Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 09:55 AM
Jeff Holt is a dear friend to Chris and me. He is also an excellent photographer out of North Carolina. Jeff was coming through Seattle on his speaking tour with the fabulous miss Lara Casey for the Making Things Happen Intensive Tour. Our great friend Shannon Sewell also drove up from Portland for the weekend, which equates to an awesome sleepover party at the Rhoads and an epic weekend. These two are some of our very closest friends in the industry and we love them dearly. They consistently challenge us in ways that others don't and push us to be better. Having them over for the weekend was just what the doctor ordered. 

Jeff is one of those people that you can let your guard down with. One of my very favorite things about him is his unwavering passion to serve and inspire others. Jeff can find the beauty in ANYONE. He is a natural born encourager and it is absolutely infectious. He encourages the heck out of us on a regular basis. Jeff is a "Big Picture" guy with a vision and personal mission to change the world guns blazzin.' No doubt, Jeff is doing exactly that! 

For Jeff, this is a year of overcoming fears. One of Jeff's personal fears is being on the other side of the lens. So as you can imagine Chris and I begged to take his photo. Facing your fears is all about walking right into them. I think Jeff was surprised at how much fun he could have being on the other side of things and it is our hope that we brought him one step closer to overcoming some of his fear of being on the other side of the glass :) *You can check out Jeff's thoughts of the shoot here*

*And for those techies that are wondering, the large format shots were all shot by Chris and yes, it is natural tilt-blur from the tilting of the front standard and bellows of the camera, not added in PS afterwards. Pretty wicked stuff. 

Enjoy the fabulous Mr. Jeff Holt!


Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (32)
Carter Moore says: Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 09:24 AM

These photos are great. I love the styles of his shirt and the colors go together greatly in this series. The black and white of his hand rubbing his face and the next one of him walking are my favorite. Spectacular capture of emotion.

gillian says: Friday, January 29, 2010, 10:31 PM

Great shots of Jeff! Love what looks to be a kung-fu-kick shot, and the airstream shot is great!!!Love the mix of shots.

Jeff is a truly amazing guy who connects with everyone! He's wonderful.

wrecklessgirl says: Friday, January 29, 2010, 03:19 PM

eep. cheep cheep. eep (again). so stinkin amazing.

elizabeth mae says: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 06:44 PM

Love, love, love the personality, the sweet and the serious - how wonderful your skills that they allow us to peer into someone else's soul - you both are always kickin some major butt - love it.

Anna says: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 03:48 PM

I feel like male portraits are some of the most difficult pieces, but you nailed it! I can feel a personality through the film which is so refreshing. Not to mention that he's pretty good looking as well....:)

Gina Meola says: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 02:38 PM

AWESOME!!!!!

Rachel Nickel says: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 02:13 PM

I'm digging the flannel.

jamie delaine says: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 02:09 PM

these are incredible. love the locations and clothes. gooooood lookin' man in some good lookin' photographs.

Jeff Holt says: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 01:36 PM

Wow... So where do I start?! #1 Chris and Sarah - I've told you guys a million times but I'm going to tell you a million more - THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU on so many levels. I'm beyond blessed to have the both of you in my life and to share in this journey together. These pictures mean more to me than you'll ever know. You both inspire me to be a better photographer, business owner and most importantly a better friend.

Ross says: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 11:44 AM

Definately everything you said is true! An amazing fella. and Great photos!

Cait says: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 10:35 AM

Chris & Sarah; You two are incredibly talented. Even though I don't know Jeff personally, there are so many aspects of his character shown in these images. I loved 'getting to know' him through your images.

Emilie says: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 02:20 AM

He looks like a cool guy!! Very handsome!!! I love the photo of his hands!

Audrey says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 10:07 PM

Ohhhh, Jeff is Yummy!!!

Sandi says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 10:00 PM

I love these pictures! I knew "Jeffery Jefferson" could take lots of good photos...Although, it doesn't hurt when you're working with an AMAZING photographer! :)
Great work!

Janet McK says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 06:40 PM

what? this dude doesn't like having his photo taken?! You've totally got the ruggedly handsome, sensitive thing going on here, and your smile is fantastic!

geneoh says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 05:40 PM

awesome session. Jeff is a very talented photographer!

Laura says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 05:10 PM

Gorgeous photos! I love visiting your blog and seeing your photos...they never cease to inspire.

Christine Pobke says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 03:29 PM

Um, greetings Jeff Hot! I mean, Holt. :) Beautiful portraits...and what lovely things to say about your friend. I feel like I know him! :) Everyone needs a Jeff Holt in their life, please share. :)

shannon sewell says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 02:52 PM

ahhh- sarah rhoads. what can i say to you?? you are amazing. so amazing that you can capture the amazing that is the amazing jeff holt ;) i mean come on... that's pretty friggin' amazing! :)

seriously though.. you've captured almost every facet that i think of when i think of jeff. his intensity.. his joy.. his ninja skills ;) i love them. all my favorite people equal one killer little blog post...

xoxo ~S

Hannah Taylor says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 02:47 PM

Oh that tilt-blur makes me drool! I love the action shots!! You two are so great!

Crystal Rose says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 02:41 PM

Looking good Jeff! S + C did a great job :)

AMANDA says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 02:19 PM

I think I need a Sarah Rhoads workshop in my life. Any plans to head to Toronto?

Cindy says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 12:31 PM

Love it! Love the one where he is laughing. Now I'm inspired to have MY portraits taken. It's hard for a photographer to be on the other side of the lens. Way to be brave, Jeff!

Kat Speyer says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 11:42 AM

Plaid shirts and fall/winter colors are wicked. Love the large format w/ tilt, too. :)

Katie says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 11:28 AM

Jeff, you rocked it. *high five* :) And Sarah and Chris, these shots are amazing. Loving the large format!

Lara says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 11:10 AM

JEFFREY!!!!!!! Look at YOU!! So happy right now I'm in tears looking at these! So blessed to have you in my life. Sarah and Chris, you captured him perfectly. Much love to you both. Just brilliant!

Emily @ Southern Weddings says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 11:00 AM

I love me some Jeff Holt! You look great, buddy! Can't wait to see you on Friday!

jeremy parsons says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 10:41 AM

Yeah....that's the good stuff. Amazing guys. Man, I love me some Jeff Holt.

Chris Hunt says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 10:35 AM

seriously, all they things you say of jeff are true. the shots capture that. way to step into the fear holt. nice work on both sides of the camera!

J@KE says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 10:33 AM

Seriously Jeff is a baller!!!! Love your work Sarah!

January Newbanks Soell says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 10:32 AM

I ADORE the paper-rock-scissors photograph early in the post. And I only just met Jeff at the MTH 2010 in LA, but your description could not be more dead-on. Jeff, if you're reading these comments, you look amazing. Sarah, I love your work so much. There is so much heart in each photo. Fantastic job.

Ruthie P. says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 10:14 AM

Another great session! :)