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It is hard to believe that another year has come and gone. When I think of 2011 the word that stands out in my mind is growth. I feel like my world became so much more expansive this year. I saw the sky open up as I stood in that great open space of possibility. In many ways I still feel like that little kid with a million hopes and dreams throwing pennies into the pond, wishing only that I could fly. There are times in life when work is the driving force and we only get to see glimmers of our dreams take shape; and then there are other very special seasons of life when God allows us to see the fruit of our labor... much like a farmer in harvest season. This year was one of those rare and special harvest times when we saw many of our dreams move past inception and begin to take shape. There is only more hard work ahead, but sometimes it helps to have that beautiful pulled back perspective, the reminder that the work we do matters, the sweat & man hours amount to something, and dreams do come true.
I have always been a firm believer that each of us creatives must trust the "hot spots." What I mean by that is trusting those things that move us, inspire us & get us excited. A lot of times hot spots don't always make the most logical sense, making them scary impulses to trust. But I think if we deny our hot spots for long enough parts of us die... beautiful parts that the world needs to see. So this year has been a year of trusting my heart and moving towards the heat. Our heart for photography has always been people-centric, in the past five years Chris and I have specifically fallen in love with the lifestyle aspects of storytelling which is what our We Are the Rhoads brand is all about. The evolution of this brand came from a hot spot that began five years ago and never left. This year we were hired by Sony, Coca-Cola, Hilton, Pepsi, Pfizer & others to shoot their worldwide lifestyle campaigns for them (many of which will go live in 2012). I've never had so much fun during the creation process as I've had this year. This year was a true testament to the importance of trusting the "hot spots" on our creative journeys. I think it's always important for every creative to do a hot/cold check on a regular basis. Asking ourselves "why" we are doing things and making sure our reasoning resonates with someplace deeper within us.
You'll notice I haven't spent as much time blogging on this blog this year, that's because I was spending time living, shooting, creating, growing in new ways. Keeping with my "hot spot" philosophy, some things are going to change around here. From here forward this blog will simply become a place for me to explore my own creative journey, I will blog things that I'm learning, things that are challenging &/or inspiring me & what we're shooting from time to time. I wont be blogging things out of obligation or expectation. This is going to be a bit of a different space, a little more personal and exploratory. I understand if that doesn't interest some of you. This was a personal decision made from a hot spot, from a deep need to focus more on creating & less on things that pull me away from that. For those who it does interest, I am looking forward to exploring new roads together. If you want to keep up with more of our commissioned lifestyle work you can stay up with it on our WATR blog.
Thank you for being so sweet 2011, as we bid you adieu I look forward to the things this big giant world has to teach & show me in 2012.
Thoughts
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I look forward to following you on your new journey! Thank you for being so genuine and being an excellent example of seeking yourself and your dreams audaciously. What is creativity if not continuously consumed by discovery? I pray your endeavors bring you that encouragement and heat you seek!
Very jealous of that super cool camera you have there. Nice!
Awesome! I can't wait to see how this blog transforms and I look forward to following along!
your personal and exploratory moments are my favorite, and the ones I value most that you share. i'm excited to stick with ya. excited to continue watching (and learning from) your growth.
Bravo Sarah. Here's to a year of creating and being and living out of honesty and not obligation. Love your vision girl:)
you always bring a smile to my face.
Rock it out, Sarah...I can't wait to see what 2012 holds for you! :)
Awesome! Keep up the good work!
I LOVE YOU, Sarah! I'm so happy for you and so excited to follow your growth and journeys chronicled here in a new way. I actually made the same decision recently for my own blog. In the coming year and beyond I'm only blogging as I want to ... and only what I want to. A personal blog more than a work blog. Thank you for continuously inspiring me to follow my hot spots, to revisit my WHY, and to live live live. xo, AM
i love this, sarah, and i'm super proud of you, lady. you have been // continue to be a huge inspiration and encouragement to me, and i'm so grateful to you and for you! i've been describing 2011 as my 'harvest year', so this post really resonated with me. it's time to sow again, me thinks! cheers to you, and another wonderful year -- i hope our paths cross again soon. xx
You are so inspiring in both your words and all the beauty you create with your lens and heart. I look forward to following your personal journey on this blog more. Happy 2012!
Way to go you guys. Wishing you another year of growth and sticking to what matters most, cheers to you & 2012!
Thank you for sharing this. I have so loved watching as you have traveled your beautiful road and can't wait to see what you do next. Congratulations Sarah and Chris.
This post struck a cord with me...especially the "focus more on creating & less on things that pull me away from that" how so very true that is! Wishing you all the best in 2012 thank YOU for the constant inspiration ! Big Hugs! xx
Please keep blooging your thoughts!... It's so inspiring!!!
Thank you!
And best wishes for 2012...
Here's to you! And you & you!