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I am a photographer because this is what I feel that I was created for. It is what I know I was put on this planet to do. I believe that each of us has a unique purpose... some just may not be aware of their purpose yet. But we all have one. Me? I was born to create. There are three things that I have always known about myself. Number one: I love people, number two: I love to create and tell stories, and number three: I am a big dreamer; a hopeless romantic who wants to change the world :).
Photography is the perfect marriage of my strengths, talents and passions; making the camera an obvious means to an end for me. I do not love my camera. Rather, I love the way it allows me to connect with people. I love the freedom it gives me to peek into the intimate and personal places of peoples hearts and the way it opens doors and tears down walls, but most of all, I love the way it makes me feel weightless... as if I am connecting with something much bigger and much greater than myself.
{Warning: the rest of this post is long and personal and if for no one else, I felt it was important to verbalize for my own sake... for those that have the tenacity to make it till the end, thanks for listening. For those that don't, I wont hold it against you :) }
When I was fourteen I lost my dad in a plane accident. In that moment the seed was planted in my heart to embrace the sentiment that life is short and there is no other way to live apart from doing something that you truly love. My father loved to fly, it was his passion. I feel so thankful knowing that he passed doing something that made him dance... something that made him feel weightless and invigorated.
I had a youth pastor around that same time named Kevin who really took me and my sister under his wing during a season when our family was hurting. Kevin was a huge vehicle of growth for me. Kevin took me to purchase my first SLR camera when I was fourteen and he taught me how to develop in the darkroom. He taught me about aperture and shutter-speed, but more than anything, Kevin taught me how to love and empower people... Kevin told me that I had something great to give to the world.
Several years later I moved from Chicago to Oklahoma to go to college. My mom said she would cover my college expenses if I attended the college where she and my dad were alumni. I kicked and screamed because I tend to think of myself as a "city-girl", and a move to Oklahoma at the time just didn't make sense; but destiny always has a way of weaving our lives into a beautiful tapestry that we never see until we step back. And of course as destiny would have it, Oklahoma State University is where I would meet my amazing husband, Chris, who of course became the biggest vehicle of growth in my life to date.
I majored in Journalism. I figured it was a no-brainer given my passion & zest for people, as well as my fascination with creating a good story. However, I quickly realized that the stories they want you to tell in J-school were not the stories I was passionate about telling. The focus of most of the stories in Journalism are focused on the devastation, the negativity and travesty in the world. And although those are stories that need to be told, I knew that my desire was to tell a story that inspired people. I wanted to tell the stories that awakened something within people. I became increasingly frustrated with my Journalism major. It was definitely not the "perfect marriage" of my strengths and talents. Not to mention, I am horrible with grammar! (Although I am sure you are already well aware of that if you read my blog on a regular basis... just know I try ;)
One summer during college I was asked to go on a humanitarian trip to Togo, West Africa. That summer was a game-changer for me. The entire experience caused a major paradigm-shift in my heart and mind. After leaving Africa, my friend Amanda and I ended up spending a month trekking through Europe with our cameras and gelato ice cream cones in hand talking about life, love and the pursuit thereof. It was in those sweet moments that an awakening began to unfold in my heart.
Coming back from that trip I had over a hundred rolls of film to develop. As I was going through the frames trying to catch Chris up on the intimate details of this incredible experience, passion was just flowing out of me... something about this trip made me come to life in ways I can't even begin to describe. I will never forget Chris stopping me, looking me square in the eyes, the way that only your soulmate can, and telling me to run after this. He encouraged me to take hold of my passion for capturing people and pursue it with reckless abandonment. Chris saw all the potential in me that I couldn't yet see in myself. I am glad that I believed him, without that push I wouldn't be where I am today.
The next day I contacted the best local photographer I could find. Being a hopeless romantic, love stories just made sense for me. He took me under his wing as a second shooter and I became a sponge, soaking up everything I could. These were the kind of stories I wanted to tell. Love stories that inspired people. Stories that made people look at life a little differently. From there, I did exactly what Chris told me... I ran after my passion for telling stories that inspire people. Now Chris and I have the honor of being able to pursue this wonderful endeavor together here at our home in Seattle, and we have never looked back. Chris's story of coming into photography is different than mine so perhaps one day I will have him share it in a blog post.
I continue to stand in amazement as I wake up every day to something that I love. I am humbled that I have been shown the wings that make me fly and that I do something that gives me such a rich purpose. I am so thankful for all of those people along the way that give me courage and push me to be better... most notably my sweet husband who I adore. :)
and for those that made it this far... I owe you a cocktail.
Thoughts
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Thank you for sharing. Your creations are a breath of fresh air. I'm so glad to meet you. x Ingrid
You really are amazing and such an inspiration as the 101 posters before me have mentioned.
I agree - our destinies work themselves out in a magical way and I love to watch mine unfolding right now, reflecting on the "but if I hadn't had 'x', 'y' wouldn't have come" moments.
I just started to get into photography and it's encouraging to hear that someone with an intense dream can end up where you are because that's how I feel.
Thank you so much. If you're ever in Orlando, FL please let your fans knows!
Thanks for sharing such a heartfelt story. It seems cliche to say but you truly are in inspiration to those of us who are just finding their song to dance to.... You're work is beautiful.
Thank you is the only two words that are coming to my mind at this moment. I needed to read this. You are a true inspiration. :)
i am glad you jumped and found your purpose and passion. you are incredibly gifted and are doing amazing things in the lives of those around you. i can even see it from afar in cyberspace. haha. keep it up. :)
You seriously need to write a book. This post is beautiful.
I came back to re-read this. i'm not sure why. i think maybe it keeps me wanting more for myself and the business. i am dreaming big. thank you. i feel so privileged to know you and chris (who aside from my matty, has got to be the most genuine man in the world).
Thanks for sharing, I've never had the honor of hearing this story, but it's a beautiful story. You are truly talented and I'm happy you are living your purpose. You're such an inspiration.
Love your story! I'm just a guy learning photography trying to be some students "Kevin"! Rock on buddy!
Sarah, thank you so much for this post. I'm in a job right now where I'm beginning to forget why I even liked photography in the first place. Your photography and wonderful stories have re-inspired me and truly lift my spirits every time look at your blog. Thank you, again. I hope God continues to bless you and use you to inspire others and show there is a kind, loving side to this world.
Sarah,
Hey this is so rich and wonderful to hear your story. This photo is quite the story in itself.
Sarah, you are so inspirational. I want to be a better(er) photographer after reading this. So happy that you are always sharing your stories.
Loved your story. I was intrigued enough to make it to the end even though I had no idea there was a cocktail waiting for me...
Thank you so much for sharing this. I am so grateful you decided to pursue your passion in photography. You are, byfar, one of the most talented photographers I follow. Thank you for inspiring me in many ways!
First off, thank you for being a photographer. You're very good and I see you're honoring God in what you do. It's awesome!
Also, thank you for being open and honest about why you do what you do. I've been struggling to put into words why I do what I do, but I read this post and I couldn't contain the words any longer! You expressed the passion of my heart as well as your own.
So, here's what I did (hope you don't mind): I quoted you. Yep, sure did. I just wanted to let you know this.
Oh, and thanks again.
God bless!
we have a VERY similar story. if you ever get a minute, check out how God has shaped us in very similar ways, for a common purpose. it's on my blog whitneydarling.com. thanks for making your heart a window.
you are a beautiful person and an inspiration, Sarah. I miss and adore you (too), and also, it's a little bit ridiculous how stunning you are. seriously.
@JasmineKelly the best advice I can give is to follow your bliss... ask your self the tough questions and face your fears head on, and if shooting is what you love, run after it with all you've got :)
That an amazing post. You are truly gifted and such an inspiration!
What an amazing post...you are truly gifted and such an inspiration.
What an amazing post...you are truly gifted and such an inspiration.
Sarah (&Chris)- Thanks for being transparent. No film pun intended.
I would love to take you up on the cocktail offer, although I am more of a scotch or dark beer kind of guy. That said, I'd love to meet up for lunch or whatnot with the two of you. I am "refining" my shooting preference and would love a little guidance, although I probably need to shoot a little more to figure that all out for sure....
If your down, drop me a line....
Just Googel: Photobby
twitter, fbook...
oh my.
wow.
thank you....
for being so transparent with us.
for chasing that purpose that was created specifically for you.
for telling stories that help people overcome.
for your honesty.
for being YOU and encouraging others to do the same.
Love,
a girl in Nashville who completely adores you and your blog.
i can definitely relate to your words. i was an english literature major in college and i feel that photography unites all my passions together as well. you really articulated this beautifully in in your post. thanks :)
Keep on keepin' on Sarah. I've told you once and I'll tell you again.... You and Chris are such an inspiration and.... breath of fresh air :)
Hi, i am a student and im majoring in Photography, Graphic Design Web Emphasis......any tips on what to do after college? Grad school or what ?
I did read until the end, and every word was amazing. I cried. Thanks so, so much for sharing your passions, talents, and stories.
you all have NO IDEA how much you encourage me. I really thought the only people that would read all the way through this was Chris, my mom and my in-laws ;). I feel blessed and humbled to know that somehow my story can offer some hope to a few of you.
We have never met but if you are ever in Halifax, Nova Scotia I would love to buy you a cocktail :) You really are a true inspiration. Thank you for sharing and for reminding me to dream big and push through my fears.
Sarah,
you REALLY inspires people!
You are one of my biggest inspiration, not only as a photographer but as a person.
You make me dream bigger and help me have courage!
Thank you so much for being so AWESOME!
:)
wow, your story is very inspiring. if i was to write something about myself as a photographer i would have to mention Sarah Roads because you are certainly one of my biggest inspirations!
What a beautifully written post - thanks for sharing. It's refreshing to hear how you took a negative situation (losing your dad, not going to your top pick college, ending up in a major that is not a good fit) and turned it on it's ear by finding meaning, purpose and fulfillment. And you're a lucky girl to have met your soul mate early in life, and that he gives you the strength and freedom to fly...
Thanks again for sharing your story with us!
Sarah,
I completely connect with, and understand how you feel. You are an inspiration, in more ways than as a photographer.
I feel a calling to love people and inspire them through photography as well, and reading your post was almost like a way for me to understand my own feelings better...you put into words the things I have been feeling...thank you for that!
You are incredible. Such a rock star!
much love...Jamie
I'm a frequent reader with the rss reads but this one got me by the heart. Thanks Sarah for shaking it and reminding me that I'm alive. :) Blessings!
Sarah,
I saw this picture on facebook as we just recently became online friends. :) Thanks for that by the way.
FIrst, this picture is GORGEOUS!! Truly.
Second, Your story makes perfect sense. You are absolutely doing your perfect work as a photographer because you have influenced and inspired so many others just by doing what you are naturally drawn to. That is exactly how our life work should be. Thank you for sharing your beautiful talent with all of us.
Kiera
Thanks for sharing your story. It is a beautiful one and I relate to a lot of it. This is a great idea- to share your journey in this craft so far. It's raining right now and a Mojito (yes, even at nine in the morning) sounds delightful! Especially one shared with you. I'm with a previous poster- hope to meet you this year!
Beautiful and inspiring!
thank you for sharing, i'm sure it was not easy to recall some of those painful memories. you have a beautiful soul.
beautiful. inside and out.
I loved reading your story! You are a fabulous photographer! Like my husband Clint posted on your Facebook last night, "we are dang proud of you!" :-)
Sarah, thank you so much for sharing your story!! I just connected so much with what you said and how you described yourself. You definitely have a gift! I cannot thank you enough for being such a great inspiration to me and others!
beautiful, rich sharing, my friend * you know what your heart loves, and your are chasing it down with everything you've got - the loveliest combination that exists ;)
beautiful, rich sharing, my friend * you know what your heart loves, and your are chasing it down with everything you've got - the loveliest combination that exists ;)
Well reading your story has inspired me, and moved me deeply. Following the path of your heart is what every single one of us should do, and the only way to really live life the way it should be lived. Thank you so much for sharing something so personal with the world.
A special post from a special person. Such a treasure. Thanks for sharing.
Wow. This sounds strangely familiar. Very cool...I've recently started following your blog regularly and adore it. I feel like we could be best of friends...but that sounds creepy I'm sure haha. It's amazing how the internet can connect people that may never get the chance to meet. Thanks for sharing!!!!!!!!!
Thank you so much first of all for such a personal and revealing post. It's never easy to share such intimate details to strangers. This post will not only touch your readers/fans, it can in fact change someone's life as well. You are an inspiration and please continue doing your thang!
I agree 110% with you on your reasons of choosing photography as your career/life passion/creative outlet. I'm a graphic artist by day, but I find myself craving for more creatively and photography has been amazing to me. Finding photographers like you to inspire me, has been a blessing.
After reading your post, I enrolled to a nearby Community College for photography courses. =)
You're a great writer..grammatically or otherwise.
/just another fan
Thanks for sharing this with us. I know there are a lot of photographers that feel the same way about their passion but you expressed it with so much emotion. Great post and I will take you up on that drink offer at WPPI.
you're one of the finest people on this earth. i've never met you, but I can just tell.
thanks for sharing.
Hello Sarah.
Your honest and touching words spoke to me on nearly every level. I'm a fellow journalism major/former newspaper reporter/former news anchor turned photographer. For the first time in my life, I have read the perfect description of why someone should be a photographer. I've always admired your work and your blog...and now I admire you even more. Your past experiences and love for your hubby can be seen/felt through your amazing portraits.
Thanks for sharing your heart with us. By the way, I feel like I owe YOU a cocktail. ;)
i'm in tears. sarah, this was absolutely beautiful. so inspiring in so many ways. you have an amazing talent, and the world/your clients are so blessed to be able to see you spread your wings, and heck fly with you. keep on shooting! xo
i'm in tears. sarah, this was absolutely beautiful. so inspiring in so many ways. you have an amazing talent, and the world/your clients are so blessed to be able to see you spread your wings, and heck fly with you. keep on shooting! xo
i think I owe YOU a cocktail. you ARE inspiration and the luckiest girl to have chris as your rock.
can't wait to see you guys soon if we make it to wppi.
It's an incredibly beautiful story, thanks for sharing it with us. There are plenty of folks, myself included, that let fear get in the way of doing what we know we need to. Clearly with the number of comments you've had in a short period of time on this blog post, you inspire others, and have people coming back for more to hear/see your stories...and if you ever find yourself in Atlanta I'll buy *you* a cocktail. I hope to see Chris' story on the blog too.
@Kia... probably the most meaningful thing anyone could say. thank you.... thank you for sharing that. Nothing could be closer to the truth.
I'm so glad you posted this! Hearing your voice speak so authentically from your soul is so beautiful :)
I hope it's okay for me to say (as an observer) when your dad left this earth he set in motion the rest of your life and probably had the biggest hand in where you are now. Wish I would have had your insight and confidence when I was younger. Thankful that you share what you create here on your blog.
cocktail please, I can so related to the last part, ya know the fear one,what a story! you wrote it so beautifully, who cares about grammar when you have passion and honesty and the desire to create and the desire to inspire people, can so related with those desires too and makes me look back in my life to all the things that pointed to those desires and led my to photography as well
thanks for sharing
Sarah...you are amazing. I am so happy your shared your story with us. The biggest challenge in life is sometimes making the decision to follow your passion and doing what will make you the most happy. I know this is going to encourage and inspire alot of people to follow their dreams because like you said..we only live once and life is about being truly happy. It makes me so happy to know you and to know you are completely head over heels in love with life and yearn for more each day!
we're lucky to have you, lady.
now let's get that drink!
This is incredibly inspiring. I love your story and your heart.
thank you for sharing your story sarah. if i were closer to you i would call you and ask to be a sponge. your heart and desire shine through all of the images you capture, you have definitely found the place where you are meant to create.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I'm so glad that you are doing exactly what you feel you were created to do. You've helped so many people, including myself, without even meeting them. I love the way you write, tell your stories and how you are not afraid to be honest. And again, thank you for inspiring.
sarah, you are truly an inspiration. My dad passed away when I was 14 too, I always remember him having a camera with him. I think i get it from him :) thank you for sharing your journey. I think 2010 may just have to be filled with one of your mentor sessions...Ive always wanted to go to seattle :)
You are one amazing girl!
Thank you for the great post. You always inspire me and your work is out of this world stunning.
love it!
i'll take that cocktail and raise you mud-pie!
I love it! I love your images, your passion, your compassion, your ability to tell a story-written and through images! You are amazing :)
Sarah, you're amazing. This is yet another why I find your blog and twitter so inspiring. You're a brilliantly talented photographer and an honest person. I love it. P.S- Make mine a dry martini. ;)
I love you, seriously. I love every one of your images and blog posts...and one of these days I'll find you and hug you for sharing them all. (I'm thinkin' a 2010 mentor session might be required to achieve my goal!) So many of us are wishing you well on your journey and hoping that your dreams come true as much as ours do.
your honesty and compassion is what keeps me coming back every day, every post. it's funny how so many of us who went to j-school wanting to make a difference and tell stories that affect people in a very different way now we find ourselves in an industry where we connect on a much deeper level with people and there is twice as much satisfaction. you both are truly amazing and i can't wait to hear chris's journey into photography. thank you for sharing something so intimate.
thanks for sharing sarah. a similar passion is just beginning to awaken in me, and your words helped me sort through my own thoughts and emotions of my own "why".
i don't think i've taken the time to comment yet, so i feel it's due time that i love love your work! your pictures are truly worth a thousand words.
I've often wondered to myself "why" photography? My road has always been art, with several different paths branching out. Reading this has made me take a step back to really think about the "why." I thank you for that, for making me think as always:)
We're speechless, amazed and in awe....
One can only become inspirational when one has impacted so many lives in such a deep, profound way. You said it so eloquently, we are truly blessed to be able to see life in such a beautiful way that only pictures can describe. Thank you once again for being such an inspiration.
Thank you for your words & reflections.
No cocktail needed Sarah. Just a Jack & coke and a smile :)
I am with you...
I've perhaps thought about my WHY before, but I haven't really pursued it. Perhaps I take it for granted.
Sarah, I'm inspired by you. Your honesty. Your humility. Your passion and vision. I'm inspired to be a better me, a more passionate me; the best me there is. Thank you, dear.
Thank you, with every post you are helping me find the path of were I need to be. Not only are you inspiring me with your images also with you wonderful words.
Hey Sarah. I think you are amazing for being so open and vulnerable. I find it refreshing. Hope to see you again soon!
You are exceptional, and so inspiring. I see a lot of myself in you, and that gives me home. Because I haven't come quite as far, but you give me hope that the sky is the limit.
You are stunning, inside and out. Thank you, for being vulnerable, and for being you.
I have never met you, never even really talked with you except for an email and a tweet, but please know that your word is one that I value, greatly. Your passion is incredible and your inspiration to others is priceless. I strive everyday to help others see a path that they didn't know existed by speaking to colleges and it is a post like this that made me jump away halfway through and re write a completely new 'why i do what i do page.'
I could go on forever but I will practice brevity... Inspiring people and capturing the greatest moments in life is why I started playing music at weddings myself.
I truly hope I can steal you (and Chris's) word for the ebook I emailed you about. I would be honored and humbled to say the least.
I love the part where you say you are doing what you are created for. Not a lot of people can say that. I'm so glad that you found not only your passion, but your purpose. Thanks for sharing.
and little did you know that you would inspire so many others to follow their hearts and dreams as well.
you are so eloquent with your words. your pictures speak to people.
thank you for following your purpose.
and for sharing it with the rest of us.
XOXO
bri
I love this post! It's incredibly encouraging to know that there are people who find inspiration and find a way to use it to create inspiration. You are an amazing story teller and extremely talented artist. Thanks for sharing your story, Sarah!
The way you express gratitude is deeply touching, in a world where it is less and less available to feel. Sharing in return gratitude for the way that post made me feel is now even harder..( not counting that english is my second language!). Many thanks for that. Caribou ( the drink) for me :)
Thank you.....Your Story is very inspirational and exactly what I needed to hear right at this time! :-)
Sarah, you are so brave for being so honest. Thankyou so much for sharing your thoughts and incredible creativity. You have such an amazing gift and it's truly wonderful that you have pursued your passion. And this photo of you......gorgeous ; ).
Oh my dear, how I love your story. How I love your passion and your dedication and your pursuit. I love that God gave you the most amazing companion to walk alongside you. And I am so blessed to be a part of this journey and watch it all unfold. You are an inspiration and the best friend a girl could have. Love you!!
you owe me a cocktail :)
but really, reading this was very enjoyable -- you are a marvelous storyteller and would have been a great journalist. but i am really glad that you found out what your true mission was and became a photographer. i'm sure many people are thankful for that -- most notably the ones whose photos you have taken.
i've been reading Start with Why (as you suggested!) for the past two day and was thinking i wanted to post about my WHY too : ) thanks for sharing your story! hope i can meet you guys someday. you are constantly inspiring me.
You're beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I hope you're enjoying some nice wine right now. :)
Sarah, thanks for sharing your story with us. Far from being a long story, it was revealing and very touching. I remember reading bits-and-pieces of your story in some of your posts. I, too, have engaged in some cathartic writing. It helps get things out of your head, and gives a much better understanding of who you are. As with many things in life, it's important to know the back story.
I wish you continued success as photographer. Equally, or dare I say more importantly, I wish you continued personal growth, love and happiness.
Thank you for sharing. Your story is amazing, and inspiring.
Can i get my cocktail at WPPI this year? ;) A very enjoyable read... thanks for sharing girl!
inspiring... enlightening... beautiful and full of truth, as always. can't help but think of the buechner quote -- 'the place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet' -- i know you are right in that sweet spot and the world is a better place because of it. thank you for sharing your life and your gift :)
I read the whole thing and it is a beautiful story! Thanks for sharing you passion, your heart! You were so fortunate to find people who were kind enough to help show you the way! I wish we could all have that!
inspiring... enlightening... beautiful and full of truth, as always. can't help but think of the buechner quote -- 'the place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet' -- i know you are right in that sweet spot and the world is a better place because of it. thank you for sharing your life and your gift :)
Thanks for being so open and honest. I think you put great words on how I also feel about photography.
i love that you told this story to the world Sarah. It is something that stuck with me when we did our mentoring sesh.... we know what we're meant to do, even if my 'meant' means something different than your 'meant'. telling stores through imagery is a true talent... something that needs to be done by someone. thank you for being vulnerable and throwing it all out there. besides bringin' it to the photo world, you're a truly great person inside. mad props chica!
Thank you Sarah. All day I have been asking the universe for something to inspire me, and here it is. Thank you for sharing... I know it can be difficult, but it is greatly appreciated.
You are one of the more inspiring people I follow. You don't "do" photography just to do it and because you are good at it - you do it because life doesn't make sense otherwise. I get that. It's so amazing to look back and see the ways God moved you in your life to become the person you are today and those things deserve to be documented if only for posterity sake. Thank you for telling your story.
Thank you Sarah. All day I have been asking the universe for something to inspire me, and here it is. Thank you for sharing... I know it can be difficult, but it is greatly appreciated.