161
Generosity
Monday, October 26, 2009, 01:29 PM
So I was getting my hair done today and, like most women, my hairdresser, Tiffany, is one of those women who can dream big with me. We started talking about the importance of surrounding ourselves with people that will push us towards toward success. It got me thinking a lot about the reasons for me and Chris's growth as photographers. A lot of our progress to this point can be attributed to the positive and successful people we have  surrounded ourselves with. We have chosen to keep our circle of friends and colleagues limited to the people who build up rather than tear down. People who push us to be better. People that are better than us at what we do. People who are givers. People who truly believe in us. Generous people. Big thinkers. Dreamers. Do'ers. It is so important for us to monitor the things we put in our head because it can affect the type of things that we create. I want to create imagery full of heart, passion and life. Having "negative nancy's" hanging around isn't going to allow me to do that as effectively.

I have been reading Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi and he says that "real networking is about finding ways to make other people successful." It is always better to give than to receive. I truly believe if our interactions are ruled by generosity without keeping score, success is what will follow. Be generous with people. If we are going to take the time to have lunch with someone we should take the time to also make them successful.

Here is a frame from a shoot I am so excited to share with you all. Knee deep in processing lots of fun things to come...


Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (19)
sarahrhoads says: Wednesday, October 28, 2009, 03:51 PM

@josh we use KPD magicsharp to sharpen all of our images :) it rocks. highly reccomend
sara montour says: Wednesday, October 28, 2009, 02:34 PM

Love this post and it's so, so true. I think we're so lucky to have an amazing community of photographers that love building each other up.
Airika Pope says: Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 11:10 PM

So true, so you.

Joshua Souder says: Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 10:19 PM

do you guys sharpen with high pass at the end on every photo? I love it:)
Rebecca says: Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 09:19 AM

I love this. Living a generous life rocks. Thanks so much for sharing this!!
Brian Wurzell says: Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 07:30 AM

Generosity is the velocity of success! May we never forget that as God increases our platforms the responsibility to represent the things He's about becomes even greater. I hope and pray that people like you and Chris only see more blessing! You guys are the kind of people that will do well with much.

Glad we get to call you friends. Promise and I are grateful for having such great encouragement in You and Chris. Cheers to more success and generosity!
Jason says: Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 04:50 AM

I love this image. The tones. The light. I could go on...and on. But I won't. Very SRP.
Fuse Photographic - Travis says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 08:01 PM

Sick shot! The details make it all the way...
Jane Hasty says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 07:34 PM

Very well put!
eliesa says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 07:09 PM

I love you and your thoughts, deeply! And this image is smokin' Sarah Rhoads! LOVEe
Kara Wieler says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 05:46 PM

I'm going to have to check out that book! AND, I am going to have to get to work on my pics from this session, I've been so excited to get to them, and now that you have, I can too!!!
shannon sewell says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 04:36 PM

Amen Sista!! you got some beautiful thoughts swimmin' around in that beautiful head of yours ;) miss you... xoxo ~S
jenny gg says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 03:10 PM

here here and brava!!

you're a true inspiration.
Tiffany Lowry says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 02:53 PM

xoxoxooxoxoxoxooxoxoxooxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoox
The way you see the world is contagious!
Lori says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 02:41 PM

Your positivity is really contagious! Thanks for sharing!
Cat says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 02:25 PM

I strongly agree. I'm starting out in the photography industry and can be a very lonely world when there's no positive support from my family. When someone with positive energy crosses my path, I am forever greatful for the encouragement they give me. I will most definitely pay it forward.

Josh Boston says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 02:23 PM

Incredible thoughts! So good to be reminded of that. Thanks for sharing.

Candice says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 02:04 PM

couldn't agree more....'surround yourself with people who are better than you' is SO SO important!

positive people build an climate that's just perfect for creativity and growth.

girl...love this post. love this picture. keep on girl...
Candice says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 02:03 PM

couldn't agree more....'surround yourself with people who are better than you' is SO SO important!

positive people build an climate that's just perfect for creativity and growth.

girl...love this post. love this picture. keep on girl...
160
Sylvia & Matt
Friday, October 23, 2009, 10:25 AM
Matt & Sylvia have a special little place in my heart.  They share Chris and I's deep love and admiration for mid-century modern furniture. They are like our "furniture-soulmates" really :) I hit it off with these two immediately. I'm not sure how we got on the topic of modern furniture but it is rare that someone shares are deep affinity for the Eames lounge, the Barcelona chair & modern clocks. Not only that, but Sylvia and Matt are just down to earth, honest, fun people. Sylvia is one of those gals I could have all day tea-athons with. Sylvia is a cook.. she has a passion for it... I'm trying to figure out a way for her to pass on some of those supernatural abilities to me. My poor husband is getting very sick of macaroni and cheese and pizza pockets :( please help! 

We went out to the Olympic Sculpture Park for their shoot. I really felt like the modern, clean lines of the park would match their style. And it is right on the water over looking the Olympic Mountain range. I'm typically not so big on silhouette shots, but the way the sunset under the mountains that evening was just beautiful. There was a certain peace that settled in all of us as the sun set that evening and the three of us took it all in.... 



Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (13)
Patrina says: Friday, November 13, 2009, 01:46 PM

This shoot speaks to me. Maybe it's the water. Maybe it's the people. Maybe it's just you and Chris. Whatever the reason, really beautiful work, and thank you so much for sharing your passion and art.

Rachel says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 02:41 PM

Beautiful!
Alexandra says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 11:00 AM

Wow these are stunning!
Allison says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 10:06 AM

Awww I love these images, the light, the backgrounds, the color... makes me want to move back to Seattle!

Allison says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 10:02 AM

These images make me want to move back to Seattle! Love them!
zachgray says: Saturday, October 24, 2009, 10:53 PM

That first frame is pretty much perfect. Great work as usual!
Lara Beck says: Friday, October 23, 2009, 09:33 PM

Oh I love the B&W one with the shadows...it looks awesome!! :-)
Jane Hasty says: Friday, October 23, 2009, 05:50 PM

You are hot on the posts! Looks awesome. Thanks for so much yumminess to look at!
Debra Page says: Friday, October 23, 2009, 05:37 PM

Wow! Love the one under the Calder sculpture and the last picture is AMAZING. Can't wait to see the full shoot. You both look so happy and she captured that perfectly.
Kim says: Friday, October 23, 2009, 05:13 PM

Great photos! I LOVE them! So artistic.. I especially love the shoe pic-so Sylvia.
Sylvia says: Friday, October 23, 2009, 01:13 PM

We love them!! Once again your creativity, color palette, and lighting are awesome. We've become so addicted to your blog and seeing all the amazing work you guys have done.

Briony says: Friday, October 23, 2009, 11:21 AM

beautiful!
Marissa Rodriguez says: Friday, October 23, 2009, 10:49 AM

I love the lines!!!! You guys are awesome! Every time I come to your blog, I feel inspired!

159
Featured in Design Aglow
Thursday, October 22, 2009, 07:17 PM
We are so thrilled to be featured in Issue 9, The Innovation Issue of Design Aglow! The issue is based around those in the industry who are pushing the innovation envelope. It is loaded with inspiration! We feel so honored to be featured in this fantastic online magazine alongside many photographers, colleagues and industry leaders who we have long admired such as, Elizabeth Messina, Red Leaf Studios, Gene Higa, Whitebox Photography, Laura Novak and others.

Chris and I have a 32 page feature written by the fabulous miss Laura Hamby, focusing on our brand and blog and the innovation risks we took during the process of developing both. We discus the rewards of thinking outside the box and developing and owning your own unique voice in order to stand out from the pack. I am so thrilled with the way the article turned out and can't wait to boil a pot of tea and cozy up next to my computer with this issue and read more from the other fantastic contributors. Most notably, Elizabeth Mensina's inspiration article... I can't wait to get my hands on reading that one. I'd encourage you to mosey on over and get your hands on this fantastic 256 page magazine full of inspiration, design and innovation from lots of amazing industry leaders.



Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (5)
Travis Ramos says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 07:58 PM

Now that's pretty bad ass! Nice work you two!
Amanda H says: Sunday, October 25, 2009, 07:42 PM

Congrats! And such cute pics!! Haven't seen the one on bottom right... ADDDOORRRAAABBLLLEEE!!!! :) Can't wait to come see you!
Meg says: Saturday, October 24, 2009, 10:29 PM

Congratulations you two!! Well deserved!
tonhya kae says: Friday, October 23, 2009, 10:47 AM

Congratulations! You two totally deserve it and I can't wait to read it. Keep inspiring :)
Julie h says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 11:30 PM

congrats! can't wait to check it out!

158
Heather & Alina
Thursday, October 22, 2009, 08:23 AM
Heather & Alina are strong, beautiful, independent, down to earth, ambitious, thoughtful, gracious and caring. From the time we were first introduced by Jesse and Travis (their fantastic coordinators) I felt like we were old friends. Their wedding was a true reflection of their hearts for one another. It was one of those weddings that I shed a few tears because their love for one another was overwhelming in the best possible sense of the word. They are the type of people who say "thank you" for everything possible because they truly mean it. It's amazing how far those two little words can go with me. We could all take a little lesson in "graciousness" from them.

It feels so good to be back in Seattle, it was like it turned fall overnight. The leaves crunching beneath my feet, the foggy mist, the bright reds, yellow's and oranges take my heart every year. This truly is a magical season. Especially in Seattle, I don't know what it is about fall here but it is especially colorful and "Autumn-like". If I could live in a constant state of fall I would... but then again it wouldn't quite be fall without the expectation of winter :)

Coordinators: True Colors Events
Catering: Herban Feast
Venue: Sodo Park





Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (12)
Julie h says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 11:29 PM

you two are just killing it with all of the gorgeous light in your latest posts especially! I melt.
Kara Wieler says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 01:22 PM

Wow, what a wedding! I love the details, the colors, the venues, the outfits. Amazing. Gorgeous shots guys, the fifth one is so simple but yet so gorgeous, and love all the gorgeous sunlight!
Eric Wyttenbach says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 01:21 PM

I was there! I have been coming back to this site daily ever since the wedding waiting to see how the images came out - VERY impressed. Nice job
Heather says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 01:14 PM

Wonderful job. I love all your stuff but I really love how you make me love even the smallest detailed things that most would overlook.

Kayleen T. says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 12:08 PM

I love weeks when Sarah Rhoads blogs everyday! It makes my eyes happy! Love the pix!
Marissa says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 10:31 AM

Such a gorgeous couple! I'm loving everything about this shoot! :)
Kevin says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 09:58 AM

I love the 12th shot (guy with tie), what type (focal length) of lens was used to make it?
imthiaz houseman says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 09:57 AM

what a romantic wedding. stunning work you guys did fantastic documenting their love for one another.
emily says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 09:51 AM

what an absolutely beautiful set. Sarah these are so moving, just warms my heart on this cold October morning. Beautiful work!

Briony says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 09:22 AM

i love her freckles...beautiful! they had some amazing venues. wow!
josh mccullock says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 08:56 AM

holy schnikes, that reception venue is awesome!
great job Sarah!
jena says: Thursday, October 22, 2009, 08:50 AM

gorgeous, gorgeous photos. I just love your work - i always walk away feeling the romance of the weddings you shoot. fantastic job and beautiful couple!