Monday, January 17, 2011, 09:52 AM
"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (or creation) there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would otherwise never have occurred.  A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man would have believed would have come his way." - W.H. Murray

The culture surrounding the life of a creative forces us to embrace the 'Sink or Swim' mentality. A notion that follows gut instinct and dreams and embraces the maxim, "Leap, and the net will appear." In my experience, living this out always uncomfortable and is never easy, but a completely necessary part of tapping into our potential and achieving those things we hope & dream for. We must jump out of the boat and commit ourselves to that which pulls us forward. We must swim. We will never create anything brilliant or accomplish anything worth mentioning with one foot in the boat and one foot outside. We have to be fully committed to that which we seek. 

The quote above is by explorer W.H Murray and it is so spot on... it is amazing what happens when we actually commit ourselves to our dreams. Doors open and we see providence move in our lives. The right people come into the equation and things just start to gain momentum. Dreams aren't something we can be lackadaisical about. In my experience, we must be fiercely intentional and put ourselves in situations that force us to sink or swim. Those situations are the ones where we grow the most and realize the depths of our immense potential. If this we're an easy task to overcome we would see thousands upon thousands of people winning nobel peace prizes, writing award winning novels, creating brilliant works of art, directing award winning movies. But it's never easy. The encouraging thing to me is that I am the only person standing in my way... and if I can battle the giants in my own mind I am capable of anything. 


Thoughts
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erin sintos says: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 07:49 PM

many thanks for these beautiful words! i'm thankful to have married a man this year that took my hand and encouraged me to jump into my own business--what a mix of wonderful emotions on this new adventure!

while planning and scheming, the only recurring words that came to me were from proust's 'swann's way' about being an "explorer of the invisible."

cheers to your journey!

erin sintos says: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 07:46 PM

many thanks for these beautiful words! i'm thankful to have married a man this year that took my hand and encouraged me to jump into my own business--what a mix of wonderful emotions on this new adventure!

while planning and scheming, the only recurring words that came to me were from proust's 'swann's way' about being an "explorer of the invisible."

cheers to your journey!

Gemma says: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 07:46 PM

stunning image, and a great use of the word lackadaisical :)

Gemma says: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 07:45 PM

stunning image, and a great use of the word lackadaisical

erin sintos says: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 07:42 PM

many thanks for these beautiful words. my husband took my hand and encouraged me to jump into my own business this year; what a mix of wonderful emotions on this new adventure!

all i could think of when planning the business was a quote from Proust's 'Swann's Way' about being an "explorer of the invisible."

cheers to your journey

erin sintos says: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 07:41 PM

many thanks for these beautiful words. my husband took my hand and encouraged me to jump into my own business this year; what a mix of wonderful emotions on this new adventure!

all i could think of when planning the business was a quote from Proust's 'Swann's Way' about being an "explorer of the invisible."

cheers to your journey

Rich Park says: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 01:31 PM

so inspiring, thank you for the push for the new year!

anda says: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 12:12 PM

adore you. and your blog posts like this. xo.

Candice brooke says: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 10:11 AM

amazing guys! Xoxoxoxo

Jenn Best says: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 08:47 AM

Ah, Sarah! You always have such a beautiful way of saying just what I need to hear. Thank you!

Naomi Epstein says: Monday, January 17, 2011, 08:02 PM

The art of commitment is the truth we as artists must see. No matter how thick the fear piles on our hearts we must keep wiping that panic away.

jarrod renaud says: Monday, January 17, 2011, 06:52 PM

AMEN!

jeff ambrose says: Monday, January 17, 2011, 04:46 PM

can i get an amen?

Annie says: Monday, January 17, 2011, 03:46 PM

I needed to hear that. Now I just need to follow it.

Dani Marie says: Monday, January 17, 2011, 02:45 PM

My brother in law shared your link with me today. He and my sister have been photographers for a couple years now. Session Nine Photography. I'm getting ready to take a leap of faith as well and am totally terrified. But this could not have come at a better time! It's great to know that I have amazing people behind me and such encouraging words that come at the perfect time. Very motivated right now so thank you!

Kevin Wrenn Photography says: Monday, January 17, 2011, 02:16 PM

Yes! i mean YES!!!! How bout an AHHHH-MEN!!! Great post Sarah. Love the stuff from the heart.

Cool image to boot!

adam says: Monday, January 17, 2011, 01:58 PM

I absolutely adore this photograph. Looks like a still from some frozen piece of time in a person's life, reflecting back upon itself.

Christina says: Monday, January 17, 2011, 11:47 AM

So, true... so, true. I spent much of my life, waiting to be shown what it is, that I'm supposed to be doing with myself... I was confused and a bit lost, for too long. I had some eureka moments awhile back, that made me realize what I'm supposed to be doing(taking photos) and the Universe has only helped to push me further along on this path. I only need to really commit, in order to be where I want to be. And I know that involves diving into the deep end.

Kaysha says: Monday, January 17, 2011, 11:36 AM

This post couldn't have come at a better time for me!! Thank you!

Jen K. says: Monday, January 17, 2011, 11:02 AM

This is so true and I have already experienced so many doors opening since putting myself out there. Scary and Fantastic all at the same time! Thanks Sarah!

James Moes says: Monday, January 17, 2011, 10:42 AM

Hear, here. Godspeed.

Laura says: Monday, January 17, 2011, 10:29 AM

Thank-you, just what I needed to hear today...

Chad H says: Monday, January 17, 2011, 10:06 AM

How fitting. Today is our first day in the office as full-time photographers. I punched out on a literal time-clock for the last time in my life last friday. Its was huge leap, but I know the net will appear. It has time and time again.

Hannah Hitchcock says: Monday, January 17, 2011, 10:02 AM

This is just what I needed today, thanks.

Thursday, January 13, 2011, 12:07 PM
Heather & Mitch are America's Sweethearts :) They have hearts of gold. They are gracious, kind and love life and people and appreciate a good dose of sarcasm which I love. Chris and I felt so honored to be a part of their December wedding. It was our last wedding of the year and was such a great way to end the year! These two have become friends to us through this whole process and we just adore them. 

Although the sun was out for their wedding day, the winter greeted us with all it's blustery cold, so Heather rocked her grandmother's fur coat and Mitch wore an awesome tailored suit that made him look like James Bond ;) These two looked like they stepped off a movie set. Totally gorgeous with a little old school charm. 

Chris and I felt so honored to be a part of this celebration with two lovely people we now call friends. Enjoy the beautiful and charming, Heather & Mitch!

Makeup/Hair: Chelsey Duff
Venue: Sodo Park
Catering: Herban Feast

Thoughts
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Ariel Renae says: Tuesday, February 1, 2011, 08:25 AM

Such a beautiful wedding post! love every single image.

Matt Tov says: Monday, January 24, 2011, 07:25 AM

I love the style in these pictures, both of the Wedding and the pictures. Beautiful

Nathan says: Monday, January 17, 2011, 08:17 AM

Awesome wedding shoot and great looking couple. Good job guys.

Paige Butcher says: Saturday, January 15, 2011, 12:30 PM

I love the Marilyn Monroe shoe shot!

AnneMarie says: Thursday, January 13, 2011, 08:11 PM

The second to the last photo is sweet. You really get the feeling that they were having a good time. Heather's hair looks great, by the way!

S Jessica Deal says: Thursday, January 13, 2011, 02:05 PM

Just beautiful!!! What a lovely and loving couple. I can't choose a favorite.

Katie Neal says: Thursday, January 13, 2011, 01:41 PM

LOOOVE these! Love that last dancing shot! Maybe in a future blog post you could do a little diddy on how you do your reception lighting? I love that this couple is well lit but over the top flashy! :)

Chris says: Thursday, January 13, 2011, 01:13 PM

Great work. Love that first image & the one looking through the car window!

Kelly says: Thursday, January 13, 2011, 01:03 PM

Oh how I love your work...

Chelsea Patricia says: Thursday, January 13, 2011, 12:35 PM

Oh my word, these are lovely!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 10:57 AM
Fernanda & Rodolfo ventured to Seattle from the great land of Brazil. Fernanda is a fantastic and well respected photographer in her country, & it is always such an honor for other photographers to ask us to photograph them. Rodolfo & Fernanda are full of spirit, love and laughter. The best word to encompass what we felt being around them is JOY. Joy is that kind of happiness that exponentially exceeds normal happiness and rubs off on everyone around them. My favorite thing is that even after 12 years together these two still have that spark in their eye for one another. It was beautiful to see that. 

The other day Fernanda sent me a note and there was one sentence that really stuck with me, she said,   "At the end of the session I was even more passionate about Ro, you made us think of our love, made us look at ourselves and see how much in love we are, even after 12 years together! And that is priceless." There is nothing that means more to us than to know that two people left feeling greater love for their partner after a photo session with us. I've always said the camera is just an entryway into deeper places in people, we are given such a powerful tool with our cameras. It's important that we remind ourselves of that as shooters. 

Thoughts
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Rich Park says: Tuesday, January 18, 2011, 09:30 AM

this shoot came out so naturally beautiful and just makes me smile! seriously, AMAZING shoot!

Cameron Ingalls says: Monday, January 17, 2011, 11:59 AM

I love these two! they told me you were shooting them when they passed through and visited our family and I was sooo happy! Sarah. You. Always. Inspire.

Annie says: Wednesday, January 12, 2011, 04:47 PM

There's something very special about these photos :)

Simone Novato says: Wednesday, January 12, 2011, 05:58 AM

I loved Fernanda´s shooting. She is an amazing photographer (she photoshooted here in São Paulo/Brazil) .. I love it! Congratulations for these wonderful pictures ... it´s gorgeous!

Danilo says: Wednesday, January 12, 2011, 05:15 AM

When Fernanda told me she would take a session with you I knew it would be incredible. You is a reference for us here in Brazil, we love your work. And I personally see all through my google reader to not lose anything. You're pure inspiration, I find incredible how you work and how you involve your couples, you just captures the essence of each one and the love between them. That's what I saw in the photos of Fernanda e Rodolfo. Simply amazing. Congratulations, you made them happy and you made their friends happy too, it's very nice to see them so happy and in love in these pictures.
Best regards from Brazil.
Danilo

Danilo says: Wednesday, January 12, 2011, 05:13 AM

When Fernanda told me she would take a session with you I knew it would be incredible. You is a reference for us here in Brazil, we love your work. And I personally see all through my google reader to not lose anything. You're pure inspiration, I find incredible how you work and how you involve your couples, you just captures the essence of each one and the love between them. That's what I saw in the photos of Fernanda e Rodolfo. Simply amazing. Congratulations, you made them happy and you made their friends happy too, it's very nice to see them so happy and in love in these pictures.
Best regards from Brazil.
Danilo

Tiffany Lowry says: Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 04:57 PM

Love----

Michele (from Rio) says: Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 03:10 PM

fab!!!! thanks for putting a little bit of brazilian flavor into your blog!
great work...as always!

Fernanda Petelinkar says: Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 02:52 PM

OMG!

Sarah! I have no words! Really! I`m here in my computer for the past 2 hours, just starring at the pictures and trying to put in words what I`m feeling!

As I wrote you, I was sure I would love the way you saw us! I see exactly who we are, and how much we love each other!

I always wonder why my clients say they cry when they see the pictures and now I know why! I couldn`t stop crying! And laughing!

It was the best experience I ever had! Thank you so much to give us such beautiful memories, that will last forever! I love him sooo much and now I can see that love in pictures!

You are the best!
Love
Fernanda

Fernanda Petelinkar says: Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 01:50 PM

OMG!

Sarah! I have no words! Really! I`m here in my computer for the past 2 hours, just starring at the pictures and trying to put in words what I`m feeling!

As I wrote you, I was sure I would love the way you saw us! I see exactly who we are, and how much we love each other!

I always wonder why my clients say they cry when they see the pictures and now I know why! I couldn`t stop crying! And laughing!

It was the best experience I ever had! Thank you so much to give us such beautiful memories, that will last forever! I love him sooo much and now I can see that love in pictures!

You are the best!
Love
Fernanda

Fernanda Petelinkar says: Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 01:47 PM

OMG!

Sarah! I have no words! Really! I`m here in my computer for the past 2 hours, just starring at the pictures and trying to put in words what I`m feeling!

As I wrote you, I was sure I would love the way you saw us! I see exactly who we are, and how much we love each other!

I always wonder why my clients say they cry when they see the pictures and now I know why! I couldn`t stop crying! And laughing!

It was the best experience I ever had! Thank you so much to give us such beautiful memories, that will last forever! I love him sooo much and now I can see that love in pictures!

You are the best!
Love
Fernanda

Fernanda Petelinkar says: Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 01:44 PM

OMG!

Sarah! I have no words! Really! I`m here in my computer for the past 2 hours, just starring at the pictures and trying to put in words what I`m feeling!

As I wrote you, I was sure I would love the way you saw us! I see exactly who we are, and how much we love each other!

I always wonder why my clients say they cry when they see the pictures and now I know why! I couldn`t stop crying! And laughing!

It was the best experience I ever had! Thank you so much to give us such beautiful memories, that will last forever! I love him sooo much and now I can see that love in pictures!

You are the best!
Love
Fernanda

Fernanda Petelinkar says: Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 01:38 PM

OMG!

Sarah! I have no words! Really! I`m here in my computer for the past 2 hours, just starring at the pictures and trying to put in words what I`m feeling!

As I wrote you, I was sure I would love the way you saw us! I see exactly who we are, and how much we love each other!

I always wonder why my clients say they cry when they see the pictures and now I know why! I couldn`t stop crying! And laughing!

It was the best experience I ever had! Thank you so much to give us such beautiful memories, that will last forever! I love him sooo much and now I can see that love in pictures!

You are the best!
Love
Fernanda

Barbara Green Short says: Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 01:20 PM

Sarah, these photos are sooo beautiful and full of joy, love and happiness! I can see they really had fun doing it! Congratulations!
Fê, you are gorgeous and I specially loved Rodolfo's comment! So cute, :)). Kisses (from Brazil too)

Fernanda Passos says: Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 12:53 PM

I can see the love...feel the love through this photos!
Congrats, Sarah!
Fe, you look so lovely!!!

Kisses from Brazil (too!)

Rodolfo Petelinkar says: Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 12:45 PM

I´m impressed. How magic it's.
So "simple" and so wonderful. Fernanda is my life and you made my life shine.
Thank you.
From heart.
Rodolfo

Marina Favato says: Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 12:31 PM

I love Fernanda soooooooo much and it's sooooooo good to see her enjoying a beautiful moment next to her husband. LOVED the pictures!!!!

A big kiss from Brazil!!!!

Marina Favato

Sharon says: Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 11:31 AM

Sarah, hi! My name is Sharon and Fernanda is my partner and my best friend and I know her with all my heart. I am a big fan of your work for a long time. But seeing someone I know thru your eyes, showed me how incredible your pictures are. You captured Fernanda and Rodolfo just the way they are... although they are full of clothes for the cold, they seem transparent, naked. And of course, full of joy, as you said! Congrats :) Now I am inspired as photographer, because I want to make beautiful photos like these and as wife! I wanto to look to my husband 12 years ahead and feel in love just the way they still do :)

:)))

Big kiss from Brasil! See u in Vegas!

Monday, January 10, 2011, 12:01 PM
Let me preface this blog post letting all of you know, not to fear, this will not become some crazy cat lady blog (although that would be really funny). This is just a little introduction to the newest member of The Rhoads fam, little miss Sophie. Both Chris and I are huge animal lovers and have been wanting a little fuzzy face to welcome into the fold for some time, but also wanted to find the right fit. We travel too much right now for a doggie and fell in love with cats a couple years ago when our neighbor cat decided to move in with us. Well we moved away from that house and have been on the hunt for a kitty of our own for a while when we came across Sophie- a big cuddly, overweight ragdoll with lots of love. We adore her and felt it only appropriate that she get a blog debut :)

In other, non-cat news, this weekend I spent a lot of time in the "inspiration cave" and I came across this fantastic quote by Steve Jobs that I really felt compelled to share:

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.  If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. Stay hungry. Stay foolish."
 


Thoughts
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Lydia says: Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 05:46 PM

You two are such an inspiration to me! I don't know how many times I've come here to soak in the creativity that fills these pages.

And your cat is adorable and makes me miss mine so much!

Kara Rush says: Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 12:35 PM

I LOVE that quote and can not wait to show it to my husband. He just quit a "secure" job to continue pursuing his passion of being a pilot. We have definitely been considered foolish...and although we aren't hungry, we do eat lots of rice and beans :) But we are both happy doing what we love.

Kara Rush says: Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 12:34 PM

I LOVE that quote and can not wait to show it to my husband. He just quit a "secure" job to continue pursuing his passion of being a pilot. We have definitely been considered foolish...and although we aren't hungry, we do eat lots of rice and beans :) But we are both happy doing what we love.

jen k. says: Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 12:34 PM

So fluffy!!!! Loveing the quote!!

Amy Henderson says: Tuesday, January 11, 2011, 05:18 AM

Our cat makes our house feel cozy and more like home. Yours looks like the perfect cozy kitty.
Great quote! I couldn't agree more!

Renee says: Monday, January 10, 2011, 10:57 PM

Can I just say that I absolutely love your kitty! As a child we had ragdoll cats and they have the sweetest personalities. Also, thanks for the quote...that came at a time when I particularly needed to hear it.

Erika says: Monday, January 10, 2011, 07:23 PM

Congrats on the new addition to your home! Love her pretty blue eyes. :)

I might have to borrow that quote too. Such a good reminder. Thx for sharing!

Mary says: Monday, January 10, 2011, 06:53 PM

Another blue eyed wonder...a perfect fit for the Rhoads. Congrats you two!!! She seems so sweet and cuddly!

Mommie Dearest says: Monday, January 10, 2011, 04:23 PM

OMG!!!! Seems like you had some allergy testing done when you were in high school and you are allergic to cats!

Kevin Wrenn Photography says: Monday, January 10, 2011, 04:01 PM

She's gorgeous! I still haven't found mine, but am still looking.

Great quote too.

hayley says: Monday, January 10, 2011, 02:50 PM

aw. i'm a sucker for a good cat photo.

Allison Suter says: Monday, January 10, 2011, 02:04 PM

Love that quote! It's one of my husband's favourites!

Oh, and, your kitty is so sweet!!

Chelsea Patricia says: Monday, January 10, 2011, 01:17 PM

Oh great. Now we have to get a cat.

:)

Lovely photos!

Jenna says: Monday, January 10, 2011, 01:03 PM

I love a good cat post! ;-)

kathleen says: Monday, January 10, 2011, 12:42 PM

such a sweet kitty! she will be a wonderful addition to the family. thanks for sharing pics, and for the inspiring quote.

alej keigan says: Monday, January 10, 2011, 12:30 PM

gorgeous kitty, gorgeous photos. i didn't even like cats before i fell in love with my first one. then i got her a friend. now i am definitely a "my cat person." i can't help but post pics and tweet about them all the time. i try! i just can't. :)

alej keigan says: Monday, January 10, 2011, 12:29 PM

gorgeous kitty, gorgeous photos. i didn't even like cats before i fell in love with my first one. then i got her a friend. now i am definitely a "my cat person." i can't help but post pics and tweet about them all the time. i try! i just can't. :)

Beth Wilson says: Monday, January 10, 2011, 12:25 PM

OMG! You will LOVE having a rag doll!!! My parents have one, Sadie-Cat (yes, we really add the "cat" part after her name too!) And my mom wants so badly for us to get one named Sophie! haha too funny! When we're home, Sadie-cat sleeps with Matt and I and LOVES to wake us up at 6am purring in our ears and licking our faces...as hateful as it sounds, we sometimes have to lock her out so we can sleep in! :)

Tiffany says: Monday, January 10, 2011, 12:24 PM

She is SO adorable! What amazingly blue eyes she has!

Kathryn Bradley says: Monday, January 10, 2011, 12:23 PM

Sophie is adorable! And such a wonderful quote...a much needed reminder. Thank you for sharing!

Katie Jane says: Monday, January 10, 2011, 12:08 PM

Ahh, so cute! What a sweet kitty. And I LOVE LOVE LOVE that quote.