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The other day I came across my very first photography blog....I hadn't looked at it in years. My initial instinct was to close the window IMMEDIATELY! Run, duck for cover! It was like looking at a photo of what you wore back in the 80's. Something like, "What was I thinking wearing a side ponytail with a hot pink scrunchy and that hideous puffy sleeved sweater?! How did anyone let me leave the house like that?"
I created this blog in the days when I was still Sarah Kenslow, a naive and wide-eyed dreamer who, when asked what I wanted to do with my life, always answered with, "A great many things." Those were the days I was still shooting with my first film camera (a canon rebel) that was bought for me when I was fourteen. I was totally clueless, but completely infatuated with this little black box that allowed me to the power to peel back parts of my own heart while peeking into the hearts others.
However, I was by no means a brilliant photographer, quite the antithesis actually. And as I looked through this desperate and shabby little blog that I created when I was a resolutely fearless nineteen-year-old I wanted to close the window and run for cover, but instead, I sat with it. I let it all sink in. And eventually the corners of my mouth began to form into the shape of a smile. I have come a long way in my creative (and personal) evolution. And I am grateful. It is always important to remember where we come from. It keeps us humble, gracious and thankful. It also makes me so excited for my continued evolution as an artist. I've evolved so much even in the last six months. I've developed a more expansive palate of likes and dislikes, my tastes and vision are more focused and more "me". It is like finding that perfect pair of jeans, you have to try on quite a few pairs before you find that one perfect pair that makes you feel beautiful and YOU.
If we are not evolving we are standing still. Creative evolution is so incredibly important. As artists, we have NEVER arrived. We are always striving, growing, developing and evolving. There are times when looking back helps us move forward, seeing my first blog the other day helped me look my evolution dead in the face. It reminds me that I am still that wide eyed girl full of intrepidation, passion and courage. It reminds me to keep on keepin' on....to trust my gut instincts, to keep creating, pursuing growth and continue seeking to know thyself.
Thoughts
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Thank you for this inspiring post, Sarah! I love these images too.
Do we get to see your old blog?
I hear that - I know my main goal is to constantly compare myself to the best photographers I can find. It can be depressing, but it's also kindof exciting to see how much there is still to discover and learn. Like, I come here and I'm like ,"fuck - this is so damned good" and then I think "It'll be a lot of fun trying to get somewhere that feels like 'there' to me."
You inspire! Thank you for your words and art.
love this post and love your work :)
My wife and I have had such similar thoughts lately! We've just recently started down our path in photography but already feel like we're growing so much as artists. Thank you for your inspiring post!
The beginning to something amazing
I love the Sarah Rhoads blog. I can't wait to meet the girl behind the curtain one day.
I could never tell you how much I appreciate these posts. Since finding your blog, my life, not just my photography, has been enriched with such priceless inspiration, advice and encouragement. If I ever do a thank-you acceptance speech, you'll be on my list ;)
sometimes i think my older photos are better. one can develop a stylistic palette but once lost, it's hard to gain back innocence and naivety.
you are an absolutely amazing photographer. reading this gives me hope that my art will evolve and change with me overtime. I pray that I have a quarter of your success :)
Beautiful as always
you have definitely found your voice - love reading your blog and seeing your images. thank you!
but these photos in this post... these are not from your first-ever blog post, are they?
So true. Thank you for always being her - she's good at sharing. :-)
That field of sunflowers is my dream location of all time!!! Loving the dark one so very much.
that brightens my day. its nice to know genius photographers like yourself, came from somewhere smaller. thanks for sharing. hopefully, i can look back to my blog one day and think along those same lines!
awesome awesome awesome. "Know thyself". Thanks for the encouragement. ;)
Gosh, you are so right.
These images are lovely (as usual), and your words...well, so true.
Thanks, girl.
"A great many things". I absolutely love that (and the rest of this post). You are so inspirational.
Great post. I couldn't agree more. It's not about where we are headed, it's about how far we have come. Btw, where is this beautiful sunflower field?