires of my heart... It's the kind of motivation that says, "I really don't care if anyone ever see's these images, I'm creating them only because I must." And thus, I have been creating some work that I'm really excited about over the past 6 months & yet I haven't shared it here as a way of giving myself some room to explore my real motivations for doing things. And I'll be real with you, it feels REALLY good. I would recommend stepping back from any of those things that may be distractions as a healthy creative experiment to any of you, maybe you'll discover something new about yourself when you remove the gratification or motivation of others from the equation. I know I have. The one social media outlet I've really taken to during this time of stepping back is Instagram. I love the sharing through a visual medium & it's an overall more positive place to share & keep up with people you care about in my opinion. I've put some recent images (all shot with my iPhone) from my instagram feed up here because lets be honest, no one likes a blog post with no photos ;)

Thoughts
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jeff says: Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 01:33 PM

it's about time someone told the truth and put this into words. though i would not have expected it from anyone but you, honestly.

keep up the great work. i really enjoy your images.
Anda says: Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 07:08 AM

Sarah, my kindred spirit. 100% agree. Nope, 110%. Love you for who you are and what you're doing and how you're inspiring me along my own journey. xx. PS -- did you know we have the same great kicks? Can't go wrong with VANS, right? Sk8ter gurls 4 life, ha ;)
Irena says: Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 06:16 AM

I've been toying with the same idea in my head for a while now, so your post definitely came as a kick in the b*** in the right direction. Very inspiring! :-D
Yorkshire Wedding Photographer says: Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 01:57 AM

Hi Sarah,

I've been feeling exactly the same way recently, and I love your summing up of social media. I do always try to make it more about sharing things with people as opposed to farting new work in everyone's faces but you do sometimes get caught up in the ratrace of showing off your latest and greatest!

I've started by initially turning off notifications for things like twitter/facebook/email off on my phone. I found that's a good step in the first instance then you're only checking when you choose and you're not at the mercy of a little ding and a flashing light all day.

Thanks for sharing this, at least I know I'm not alone in the fight to disconnect myself a little more and decide what I really want to shoot.
Meredith Mullooly says: Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 01:53 AM

Thanks for your beautiful honest words. Exactly what I needed to hear right now. Its very easy to feel lost in the sea of online imagery and somehow think your own work is invalid because of it....

sharon says: Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 11:09 PM

Found your rad feed and thus your blog recently on Instagram. Your words were really timely for me. I take photos and blog just as a way to see the world and get my thoughts out. Right now there is a lot of change going on in my life and I love your words about fear showing us that we are headed in the right direction. What a great encouragement to know that I am uncomfortable because I am growing, in real life and also hopefully in my art.

FB has kinda always frustrated me and I couldn't get into the Twitter thing but I have fallen hard and fast for Instagram. That nagging guilt and frustration that I wasn't documenting the everyday nitty gritty of my families life is now gone. They are insta documented and I am happy and free to focus on growing in my other photography! Also it has been such a great place to connect with others and you're right its such a positive place :)
Love your work, good job stepping back, staying focused and inspiring others!
xo Sharon
Matt says: Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 08:56 PM

Thanks for writing this Sarah. It's a very timely message.
stacy k says: Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 08:41 PM

Love this post ... you are inspiring! I feel so much better when I am actively creating instead of wasting time on FB ... even though it's so easy to fall into time-wasting! Keep doing what you're doing :)
Megan Eckers says: Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 08:21 PM

Beautiful and true thoughts. Thank you so much for sharing.

Kate says: Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 08:21 PM

Exactly what I needed to read tonight. Thank you for writing/posting.

Cassy says: Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 08:08 PM

This post seriously is something i've also been thinking about as an aspiring artist, as you wish, for the past few weeks! You said it all perfectly. Thank you for giving me the motivation to actually follow through with it. :)
Alyssa Schroeder says: Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 08:06 PM

Great post, Sarah! I love the points you made... so true. Especially the whole "look at all the cool stuff that I'm doing" with social media. I find it so much easier to be content with life stepping back from it all.

tif says: Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 07:58 PM

and I say ..XO
Jenn Stark says: Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 07:58 PM

Sarah, these words are so true!! Thank you so much for expressing it. I too have found myself taking a step back from these things recently.... I think we (the general we, as in we as artists) need to re-learn what it means to truly create something new, and something that comes from within ourselves.... our culture is moving rapidly towards one where people are sharing more than ever, and people are "seeking inspiration" more than ever, and I think we're (sadly) losing that ability to look inside ourselves and just trust what is there. Trust what we've learned & taken in over the years and run with it. Thanks again so much for this post. xo
erika says: Tuesday, May 15, 2012, 07:39 PM

I'm feel like I'm on the other end: I don't know why I'm taking pictures any longer. I just don't feel the same power to create. And because I find that so sad, I won't stop. There's no sadness in something that isn't worthy. So that sadness pushes me to find that passion once again. I'm powering through my funk. I just hope I emerge on the fun side of photography once again.
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My life lately...
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Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 04:23 AM
I've taken a little hiatus from posting on this blog as of late. I think I may have just needed some time re-group & re-focus. Recently I've been experiencing this crazy thing that I like to call, dare I say it, some (may it be small) amount of balance in my life. Balance is something I've been trying to get a grip on for the entirety of my career as an entrepreneur/photographer.... please don't hear me wrong, I by no means have it down, but I'm getting a grip on my life for the first time in the seven years I've been doing this. And it feels good. 

For the first time since college, I'm intentionally making time for the people & parts of my world that inspire me. I'm working on a personal project that has been on my heart for about a year now... finally stepping out & pursuing it because I'm sick of making excuses & being "too busy with paid assignments." I'm taking up some directing projects because it's something that Chris & I have been interested in for a while. I'm spending non-work time with Chris which has been amazing for both of us. I'm taking better care of myself & have been going to yoga two or three times a week. If you knew me, you would know that taking any amount of time out for myself away from work is a big deal for me. I realize how ridiculous that sounds as I type it, but I think it's time I come to terms with the fact that I am a work-aholic. It's really hard to exercise restraint when you genuinely love what you do. Can I get an amen?

However, there are so many beautiful parts of life that are to be enjoyed, experienced & explored. With the handful of years & the shillings of wisdom I have collected over these years, I've discovered the value found in enriching my "creative pot." And I know that pot can't be enriched or grow bigger if I'm feeding it the same things that I always have. I've discovered that oftentimes we have to break something even if it "works." We have to shake things up & seek out learning new things & let go of others. And sometimes letting things go is an act of far greater power than defending or hanging on. I've let go to things that are lower priorities to me in order to welcome the new. Balance offers new experiences, bad & good. It teaches us how to "do" relationships & ultimately "life" better. So far this year has been all about exactly that... trying new things, experiencing a variety of "firsts", getting to know myself better, filling my creative pot to the brim. Being scared, confused & excited all at the same time. 

I'm willing to share the tangible practice of how I'm working to manifest balance in my life, but I will also say it is not something that is easy to do if you are anything like me. The first thing is to know & experience the power that resides in one word, "no." I used to be scared to say no. I am learning the art of welcoming & even relishing that tiny little life changing phrase. When you say yes to everything & everyone you end up saying no to yourself. Not a fun way to live. I want to say "yes" to me & "yes" to living the inspired & fulfilled life God wants for me. When I first discovered how good welcoming balance into my life felt I was terrified. I had a serious case of FOMO about what I was missing out on in terms of work... I felt guilty about enjoying my time outside of "the office." About all the things I could be doing to work on the business & hone my craft. Sure does sound like an abusive relationship huh? I'm realizing a lot as I write this ;) But as I settled into my new & growing relationship with the word "no" I'm finding myself attracting the people & projects that were exactly what I want to say YES to.  I'm growing... I can feel it in the deepest parts of me. I feel the growth pains like I did as a gangly sixth grader & my knees hurt every time I tried to dance. I have enough life experience to know that this kind of growing is exactly the kind I need & I'm finding it by giving myself the space & time to do it. Balance is a beautiful thing. I sure don't have it figured out, but I'm one tiny step closer to it & at this point I'll take what I can get. 

Just got about twelve rolls of film back from the lab that are shots from our life over the past few months. These are shot with a variety of the many cameras I keep with me as my pocket cameras. And for those of you who want to keep up with our paid assignments & other things that are inspiring us you'll best find them on our We are the Rhoads blog :) Enjoy.

 

Thoughts
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Jackie Lovato says: Monday, April 16, 2012, 06:22 PM

the blog's back! i love wearetherhoads.com but c'mon. THIS is where it's at. #ineedmoresarahrhoadsinmylife #thankgod #halleluiah #pleaseneverleaveusagain

Britt Spring says: Wednesday, March 21, 2012, 03:37 AM

I've been wondering where you went. Assumed on some amazing adventure. Love your take on life, it's refreshing and real. We all need to stop & take stock throughout our life it's our way of taking control back. can't wait for more posts. x
Abalo says: Saturday, March 10, 2012, 10:45 AM

Sarah, you are such an inspiration!!! I have been trying to get balance out of my life and get more out of this creative adventure called LIFE, and just reading your blog reminded me and reminds me that it is always important to take the time out to JUST BE. Go on Girl - GO, DO and BE!!!
Anni says: Friday, March 9, 2012, 11:26 AM

Thanks for sharing these, and your thoughts! Sometimes it to so refreshing to see (and shoot!) personal work amidst all the work we do for others.
Michael says: Thursday, March 8, 2012, 08:56 AM

Hey Sarah! Just wanna say thanks for getting back on here to tell us how things are going. The pictures you posted are amazing and it sounds like you are really enjoying living your life! Best of luck with your project, look forward to hearing more about it!
Monica says: Wednesday, March 7, 2012, 11:52 AM

Sarah - I do not know you, nor have I had the time to follow you on a regular basis, but I feel the need to tell you "Hooray for you!" I have been going through this myself. This change of life, of how to think, of how to do, of how to just be...
I look forward to following you along this new journey :)
amanda vanvels says: Wednesday, March 7, 2012, 09:28 AM

i love this whole post, sarah! p.s. I see me in that big group of ladies :)
abbey says: Wednesday, March 7, 2012, 07:44 AM

so great to hear. i love this post SO SO much!!!! thanks for sharing sarah!
Harrogate Wedding Photographer says: Wednesday, March 7, 2012, 04:23 AM

Loved reading this Sarah, also love the layout of your blog. I usually only read it in RSS form so I had no idea it worked like this! :D
Carly says: Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 11:50 PM

Thank you for sharing this post, it was a lovely read with my mornin coffee!

Kyra Barger says: Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 05:59 PM

Amen!
Laura says: Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 05:15 PM

Love it!

Jade Sheldon says: Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 04:38 PM

Congrats you, on finally resolving to find the strength to say no. I know that is something I have struggled with since I was a young girl. I felt that if I said no people would be disappointed in me and I would also fear "FOMO."

I'm so happy you are continuing to peruse that personal project of yours. Hope one day that are paths still cross :)
Cyndy says: Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 04:35 PM

I am so happy for you and happy for us that you are back!
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Snow day!
Monday, January 16, 2012, 02:52 PM
This weekend we had a snow day. In the best way possible it sprinkled down wonder from the sky. Chris & I are total suckers for a good snow day. It started sort-of-snowing on Saturday & we hurried home from brunch, put on our jammies, made some hot cocoa & started a movie. Because, well, that's what you do when you have a snow day in Seattle; you lock yourself in the house because you can't drive in the snow here in your prius ;). We ended up jumping the gun a bit* because our sort-of-snow day on Saturday really just turned into just a gross rain day. However, when we woke up Sunday morning there was beautiful white snow on the ground. I'm not sure if you're anything like us, but when the snow comes we go into full kid mode; busting out the big boots, the sleds and you will most likely find us on the ground pounding together snowballs.

The older I get the more I find myself seeking out that sense of wonder & curiosity that children feel for everything they encounter. This weekend I felt that as Chris and I romped around in the snow together, laughing & playing... much like children do. It's always curious the way the world finds a way to bring you back towards what is important. Sunday I was reminded of how important it is to stare wonder in the face on a regular basis & how fun it is to forget about our ever growing list of responsibilites for a day and just enjoy life & being together.



Thoughts
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Faith Kim says: Friday, March 2, 2012, 11:46 PM

Hi Sarah and Chris! I've been following your blog for about three years, and this is my first time commenting. Your blog is the first that I ever bookmarked and added to my now long list of RSS feeds. Everyday I look forward to seeing what you guys have posted, and to be honest, lately I have been a bit sad due to the lack of blog entries. But as a result, I've been looking through your old posts, and I've rediscovered so many of your amazing photos and lovely thoughts. I am not surprised that I am still blown away by all your work, and I thank you for sharing it with the rest of the world. :) I hope I one day get the chance to work with you both! *fingers crossed*

Nina Grace says: Saturday, January 28, 2012, 12:14 PM

How fun :) - we don't get too many snow days where I'm from ;-) (Florida).

Debbie Mayes says: Thursday, January 26, 2012, 08:37 AM

We haven't had any snow here in Arkansas yet! I'm kinda jealous...your images just go to show that a good photographer is great no matter what the weather ;)
rich says: Tuesday, January 24, 2012, 07:11 AM

these are so much fun! awesome post!
Asharae Kroll says: Wednesday, January 18, 2012, 11:43 AM

Love this, Sarah! I hope you and Chris are constantly discovering new things to be excited and thankful for. Miss you two like crazy!
Maryanne Gobble Photography says: Wednesday, January 18, 2012, 11:40 AM

Was feeling a wee bit jealous when I saw this post yesterday but we finally got some flurries when we drove up in the hills this morning! Love the city shot!
Michael says: Tuesday, January 17, 2012, 05:20 PM

The way you describe the feeling of wonder as a childs curiosity makes me feel like I've somehow misplaced my ability to do so! I haven't seen much snow since October over here in Massachusetts but it'll come, and I'll be out there making the biggest snowman I can! Enjoy the winter weather!
Annie says: Tuesday, January 17, 2012, 03:31 AM

One day I WILL live somewhere where it snows and I WILL play in it like a child. I just love snow so much!
Andrew Cahill says: Monday, January 16, 2012, 04:22 PM

Jealous! The snow looks like so much fun.
Emilie says: Monday, January 16, 2012, 03:51 PM

I almost bought the same boots!
Great photos!
Jade Sheldon says: Monday, January 16, 2012, 03:21 PM

We had snow yesterday and today here in Portland. While I was able to go out and get a few shots, I'm hoping for much more snow though.
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Following the Hot Spots
Saturday, December 31, 2011, 04:08 PM
It is hard to believe that another year has come and gone. When I think of 2011 the word that stands out in my mind is growth. I feel like my world became so much more expansive this year.  I saw the sky open up as I stood in that great open space of possibility. In many ways I still feel like that little kid with a million hopes and dreams throwing pennies into the pond, wishing only that I could fly. There are times in life when work is the driving force and we only get to see glimmers of our dreams take shape; and then there are other very special seasons of life when God allows us to see the fruit of our labor... much like a farmer in harvest season. This year was one of those rare and special harvest times when we saw many of our dreams move past inception and begin to take shape. There is only more hard work ahead, but sometimes it helps to have that beautiful pulled back perspective, the reminder that the work we do matters, the sweat & man hours amount to something, and dreams do come true.

I have always been a firm believer that each of us creatives must trust the "hot spots." What I mean by that is trusting those things that move us, inspire us & get us excited.  A lot of times hot spots don't always make the most logical sense, making them scary impulses to trust. But I think if we deny our hot spots for long enough parts of us die... beautiful parts that the world needs to see. So this year has been a year of trusting my heart and moving towards the heat. Our heart for photography has always been people-centric, in the past five years Chris and I have specifically fallen in love with the lifestyle aspects of storytelling which is what our We Are the Rhoads brand is all about. The evolution of this brand came from a hot spot that began five years ago and never left. This year we were hired by Sony, Coca-Cola, Hilton, Pepsi, Pfizer & others to shoot their worldwide lifestyle campaigns for them (many of which will go live in 2012). I've never had so much fun during the creation process as I've had this year. This year was a true testament to the importance of trusting the "hot spots" on our creative journeys. I think it's always important for every creative to do a hot/cold check on a regular basis. Asking ourselves "why" we are doing things and making sure our reasoning resonates with someplace deeper within us. 

You'll notice I haven't spent as much time blogging on this blog this year, that's because I was spending time living, shooting, creating, growing in new ways. Keeping with my "hot spot" philosophy, some things are going to change around here. From here forward this blog will simply become a place for me to explore my own creative journey, I will blog things that I'm learning, things that are challenging &/or inspiring me & what we're shooting from time to time. I wont be blogging things out of obligation or expectation. This is going to be a bit of a different space, a little more personal and exploratory. I understand if that doesn't interest some of you. This was a personal decision made from a hot spot, from a deep need to focus more on creating & less on things that pull me away from that.  For those who it does interest, I am looking forward to exploring new roads together. If you want to keep up with more of our commissioned lifestyle work you can stay up with it on our WATR blog.
Thank you for being so sweet 2011, as we bid you adieu I look forward to the things this big giant world has to teach & show me in 2012.


Thoughts
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Jamie AnneMarie says: Friday, February 17, 2012, 05:16 PM

I look forward to following you on your new journey! Thank you for being so genuine and being an excellent example of seeking yourself and your dreams audaciously. What is creativity if not continuously consumed by discovery? I pray your endeavors bring you that encouragement and heat you seek!

Lillie Louise says: Thursday, February 9, 2012, 02:43 PM

Very jealous of that super cool camera you have there. Nice!
Lea says: Friday, January 13, 2012, 04:54 PM

Awesome! I can't wait to see how this blog transforms and I look forward to following along!
Jackie Lovato says: Thursday, January 12, 2012, 10:19 AM

your personal and exploratory moments are my favorite, and the ones I value most that you share. i'm excited to stick with ya. excited to continue watching (and learning from) your growth.
Kat Harris says: Wednesday, January 11, 2012, 10:19 PM

Bravo Sarah. Here's to a year of creating and being and living out of honesty and not obligation. Love your vision girl:)
Jen Kessler says: Tuesday, January 3, 2012, 01:32 PM

you always bring a smile to my face.

Jasmine* says: Tuesday, January 3, 2012, 10:19 AM

Rock it out, Sarah...I can't wait to see what 2012 holds for you! :)
Ricky says: Tuesday, January 3, 2012, 07:04 AM

Awesome! Keep up the good work!
ANDA says: Sunday, January 1, 2012, 08:00 PM

I LOVE YOU, Sarah! I'm so happy for you and so excited to follow your growth and journeys chronicled here in a new way. I actually made the same decision recently for my own blog. In the coming year and beyond I'm only blogging as I want to ... and only what I want to. A personal blog more than a work blog. Thank you for continuously inspiring me to follow my hot spots, to revisit my WHY, and to live live live. xo, AM
caroline lee says: Sunday, January 1, 2012, 06:32 PM

i love this, sarah, and i'm super proud of you, lady. you have been // continue to be a huge inspiration and encouragement to me, and i'm so grateful to you and for you! i've been describing 2011 as my 'harvest year', so this post really resonated with me. it's time to sow again, me thinks! cheers to you, and another wonderful year -- i hope our paths cross again soon. xx
Tenley Clark says: Sunday, January 1, 2012, 05:11 PM

You are so inspiring in both your words and all the beauty you create with your lens and heart. I look forward to following your personal journey on this blog more. Happy 2012!
Jenn Stark says: Sunday, January 1, 2012, 10:20 AM

Way to go you guys. Wishing you another year of growth and sticking to what matters most, cheers to you & 2012!
Joyce Alexander says: Sunday, January 1, 2012, 10:02 AM

Thank you for sharing this. I have so loved watching as you have traveled your beautiful road and can't wait to see what you do next. Congratulations Sarah and Chris.
annawithlove says: Sunday, January 1, 2012, 09:27 AM

This post struck a cord with me...especially the "focus more on creating & less on things that pull me away from that" how so very true that is! Wishing you all the best in 2012 thank YOU for the constant inspiration ! Big Hugs! xx
Nuh Sarche says: Sunday, January 1, 2012, 04:40 AM

Please keep blooging your thoughts!... It's so inspiring!!!

Thank you!

And best wishes for 2012...
applem00n says: Saturday, December 31, 2011, 05:13 PM

Here's to you! And you & you!