Sunday, June 28, 2009, 08:13 PM
Friday we traveled down to the south side to join in on a summer BBQ on the Puget Sound at Jason & Crystal's in-laws place. There were some other fun photographer friends there and we got to talk about life & the pursuit of happiness over some vino and burgers ;). 

As I kicked my feet over the dock & watched the sunset over the water that night I felt a stirring in me.... a letting go of fears, an excitement for what is to come... the urging to continue creating, persevering and demanding excellence in my life and work. The moment we begin to settle for anything shy of excellence is when we settle for mediocrity in our lives. I never want to settle for that. It's cheap. It's easy to stand out when you pursue excellence because so many people are okay with mediocrity in their lives. We don't want to be like everyone. As my dad always said, "do a job great or small do it right or not at all." As we hit the peak of our busy season it is important for us remember the pursuit of excellence with every couple, every shoot, every wedding, every edit. As I looked out over the water that night, I was reminded of my dads words to continue pouring our hearts into everything we do and doing the very best we can.

Crystal & Jason asked Chris and I to do some photos of them for their new web site & blog. We have known these two for about a year and a half now & feel thankful to call them friends. Into the Darkroom, who worked with us on our blog, also did their blog and did a fantastic job reflecting who they are as artists and people. So without further adieu... Jason & Crystal







Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (48)
Mikaela says: Tuesday, July 20, 2010, 10:37 AM

Oh my goodness, I'm in love with these. So glad I stumbled upon your blog :)

Brian Otto P says: Saturday, August 8, 2009, 12:30 AM

#3 really amazing ... you freeze it just in time =) Keep on Rockin' ..

Annie says: Monday, July 27, 2009, 10:28 AM

You did a great job, it's about time someone took pictures of Crystal & Jason! You really caught their personalities and their beauty and love of life!

Vitaliy Prokopets says: Thursday, July 2, 2009, 09:36 AM

I love the apples as props. The second image is great stop action image. I love #3 too. Great photos!

erica says: Thursday, July 2, 2009, 08:53 AM

sarah, you outdid yourself! does the pressure to be so consistently FREAKING AWESOME make you lose sleep at night????

JENA says: Thursday, July 2, 2009, 08:39 AM

amazing series! love the 50's feel and stunning selection of props and outfits. just a beatiful couple catpured in the best light!

michelle sidles says: Thursday, July 2, 2009, 07:44 AM

These might be my very favorite shots I've ever seen on your blog!! The falling apple.... the sun flare... the field with the people up in the corner of the frame...books!! LOVE THESE!!! :)

justin Bailey says: Thursday, July 2, 2009, 05:45 AM

Wow Sarah,

The beach images are awesome ;) I love the actions that you have used. Very coooool :)

J

Candice says: Thursday, July 2, 2009, 04:47 AM

i love everything about these. especially the first location. girl...we are SO stoked.

Laurel McConnell says: Wednesday, July 1, 2009, 11:39 PM

Love this series, Sarah, I want images like this of me and my beau (and he's a tough guy to photograph, boy is he EVER!)! Keep it up!

Meaghan Cook says: Wednesday, July 1, 2009, 10:59 PM

One of your best shoots ever. I can really get an idea of what these two super cuties are like. Love love love the apples. *Meaghan

Nancy says: Wednesday, July 1, 2009, 12:51 PM

This location is amazing, of course so are your subjects - very nice work and processing! I too am just starting out, love your unique style... I'm a fan already! :D

Katelyn says: Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:56 PM

Beautiful! I LOVE these! Amazing job capturing them...I love your creativity in all the shots.

appleM00N says: Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 10:17 PM

like them apples!

shanni says: Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 03:11 PM

I just went and ate an Apple. And not because I work at Apple, but rather since I saw such delicious looking apples in such delicious looking photos.

Pascal says: Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 02:33 PM

Love the apple shot! You rock as always!

evelyn says: Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 09:21 AM

YOU ROCK THIS! has always lovely pictures(:

Chelsea McGowan says: Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 08:52 AM

I'm a blog stalker, but have yet to comment on one of your posts. This one, though... I'd probably be unable to sleep unless I told you how awesome it is! My hubby and I have just kind of done without portraits of ourselves since our wedding, because I can't find anyone who can do something like this. THIS. This exact thing. Dang you for being so far away...

PROMISE TANGEMAN says: Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 08:40 AM

SARAH!! and Chris!! another extraordinary session. you guys are on TOP!

PROMISE TANGEMAN says: Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 08:40 AM

SARAH!! and Chris!! another extraordinary session. you guys are on TOP!

ron storer says: Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 05:16 AM

let's see....

beatiful - √
timing - √
passion - √
rendering - √
something your dad is smiling about in heaven √√√√√√√

lots of love to you both:)

Steve Gerrard says: Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 12:17 AM

"It's easy to stand out when you pursue excellence because so many people are okay with mediocrity in their lives." - Very true Sarah. There ain't no mediocrity goin' on here that's for sure :)

Priscill Gragg says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 11:02 PM

sarah, i am just going to say this: in my opinion, out of all the photographers i have been following for the past 2 years, you are the best photographer for couples! there, i said it!
wonderful sarah! you just killed it again!

Danielle LaFleur-Dutta says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 07:11 PM

These are AMAZING!

Briony says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 04:36 PM

these are absolutely wonderful! love love love these :)

Chrissy D. says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 03:26 PM

This is the first time I've visited your site. Amazing and inspiring!

Andrea says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 02:52 PM

Fantastic!

William Kim says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 02:07 PM

wow, your work is very inspiring!

matthew morgan says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 01:58 PM

beautiful locations. very smooth documentary feel.

Melissa Blue says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 01:41 PM

LOVE the apple shots! Great job!

Jasmine* says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 12:08 PM

I couldn't love this session more than I do!! So awesome! :)
xoxo

Jonathan Frey says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 11:59 AM

Wowee

Nathan Walker says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 11:05 AM

once again - lovely! always special, always perfect - love it :)

Julie says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 10:52 AM

Gorgeous! Love the use of the apples and motion. Adds such a fun and quirky personality to the images...which I'm guessing they share in real life. :)

Shannon Sewell says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 10:44 AM

love, love, love these!! jason, you guys look amazing and well... the rhoads... yep, the kinda people that knock every session outta the park. pretty good combination if you ask me ;)
~S

Bekah says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 10:39 AM

Love. These. Photos.

I must ask, where is this sandy beach?! I want to go to there.

oneshotbeyond says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 10:31 AM

totally beautiful!

Chantel says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 10:15 AM

Awe, awesome speech, so true. Love the pictures. Love the apples. I have a session planned in July with green apples and vintage books. Adore it!

italida says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 09:50 AM

Your works are incredible, full of life, love, light, passion.... I fallen in love with them! (sorry for my english) :D

Gerald says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 09:48 AM

Incredible work! These are absolutely incredible Sarah!

Jason says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 09:34 AM

BOOYA! I know, huge 90's word, but that's the first one that came to mind when I saw this post. I must say, being a photographer myself, it was really odd to be on the other side of the lens. That being said, having friends like you guys photograph us made the experience amazing. Crystal & I haven't been photographed since our wedding in 2001! These images are unbelievable...I'd even say I'm shocked, but I always knew you'd do it right :) Thank you guys for your time and unique talent!

JennyJimenez says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 09:23 AM

falling in love again.

Tana H says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 09:20 AM

I absolutely love them. This session was a perfect fit for them. Great job!

Lisa says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 09:02 AM

This is officially the perfect photog blog entry :) Great intro- and I absolutely love every single shot.

imthiaz houseman says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 08:59 AM

what a beautiful session.

Beth Armsheimer says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 08:58 AM

So beautiful!! love the props so much!

imthiaz houseman says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 08:58 AM

what a beautiful session.

josh solar says: Monday, June 29, 2009, 08:34 AM

what a lovely session!