Tuesday, May 3, 2011, 12:08 PM
A couple months ago we watched the first bit of the movie The Wizard of Oz with our friends Kate & Nick. I hadn't watched film in years, but it really got my head spinning as I saw the relation to the road to Oz being much like the journey every creative, freelancer or entrepreneur is on. As most of you know, the movie chronicles the adventures of Dorothy on her journey down the yellow brick road to meet the Wizard of Oz. Along the way she encounters the Scarecrow who only wants a brain, the Tin-man who wants a heart & the Cowardly Lion whose only desire is to have courage. The yellow brick road is frightening for them, they face many obstacles along their long journey. Oftentimes they don't know what is around the next corner, they are just following the Good Witch of the North's advice to follow this road until they reach the Wizard. Throughout their journey they are forced to depend on one another. In the process of getting to the Wizard, it becomes apparent that all along the Tinman, the Scarecrow and the Lion had the qualities of heart, head and courage that they each so deeply desired.

There is nothing safe about being a creative. There is nothing "easy" about following the yellow brick road toward that which you feel called. The more scared we are of the work or calling, the more sure we can be that we have no choice but to do it and step into the fear. Oftentimes in this journey I feel a lot more like the Cowardly Lion rather than the brave leader on this road towards the "Wizard of Oz." What I have to keep reminding myself is the heart, the brain and the courage is within myself even when I am not keenly aware of it..as it was with the characters in the story. Sometimes it may be difficult in various seasons to see those attributes within ourselves, but I must remember they are there, and oftentimes seeing them manifest is a matter of stepping into fear and seeing your heart expand on the other side of things.

And just like the story goes, on the road to Oz I need others. much like Dorothy needed the Tin-man, the Scarecrow and the Lion to complete her mission. As freelancers it is very easy to become islands unto ourselves. We spend hours every day alone working. We have a "system" and a way of doing things. But the truth is, this life is meant to be shared. The richest experiences I have had through this journey have never been by myelf. The rich moments have been moments when I can celebrate the success of my friends... collaborate with others, and do something bigger than what I could do on my own. After all, I am merely a tree in a forest of many other beautiful tress. And as the very true saying goes, "a rising tide lifts all ships." This story would have never been turned into a book or movie had this been just a story about a girl and her dog getting to the top. Can we say lame? The other characters are really what made the story evocative, intriguing and interesting. The reality is Dorothy couldn't have made it to the Wizard without them. The road to Oz is to be shared.

Ultimately this is a story about how life is always more about the journey than it is about the final destination. In our valiant effort to focus on goals and the future, oftentimes us creatives miss the beautiful things along the way. That is something I personally have to be intentional about, otherwise my ambitions take over and I'm living five years from now. The destination is just one very small part of the journey to Oz.

here are a just a few snaps of a couple friends we picked up along our little yellow brick road...


Thoughts
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Cameron Ingalls says: Wednesday, May 18, 2011, 10:01 AM

you are incredible... somehow it's like you put words to the things that i've been thinking and feeling. i was just talking about the Journey with Drew yesterday at his birthday lunch. about being thankful for all and who is surrounding us now. finding true wealth in the balance of contentment and ambition given through Godliness.
love you. love and miss the Rhoads!

Kaysha says: Thursday, May 12, 2011, 02:00 PM

Your words always hit a chord with me, thank you for sharing!!

Kate Maxwell says: Thursday, May 5, 2011, 11:59 AM

Just watched your Beloved seminar last night - thank you so much for your honesty and encouragement. Then I find this post today. Such inspiration. Thank you a thousand times for your words.

Anthony Quesada says: Wednesday, May 4, 2011, 03:17 AM

Hey Sarah,
I absolutely love this post and the parallels that you drew to the classic movie. In almost every other industry people work together towards a common goal, there should be no reason we can't do the same in our pursuits of photography

Alex says: Tuesday, May 3, 2011, 09:35 PM

I love this post!! :)

Tiffany Lowry says: Tuesday, May 3, 2011, 07:51 PM

dammit- that picture of you with the maroon skirt and your with tank with you bag- Breath taking!!!!!

Jenn says: Tuesday, May 3, 2011, 04:02 PM

Sarah, you share your passion so beautifully and articulately. I've watched that movie so many times and never thought of it that way. Thanks for sharing!

Annie says: Tuesday, May 3, 2011, 03:14 PM

When I read the title I thought you were coming back to Australia! :) But this post is amazing, and I am going to save it and read it often, because it is just so good. Thank you :)

anda says: Tuesday, May 3, 2011, 01:50 PM

as always, perfectly put. and i wish i lived out there so we could hang out and cross paths more often on our journeys. xoxo.

Rich Park says: Tuesday, May 3, 2011, 01:41 PM

so very scary to step out there - but you never know what can happen until you do. my wife and i don't know where our yellow brick road will lead but we're at least happy that we started walking =).

Josh says: Tuesday, May 3, 2011, 01:14 PM

Thanks for sharing this, Sarah! This is really helpful as i'm re-starting on this journey in a sense. I have a pretty good sense of where God is leading me and it scares the crap out of me, but thats ok.

Susan See says: Tuesday, May 3, 2011, 01:04 PM

Really reallyyyy needed this right now to help me remember I'm not alone even when I'm feeling so very alone. Thank you.

Lily says: Tuesday, May 3, 2011, 12:31 PM

Thank you for the beautiful post, the wonderful encouragement and the reminder to join forces with other creatives! Love your work and thank you for sharing your journey!

ShariLee says: Tuesday, May 3, 2011, 12:28 PM

awesome Sarah!...your thoughts and photos are always inspiring. I need to go watch that movie again :)

Andria Lindquist says: Tuesday, May 3, 2011, 12:20 PM

awesome parallel sarah. :)

Friday, April 29, 2011, 09:53 AM
Last week Seth Godin did a post that really connected with where we are at in our lives and business. His blog post was entitled Economies of Small. I recommend you go over and read it. Seth is a pretty smart guy. It is a piece on goals and being smaller because in the end it may ultimately be what is better for you. Godin asks about the motivation, and your goals and challenges us that maybe bigger isn't always better. 

This year we were in a place where we could have chosen to expand our wedding business in some neat ways... make it bigger, take on a staff and a few associate shooters etc. Instead we actually did the opposite. We scaled back on our wedding bookings and decided we would only work with a very select number of couples for the 2011 season. We made this decision based on a variety of reasons; but mainly because ultimately we wanted more time to make more art. We wanted to re-focus, and take a year to live life outside of working 24/7. This was a carefully considered choice... although we could have gone big, we scaled back because it was better for us. Big isn't always bad, it's just perhaps it isn't always the best decision for you. As Godin says, don't be small because you can't figure out how to get big. Consider being small because it might be better. 


Thoughts
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Jade says: Tuesday, May 3, 2011, 07:24 AM

spoken so wisely. my husband and I were just discussing this last night. it went hand in hand with our "pain is so difficult and so beautiful" discussion. thanks for sharing Seth's thoughts as well as your own.

Kat Harris says: Monday, May 2, 2011, 07:33 PM

It's so true...a fuller schedule is not always better. It's refreshing to read that other artists are fighting for balance and space in their lives.
PS. this image is beautiful.

David Mendoza III says: Monday, May 2, 2011, 09:31 AM

Wise.

tif says: Saturday, April 30, 2011, 02:13 PM

Like:)

Sarisa says: Saturday, April 30, 2011, 08:33 AM

Hi! Just wanted to say hello, and that I really loved your Beloved talk last week. Thank you for posting this, and the link. I always look forward to reading your thoughtful blog entries.

Annie says: Friday, April 29, 2011, 11:01 PM

Going to read it now :) This photo is so beautiful.

Jen k. says: Friday, April 29, 2011, 02:26 PM

I can't wait to see what you two have been working on! I'm so excited for you!

Ryan says: Friday, April 29, 2011, 12:00 PM

Congratulations on your carefully considered decision. It is easy to creep larger until you don't recognize the ground under your feet. Looking forward to seeing what you produce in the coming year!

Rensche Mari says: Friday, April 29, 2011, 10:29 AM

Spot on! I was recently asked why I didn't expand, why I didn't take on more work because I have the interested clients? These are tough questions and one always think that maybe if you have more or expand, that all will go well...the option for me is to stay small, only if its just so I can have more quality time with a client and build a bond that would last a lifetime!

Love Godin's post, thanks for sharing!

shawnee pedraza says: Friday, April 29, 2011, 10:22 AM

Sarah! what are your favorite lenses for e-sessions? I'm in love with all of them!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 09:29 AM
Last week we headed down the coast a bit to photograph Clarissa & James. The California light at sunset is really un-matched by any light that I have experienced. It was, in all the most technical terms, "yummy goodness." Clarissa said she has always loved the yellow fields in the spring so we went on a quest to find some. These two are head over heels in love with one another. They both have an absolute passion for kids, and are both highly involved in education on a variety of levels. James is a principal at a middle school and Clarissa tutors kids of all ages. They light up when they talk about what they do... these two are living out their passions on a daily basis and that is exciting to see in people. 

I am in the process of prepping some personal/business related blog posts for the coming months, I have had some requests for posts on an updated list of my top biz related books and a couple of other dear abby requests. However, I would love to hear if any one else has some other topics they would like to hear about. If so, leave it in the comment section of this post.  We are headed to the sunny desert of Arizona tomorrow for a wedding this weekend and we are really excited to soak up the sun. We'll be in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. I've never been to AZ. If you have any favorite spots for eating, drinking and being merry please share the love!


Thoughts
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Chris says: Wednesday, May 4, 2011, 05:38 AM

I'm subscribed to your blog via RSS, so I normally just look down the photos there.

These ones forced me to come to the site to say how beautiful they are.

Perfect light, if only you could figure out how to bottle it up you'd be millionaires!

Kaethe Richter says: Thursday, April 28, 2011, 09:22 PM

que beautiful!

Jennifer says: Wednesday, April 27, 2011, 12:04 PM

Love this set! The light is gorgeous!

Mikaela says: Wednesday, April 27, 2011, 09:07 AM

love those two black and whites! so cute!

Ashley says: Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 07:29 PM

Cartel Coffee Lab in Tempe (amazing fresher than fresh coffee) Mill Avenue in Tempe (for dining, shopping, night life, people watching). The Big Bang (dueling pianos bar on Mill)!! =)

jeff ambrose says: Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 04:15 PM

you have to hit up gallo blanco. have. to. and if you need a third this weekend give me a ring. :)

Andrew Cahill says: Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 04:09 PM

Wonderful capture...that light really is yummy, makes you feel all warm and gooey inside. Clarissa & James look like such a beautiful couple. Just beautiful.

Annie says: Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 03:44 PM

That light! You're right, no other words for it - yu-MMY! :)

Meredith Amadee says: Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 01:30 PM

The Sugar Bowl is a wonderful, cute little desert place in Scottsdale with lots of character.

chriStina e says: Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 01:04 PM

I would love to hear about how you got organized and created a sustainable work-flow, once you started getting busy with clients(in the beginning)... I am seeing how I could easily get over-whelmed, if I don't create a system soon!

I am envious of any photos with golden light! We haven't had much of it this year... Just waiting for my turn.

These photos are great!

Caryn Azure says: Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 11:41 AM

Beautiful series! The first one is my favorite - love the light, and their expressions are so sweet :)

Stephanie says: Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 10:28 AM

Lived in the PHX area for the past two+ years, but recently moved back to NC. Old Town Scottsdale is always a popular stop for your 1st visit.. bars/restaurants, etc. If you have the time I'd also highly recommend taking a drive up to Sedona, soo gorgeous. Big red rocks and an artsy little town... and weather is always about 20 degrees cooler :)

I'll be there as well this weekend to shoot a wedding.. if I see you guys around town I'll have to say hello and introduce myself. Should be a perfect weekend weather-wise! Enjoy AZ!

Kelsey says: Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 10:25 AM

Without fail I always recommend Lux Coffee and Pane Bianco. Lux is undeniably the best coffee found in Phoenix and has a great sandwich shop located right next door.

I hope you both love your time spent in Arizona, I know I miss it terribly.

Anda says: Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 09:47 AM

AZ is my favorite place in the world, I think. Except Phoenix. So it's beyond worth it to drive the couple hours to Tucson, or even farther, to Bisbee. The drive is a destination in itself. Otherwise, north to Sedona. Gorgeous. I'm so jealous. I want to live there!

Monday, April 25, 2011, 10:23 AM
Meet Spencer, he came out from the great land of Minnesota to share the day with us here in Seattle for a mentor session. Little did we know that we would leave that day with him with a new, totally amazing friend. Spencer had emailed me about a year and a half ago and I went over to check out his blog and was totally impressed with the unique vision and voice that I could see woven throughout his work even then. Now even more so than back then, there is no doubt in my mind that Spencer is going big places. He is an artist who has really woven his voice and style into his work and continues to refine that voice, shoot by shoot. He works hard. He looks inward before he looks outward to see what others are doing and I believe this has been a very important part to his success. Basically, if there is anyone to watch for in this industry I would dare to say it is Spencer Combs. I'm a fan.

Chris and I feel honored to be just a small part of his giant journey towards fulfilling his full potential as an artist and business person. Our time with him was truly inspiring. This is a person that asks all the right questions and puts them into action. Spencer's questions for us were not about the gear we used or what aperture we were shooting at, but rather Spencer asked questions like, "what was your tipping point?" "what inspires you?" "how do I connect with my clients on a deeper level?" Those kind of questions are the questions you ask when you have the brain and ear of a fellow artist in front of you. Spencer is a photographer who truly GETS IT on so many levels. Put this guy on your radar... and just watch and remember what I said about him. 

Spencers Blog
Spencers Website

Thoughts
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Latasha says: Saturday, April 30, 2011, 01:09 PM

Wow! His website is a lot of fun! Thanks for introducing him-

Dan Oksnevad says: Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 01:09 PM

Spencer is a rock star. Looks like y'all had fun.

yana says: Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 09:21 AM

Oh, dear, these are fabulous! Thanks for introducing me to his work--amazing.

Rich Park says: Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 09:01 AM

great shots!

Annie says: Monday, April 25, 2011, 06:05 PM

Great shots - I'm off to check out his blog now :)

Savanah Loftus says: Monday, April 25, 2011, 05:28 PM

Good lord I love your steez!!

Savanah Loftus says: Monday, April 25, 2011, 05:27 PM

Good lord I love your steez!!

geneoh says: Monday, April 25, 2011, 03:26 PM

aww, spencer's so cute.

Andrew Cahill says: Monday, April 25, 2011, 03:21 PM

Wonderful photos, Spencer seems like a really fun guy in your capture. Makes me wanna know him more. Thank you.

Gina Meola says: Monday, April 25, 2011, 11:29 AM

Spencer is WONDERFUL and you did a phenomenal job capturing him!! So glad he had the opportunity to learn from you guys :)

Maggie Fortson says: Monday, April 25, 2011, 10:51 AM

Such a neat shoot! He seemed to have a lot of fun!

Nessa K says: Monday, April 25, 2011, 10:42 AM

I just wanted to say that I love these... and thank you for introducing me to his work! So good.

eliesa says: Monday, April 25, 2011, 10:32 AM

YEAH!!!!! I absolutely LOVE Spencie and I am SO glad you two were able to connect! Gooooooood shit! LOVEe