Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 09:40 AM
We are so thrilled to announce the launch of our brand new website!! www.sarahrhoads.com
Much like this blog, we feel like the new site is like stepping into our own skin... it just feels right. It was great to work with Into the Darkroom who developed our amazing horizontally scrolling blog back in December last year! They worked hard to put together a custom site for us that had a very consistent feel to our blog, and we couldn't be more thrilled with the outcome. 

We felt it was important to work with people who really caught the vision behind what we are all about and the team over at ITDR definitely captured that. It was important that our website and our blog maintained a level of cohesiveness throughout, and working with one team for both really helped us achieve that goal. 

I cannot begin to stress the value and importance of investing in your web presence as a photographer. Many times a website is the only thing that our clients see that determines whether or not they decide to work with us. Making sure that our site & blog are of excellent caliber and reflect our style is crucial in attaining the right clientele. A website is a powerful tool that many photographers do not use to their advantage... most get a site on the cheap that doesn't do their imagery justice and does nothing to enhance their overall brand experience. Your web presence can and will set you apart. It is a tool that every photographer should be leveraging to move our business' forward, this is not the place to be skimpy. Web presence is a place to go big or go home. We went big. And we're glad we did. 

now head on over and give yourself a look around the new place! :) www.sarahrhoads.com

Enjoy! And props again to ITDR for doing such a fantastic job!


Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (21)
Maya Laurent says: Thursday, December 10, 2009, 07:25 PM

Love it!!! And your magazine is super cool too. Love the simple design, it just draws you into the photos.

Cameron Ingalls says: Friday, November 27, 2009, 07:28 PM

AHHHHHHH-MAZING!

So fresh. So bold. So you!

I heart you guys so much it kinda stings.

Laurel McConnell says: Wednesday, November 25, 2009, 11:46 PM

Yahooo! I looooove "New Website Day!" Score, you guys, it looks great. Happy Tofurkey Day (winks!).

Lydia says: Wednesday, November 25, 2009, 04:05 PM

Congratulations guys! The site is so cool and so perfect for you!

Della says: Wednesday, November 25, 2009, 10:59 AM

Holy. Crap.

Leda & Jonathan says: Wednesday, November 25, 2009, 09:06 AM

Sarah and Chris ~ Congratulations the new site is amazing! What a beautiful body of work.

Liz says: Wednesday, November 25, 2009, 07:23 AM

Love the new site - it's so fresh and different. Also much love for your about video, it rocks!

appleM00N says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 11:57 PM

very fresh and fizzy!

Daniel says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 08:52 PM

Easily one of the coolest sites I have ever been to. Great layout, great functionality and phenomenal photography as usual.

shannon leith says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 02:03 PM

the magazine=awesome!

and i love that you love typefaces :)

Alexandra says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 01:49 PM

I LOOOOVE the new page! Awesome!

cristy cross says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 01:31 PM

Love the new site. Love the magazine. I'm reminded of Urban Outfitters catalogs with a twist of something else...can't think of it. Very cool "ad" type shots with the film and cameras.
Love it all!

Gail says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 12:04 PM

LOVEEEE the new look you guys! As a newcomer fan of your work, I really respect how you make it all fit together like the pieces of a really great puzzle! Thanks for the inspiration!

j. shipley says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 11:56 AM

sarah, i love your new site. so, so cool. and of course, you never cease to amaze me with your photographs. oh, and i love the vid. it definitely gave me a sense of who you are and what a shoot would be like with you and chris. well done. it makes me want to come up to seattle and hang out with you two even more. soon enough my friend... soon enough. until then, keep rockin' it. ;)

- j.

imthiaz houseman says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 11:31 AM

love the new site, the magazine is killer.

Marissa Rodriguez says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 11:17 AM

AMAZING. It looks so great! You guys are for sure on my list of FAVORITES!

Joel Flory says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 10:49 AM

loving the new site and the magazine. Such great work. Can't wait to hang out with the two of you sometime in the near future. We are going to be in Seattle in May and would love to meet up then if you are around. Or let us know the next time you are coming through the bay area. Have a great Thanksgiving.

Joel Flory says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 10:48 AM

loving the new site and the magazine. Such great work. Can't wait to hang out with the two of you sometime in the near future. We are going to be in Seattle in May and would love to meet up then if you are around. Or let us know the next time you are coming through the bay area. Have a great Thanksgiving.

Larry says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 10:34 AM

congrats, looks great!

Lesley says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 10:21 AM

I love how seamless everything is, and it totally encompasses everything that you guys believe in and stand for. I love it! :D

anda says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 10:10 AM

couldn't agree more with you on the importance of brand experience. i've been drooling over ITDR's custom work for awhile now and finally got on their waiting list last week! your work really speaks for itself, but your blog, and now website, are just outta-this-world -- and i'm sure that's a huge reason why you attract outta-this-world clients. congrats on everything -- it all looks phenomenal!

Monday, November 23, 2009, 08:21 AM
What an amazing way to end an incredible 2009 wedding season with Mimi & Ryan's wedding as the grande finale on Friday in Southern California! These two are a completely romantic, caring, creative, intelligent and radiant.  They have so much heart to give to the world! Their wedding suited them perfectly.  Mimi designed her beautiful, Art Deco inspired, wedding gown all herself. It was completely unique. Mimi also designed Ryan's wedding band. These two did things their own way; that is one of the many reasons why we adore these two.  

The way Ryan loves and serves Mimi is so humble and gentle. He seemed to take every opportunity to put her before himself, whether it was helping carry the train of her dress or helping her get inside the car... to me, it is the little things that matter in life, and Ryan is a man who remembers the little things :). Their reveal was one of our favorites of the season. Ryan turned around and saw his bride and the flood gates opened, tears poured down his face throughout most of the day... turns out Ryan is the sensitive type :) At least when it comes to Mimi anyway. It was really sweet.

Their wedding was held on the coast in Southern California at the beautiful Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes. The ceremony was held up the road at one of the most amazing little chapels I have ever seen, Wayfarers Chapel. The chapel was designed by Lloyd Wright, son of the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright (one of my favorite architects of all time), so as you can imagine the architecture was stunning. It is an all glass church inspired by the nature that surrounds it with fantastic lines and symmetry. Since Ryan & Mimi have an appreciation for these sort of things, it was a really special place for them to exchange their vows.... at sunset, in a glass chapel, surrounded by nature.

We had a great time working with the ladies over at Element Weddings who coordinated the event. Camilla and her team were so much fun to work alongside! And the band at this wedding was TO DIE FOR! These guys at West Coast Music know how to get a party going! This wedding was amazing on so many levels and we felt so happy to share in the fun. It was a perfect end to a great 2009 wedding season!

Coordination: Element Weddings



Thoughts
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Jet Kaiser says: Monday, December 28, 2009, 12:31 PM

Phenomenal! Truly amazing work!!!

Paul says: Monday, December 21, 2009, 02:30 PM

These are beautiful. I love the shot on the road with the Pacific in the background. Great eye!

Stephanie Motz says: Friday, December 11, 2009, 12:09 PM

Your work is inspiring. Amazing eye for detail. Beautiful composition. Great light.

Jenn Stark says: Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 03:55 PM

I've been loving your photos for a while now but haven't left a comment before...this set is simply amazing, so I just had to let you know, lovely work :) Love the two of them on the winding path, and what a great view of the bride coming into the chapel against the sunlight - perfect!

geneoh says: Friday, November 27, 2009, 07:31 PM

that veil shot is sick. nice work.

geneoh says: Friday, November 27, 2009, 07:31 PM

that veil shot is sick. nice work.

bobbi says: Thursday, November 26, 2009, 11:19 PM

speechless.... AYKM with that b&w blowing veil shot?! PER-FEC-TION!

steaph says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 07:43 PM

love these. that beach. those shots. that eye~ beautiful... always love your work. but the portraits of this wedding are just so special. and great new site. inspired! xos

Meredith Amadee says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 01:02 PM

I hope you're doing this for many many years because at 18 I already know that I want you to be my wedding photographer in the future!

Thank you for making me smile daily!

Sara Rambo says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 10:55 AM

LOVE par usual. :)

Olivia says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 10:53 AM

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous pictures! I love each and every one of them. You captured this couple beautifully! What a fantastic chapel, too!

Emma says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 10:00 AM

Oh my....Sarah, you and Chris for sure rocked it, these are STUNNING. :-) My two faves are the one where he's kissing her neck and her veil is blowing, and the silhouette one with her hand and the veil with the sun setting....beautiFUL!!! Amazing job...as always ;-)

Emma says: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 09:59 AM

Oh my....Sarah, you and Chris for sure rocked it, these are STUNNING. :-) My two faves are the one where he's kissing her neck and her veil is blowing, and the silhouette one with her hand and the veil with the sun setting....beautiFUL!!! Amazing job...as always ;-)

ajira says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 07:19 PM

What a gorgeous couple... and what glorious photographs! Simply adore your work.

Jonas Peterson says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 03:54 PM

This one looks sensational. Fantastic.

shanni says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 03:31 PM

delicious. in SO many ways. i want to wrap myself in a blanket of that sunset!!!

imthiaz houseman says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 03:15 PM

wow, what a great end to an amazing year for you and chris. beautiful job!

Alexandra says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 02:10 PM

I love these!

Jenny J says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 12:40 PM

That bride is perfection.

Melissa says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 11:42 AM

beautiful setting, beautiful couple, BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPHY. i can't wait to see what's in store for your 2010 weddings.

Anna says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 11:26 AM

WOW. Such beauty. I feel warmer just looking at these images (said from the chillier midwest!). I adore your work, Sarah & Chris!!! Lovelovelove. And your writing? Sheesh. It is clear that every couple you work mean so much to you. You pay such close attention to the inner workings of their relationship. I love that--how lucky are your clients!?! Best to you both.

Ryan Ray says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 10:33 AM

That BW with veil blowing is insane! Love it!!

anda says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 10:05 AM

drat. for some reason i always double-comment on your blog without trying. sorry :(

anda says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 10:03 AM

nothing short of awesome, as usual. i really love the shot from above, where they are tiny-looking in the vineyard and the water is in the background. gorgeous. congrats on a beautiful 2009 wedding season. too bad we'll have to wait until 2010 to see more weddings from you :)
thanks for inspiring.

anda says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 10:02 AM

nothing short of awesome, as usual. i really love the shot from above, where they are tiny-looking in the vineyard and the water is in the background. gorgeous. congrats on a beautiful 2009 wedding season. too bad we'll have to wait until 2010 to see more weddings from you :)
thanks for inspiring.

carrie says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 09:29 AM

DIVINE. nuff said.

michele says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 08:53 AM

love every single picture. =) i'm a huge fan of your work Sarah!lots of love from Rio De Janeiro - BRA

Jane Hasty says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 08:45 AM

Just gorgeous-all of them-every single one!

lindsey Brittain says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 08:43 AM

So great! Love all the bride and groom shots!

squareoflife says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 08:43 AM

you rhoads knocked two thousand and nine out of the park
with this one. the veil shots rock. [hard]. hope you can find rest and relaxation in the holidays ahead [with absence of weddings].

Steve Gerrard says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 08:35 AM

"Love that one. And that one. And that one. REALLY love that one. And that one. OMG that one's amazing!... etc etc"

Thursday, November 19, 2009, 11:18 AM
The first time I ever took a self portrait was a couple years ago at Life as an Artform. This is one I took about a month ago. Since the fifteenth century, artists have created self portraits of themselves. In every creative medium it seems a common practice that throughout the course of the artists' career they create a variety of self portraits over the course of time. Whether it is for an exploration of self, a projection of self, a means of therapy or just as a means to remember what they looked like and how they felt during a particular season. 

Many of the artistic "greats," Rembrandt, Van Gogh, & Picasso (to name a few) took a slew of self portraits through the course of their defining and successful careers. I can't help but  think that maybe they were onto something :). One of the very best examples of self-portraiture is the work of Frida Kahlo. Frida is often one of the main characters in her work and used this is a means of therapy in her attempt to work through personal afflictions.

All of these artists attempted to grasp their identities. Whether or not the images showed a clear representation or only what the artist wants us to see about them, this internal self-exploration is powerful and seems to be a therapeutic and beneficial practice for every creative. 

So this is me. in my self portrait and I thought I would share with you. **I also thought it would be quite interesting to collect a variety of peoples' self-portraits and put together a blog post of them. So if you have a self portrait you would like to submit it to be posted please send a high res version to consulting@sarahrhoads.com we'll say December 20th is the deadline and I'll post them before the new year.... a good way to start the new year. With a self-portrait of what we looked like the year before.** 

Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (15)
shawnreeder says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 05:21 PM

Beautiful image Sarah!!

Harmony Loves says: Saturday, November 21, 2009, 12:17 PM

beautiful picture. i love the lights and the overall warm feeling :)

Harmony Loves says: Saturday, November 21, 2009, 12:16 PM

beautiful picture. i love the lights and the overall warm feeling :)

Alexandra says: Saturday, November 21, 2009, 02:30 AM

I'm loving the self portrait :) Very beautiful

Patrina says: Friday, November 20, 2009, 11:33 AM

Hello cutie! I love this post and have to agree with you. Self portraits are an excellent way (for me) to connect with myself and my art form. It's an honest look at self exploration. I'm in my second year of shooting a self portrait a week. So many benefits, and very challenging. Many blessings to you and Chris, and thank you again for your continued inspiration.

Suki says: Friday, November 20, 2009, 10:27 AM

I really like the idea of your selfportrait! Love your blog.

Suki says: Friday, November 20, 2009, 10:25 AM

I really like the idea of your selfportrait! Love your blog.

Carolyn says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 08:42 PM

Truly amazing!

naomi chokr says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 03:58 PM

im new to your blog. i love your style. im slowly learning about photography but not quite there yet. im happy i found your blog...i look forward to seeing your work and get inspiration from them

naomi chokr says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 03:58 PM

im new to your blog. i love your style. im slowly learning about photography but not quite there yet. im happy i found your blog...i look forward to seeing your work and get inspiration from them

naomi chokr says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 03:57 PM

im new to your blog. i love your style. im slowly learning about photography but not quite there yet. im happy i found your blog...i look forward to seeing your work and get inspiration from them

Chris Reichman says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 12:12 PM

Wow today's blog was meant for me. It couldn't have been more perfectly timed. thanks

mary says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 12:00 PM

yay to self portraits!! superb idea mrs. rhoads.

todd scott ballje says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 11:47 AM

im not sure if you are a better photographer, communicator or thinker. and that is a compliment. its inspiring that you that you take the time to think and ponder and formulate your philosophies. (please tell me that it takes time and you dont just wake up every day with a new great perspective) :)

so is thailand a vacay or a wedding?

Micah Dahlberg says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 11:37 AM

Cool idea. I'll be sure to send one along. Just stumbled upon your work and am enjoying it and your posts thus far. Great words and great images. Just wanted to send a word of encouragement your way. Hope our photographic paths cross one of these days. Until then.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 04:30 AM
These are two of my lovely friends, Kristy & Kelly at dusk-time. These were shot back in October of this year on our trip to Bend, OR with a group of some other fabulous lady photographer friends. These frames were shot right after the sun tucked itself behind a big Oregon mountain and it became dusk. The sky was beautiful, big, and glowing.... it was magical. The three of us were driving back to our cabin with the windows down, the brisk fall air kissing our faces while we blasted the liberating tunes of Ane Brun and let our souls sing as loud as hers. We decided it would be only appropriate to take a spontaneous detour to an open field to capture the beauty that was all around us. When I look back on the trip this was a highlight, playing in the fields with my friends and with the deer at dusk :)

Dusk is one of my favorite times to shoot. I used to be scared to shoot in it... Shooting wide open at slow shutters and high ISO's used to intimidate me (these images were shot at a 1.2 or a 1.4 at a 1/60th(ish) shutter). But now? Now, I adore it. There is very little you can do in photoshop to replicate the feeling of being wrapped in the allure of the sun saying goodbye and the night saying hello at dusk-time. Dusk is a beautiful short window, but that short window brings a light like any other light I've ever seen. 

I'm thankful for my wonderful fellow photographer girlfriends Kristy and Kelly.... Kristy is off living a life of beautiful indulgence in Italy currently... and secretly I envy her to pieces for it; although Lord knows I would come back 40 pounds overweight if I went to live over there. I have a slight obsession with breads and Italian food. And Kelly is one of those fearless creatives who steps out in faith with very little question, I admire that about her. She just came out with her new photography bag, the Kelly Moore bag that will release sometime in the next couple of months, her blog will have some more info on it but it's pretty rad.

We are heading to L.A. this morning, to shoot our final wedding of the year on Friday. We're going a couple days early to hang out with our friends, Mark and Candice. So it should be good times. I'll be glad to have sun on my face in CA again :). I cannot believe it is the end of November! Time is flying so quickly and I can't wait for turkey day! 




Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (9)
Emily Beaty says: Friday, November 20, 2009, 08:17 AM

Love these... the light is gorgeous!

Jess Epstein says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 10:32 PM

Sarah, you have great style. I love your work.

anda says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 11:33 AM

i love to read your writing.
beautiful photos.

Heather Elizabeth says: Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 10:28 PM

I love the beautiful purple tones in these. The little twinkles from the lights behind them are great :) Wonderful shots. Both of these ladies have amazing eyes!

kelly moore says: Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 09:47 AM

You Rock my sox!!! Thanks for the props ;)
I can't wait to hang out again soon!

jena says: Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 06:47 AM

wow, that black and white image is so very Breakfast at Tiffany's!!! love them.

Jane Hasty says: Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 05:22 AM

Gorgeous light! You are so right about that!

Alexandra says: Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 05:01 AM

These are awesome :)

Anne in Boston says: Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 04:44 AM

You ladies all have such killer eyes!! Hugs! ;-)