Monday, February 15, 2010, 08:28 AM
make up your own! A lot of times people want a manual. I've never been very good at following set rules. And I hate reading manuals.. always have (and that's probably why most of my IKEA builds fall apart on the first attempt). Anyone that knows me, knows I think most rules are silly fences put in place to hold us back. And I HATE being held back... which is probably why "set rules" and I have never had a strong affinity for one another. 

We get e mails asking exactly what to do to get from point A to point B in the development of their craft and business. The truth is... THERE IS NO MANUAL. And people who seek one out and follow after doing the "norm" will reach a very limited level of success in the long run. 

Every great explorer has paved his or her own way. Of course there are bits of wisdom that we can take from the journeymen that have gone before us, but the biggest piece of the "puzzle to success" seems evident....from Picasso to Steve Jobs, every great explorer has one thing in common; they never used a manual or followed in the steps of the norm to rise above.

Copy Cats will always exist and the majority of people will be too afraid to seek out their own path and develop their own rule book. That is why the extraordinary are easy to spot in the masses. But what the seemingly "ordinary" fail to recognize is that every person has something extraordinary within them. Most people are just too scared to recognize it or act on it, so they rely on the rules and manuals of others. They try and copy the path that has led to another's success. But the hard truth is each person must find their own path. Each successful person must create their own manual. Each individual has a unique DNA and a very individual compass that resides within that serves as a guide. It requires us to trust our crazy gut instincts and learn to "tune out" the noise of others and "tune in" to the internal knowledge that resides within. The map is there... and the world needs you to trust your own. Your internal map will offer something to the world that they have yet to see. Perhaps a new perspective or a new way of doing things... whatever it is... you must own it and let it be yours. Don't follow anyone else's rules to rise above, make up your own.

Thoughts
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wrecklessgirl says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 04:55 AM

i know a shannon sewell neckline when i see one. your words invoke. brava, bella.

Kim Spears says: Friday, February 19, 2010, 11:33 AM

I could read your posts and look at your images all day long. You are carving a creative path that is a huge inspiration to others. Thank you for the reminder of this important lesson. I am trying to 'find' more of myself and what beauty I would like to create.

Yadira Laguerre says: Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 09:28 PM

YESSSSSSSSSSS! Glad you said it, girlfriend.

Feuza says: Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 09:26 PM

What a great post! I am struggling with finishing my brand and looking deep into my vision and get so frustrated sometimes and confused, I know styles I like but what is me? who am I? and how can I translate all of that into a brand, this post may help me sleep better tonight
thank you

sarahrhoads says: Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 05:55 PM

@Karmen you just put the biggest smile on my face and made me snicker a bit to myself (sink reference). You are someone who "gets it" ;)

Kameron Olds says: Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 10:59 AM

This is exactly the reason that photos of sinks work perfectly in albums! (response to a comment from your latest album post comments)

Sight is blocked by fences and walls, but vision isn't...which is why your photography transcends those rules and boundaries!


Nathan says: Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 09:25 AM

well said Sarah! you definitely have your own rules... and your photo's prove it! keep it up :)

Meaghan Cook says: Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 01:51 AM

That is EXACTLY what I needed to hear. Think I'll go frolic in the wind like the chic in the photo too. Looks brilliant. x

Kendra Haderlie says: Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 07:19 PM

I needed to hear that! Thx

Hannah Taylor says: Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 10:47 AM

So Sarah, I thought of a question or two for you, if you don't mind? How do YOU keep coming up with new ideas? How did you find your style? I get inspired a lot by color and textures, but during winter I find myself "held back" a little by the weather and finding people who will let me take their picture. Or who are willing to brave the cold. I have a few ideas I'm working on, but am not sure what to do if they say no. Keep trying I guess.

Hannah Taylor says: Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 10:26 AM

Thank you for another inspiring blog entry. PDNPulse just had an article about copying up today also. I am greatly inspired by people who stick to their guns and don't listen to the na-sayers. I get a lot of "advice" about what I should be doing from people who don't think about the artistic value but instead the bottom line.

Ryan says: Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 07:19 AM

Thanks for the inspiration. So true!

Alex Siebenthal says: Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 06:01 AM

VALID. you could not have said that any better. I actually went out of state to college to go to the "best" photojournalism program there is, or so they claim. Naturally, I changed majors out of fear of being put into this tiny little box of what photography "is". and my IKEA furniture falls apart too.

Beata English says: Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 12:53 AM

hi Sarah, since my mentoring session with you i learnt so much. For the first time in years i feel like i am heading in my direction, not following someone else's way. Since i started finding my way and my style, and what i loved, things started to fall into place for me, and the work has started flowing...quite rapidly! I have also updated my website and blog. I have a long way to go, and will never stop learning. thank you for helping me start my journey in the right direction.

Bxxx

Dianne Jago says: Monday, February 15, 2010, 09:03 PM

Very scary, I blogged something very similar yesterday. Funny thing is, I actually emailed you a few months ago hoping for a magic answer and it wasn't until recently that I discovered this truth. I still have a long ways to go but I'm glad I figured it sooner than later.

I loved your valentine's picture btw :)

Mandi says: Monday, February 15, 2010, 06:58 PM

Thank you for your beautiful words and wisdom. I adore getting lost in your blog and the truths that you share. Thank you for the inspiration as it can be a bit intimidating starting out! Loving the picture too!! You guys rock!!!

Jennica Wallis says: Monday, February 15, 2010, 01:22 PM

I second the AMEN! That was awesome! There's a photographer that lives 15 minutes away from me & she copies every single thing I do. It annoyed me so much at first, but I realized it's her own loss for not being herself & it makes me work harder to stand out. :)

kelly beane says: Monday, February 15, 2010, 01:02 PM

Always a great reminder! You are a constant inspiration... and an amazing writer!

michelle sidles says: Monday, February 15, 2010, 12:45 PM

Amen and Amen!

I have so many people who LOVE to tell me what I SHOULD do. However they are not me. Why should I do what THEY would do? KWIM? So I am content to smile, nod and forget whatever advice they gave me and continue doing what I do. :) Thanks Sarah.

robert madrid says: Monday, February 15, 2010, 11:45 AM

great topic! all i am going to say is . . . i think some rules are made to be broken :)

Rensche van Dyk says: Monday, February 15, 2010, 10:09 AM

take what you see and try to see it from a different point of view, change it and make it your own, try without copying, without stealing, without subjecting yourself to guilt and...create, fail and try again. Failure is a road to success too - Learn from it. Be yourself - express your side, go at it from another direction, learn from what you see and again, make it your own. and MOTIVATE - Like Sarah Rhoads! She is not only a brilliant story teller & Photographer but a life coach.

Sarah, your motivations are so inspiring I hope everyone that falls into the "ordinary" class reads this most important post. All industries really need people motivating originality every day. We live in a world where limits can be breached, all we need is to believe. Thank you. Cant wait to meet you :)

Anda says: Monday, February 15, 2010, 09:37 AM

right on!

Kip says: Monday, February 15, 2010, 09:34 AM

Love this to the stars and back.

Cait says: Monday, February 15, 2010, 09:32 AM

Well said. I'm discovering things about myself and the way I work: I thrive under strict "rules" or guidelines, but often find myself limited by those same guides. They are helpful, and restricting. There has to be a balance for me. I'm hoping I can find it. Thanks for this post.

Tyler Branch says: Monday, February 15, 2010, 08:56 AM

Super true. Thanks for the inspiration. Your work is off the chain.

Julie Branyan says: Monday, February 15, 2010, 08:47 AM

Thank you for your amazing words. I know I personally get so afraid to follow my own path. It's so easy to listen to those voices and let it take over. Whether your afraid of what your clients are going to think or what others will. It has held me back in the past. I truly believe listening to your heart and following where it leads is the way to go. Thank you for your passion. You inspire me everyday to be a better photographer and to follow my heart.

amber says: Monday, February 15, 2010, 08:46 AM

i was just sitting here at my desk working on my business plan and marketing plan...full of doubts of how to make IT happen. full of questions on how do other people do it and succeed. full of self doubt. thank you for once again reminding me that i can just be me. that i can reach for the stars on my own terms and that in order to reach those stars....i have to do it by being me and by finding what it is inside of me that is extraordinary. most importantly thank you for reminding me that i can do all of this while making up my own rules!

Riccis says: Monday, February 15, 2010, 08:40 AM

Amen, my friend!

Sunday, February 14, 2010, 12:56 AM
THIS is exactly what I'll be doing today.... gorging myself with my favorite little devilish sweet tooth addictions. What else I'm addicted to? My amazing husband who is soo way out of my league it's not even funny. I'm smitten with him.... we went on a little scouting adventure the other night and it brought us deep into the snowy mountains. We both jumped out of the car in our tennis shoes and cardigans into a beautiful, snowy, winter wonderland. We ran around in what should have been snow... but rather it was rain... our legs falling into 3 foot snow drifts and us just laughing hysterically. Chasing each other around like little kids. You know those moments when your life doesn't seem like yours? When God gives us eyes to step outside ourselves and see from a birdseye view? Well, I stopped dead in my tracks the other night...  and felt a moment of complete and utter love, joy & humility that I ended up here.... with him... soaking wet, laughing in the snow. It was the sweetest feeling in the world.

Sorry for the sap but sometimes you just can't hold it in and this is one of those days that I have a "get out of jail" card for being a sap-face about my valentine. 

Also, these fab lips were done by the miss fab Tiffany Lowry from our "Deranged Housewife" Valentines Shoot! 

Thoughts
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James says: Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 09:48 AM

You two make me smile.

Priscilla Gragg says: Monday, February 15, 2010, 11:14 PM

wow! i love the colors!

Rick Short says: Monday, February 15, 2010, 08:42 AM

A few people have lives as wonderful as you - but most of them aren't able to "get it" or articulate it. How sad for them. As for you, do NOT apologize! Revel in your fortune, and, by all means, share it. Serve as an example. Give others permission to explore their own good fortune.

Sam n' Mary says: Sunday, February 14, 2010, 05:52 PM

Don't apologize for the sap, its beautiful when it happens! Happy Valentines Day!

josh solar says: Sunday, February 14, 2010, 05:50 PM

You are a brilliant and inspiring soul, Sarah Rhoads. I'm thankful for our chats, and can't wait to finally meet you and Chris in 3 weeks :)

Melina Wallisch says: Sunday, February 14, 2010, 03:36 PM

From one lover of love to another...kisses kisses smooch and smack! Have a beautiful day.

Katie Anderson Photography says: Sunday, February 14, 2010, 12:49 PM

Coolest photo EVER! Ah!

Julie h says: Sunday, February 14, 2010, 11:48 AM

my mouth is watering. I'm like Pavlov's dog. woof!

Cait says: Sunday, February 14, 2010, 10:57 AM

You're adorable. I love everything you write. So glad you and Chris have each other.

Stephanie Osborne says: Sunday, February 14, 2010, 10:06 AM

Love the photo, great concept. You and your hubby sound so blissfully happy! Happy Valentine's day to you both!

angie+matt says: Sunday, February 14, 2010, 10:01 AM

Happy Valentines day!!!!

Jennica Wallis says: Sunday, February 14, 2010, 09:59 AM

That story was SO sweet! I love hearing about the love you have for each other & your faith in God. It's the same feeling I feel for my fiance! This picture is AMAZING! :)

jamie d says: Sunday, February 14, 2010, 09:56 AM

your writing is adorable. love hearing about your life. :)

Feuza says: Sunday, February 14, 2010, 09:54 AM

this photo is sick! love love love it!!!! wow!
and what a great entry! be sappy anytime it is okay, can not wait to meet you at WPPI

Paige Butcher says: Sunday, February 14, 2010, 07:34 AM

So sweet :)

Kayleen T. says: Sunday, February 14, 2010, 01:49 AM

Sounds like so much fun! LOL-ing at "Sap-face"

Friday, February 12, 2010, 12:20 PM
Lisa and Brian are adventurous, fun loving, smart, warm people with a heart for exploration. These two are living in Italy right now and will be for the next few years and I must say I covet their new Italian lifestyle ;). If there is anywhere I could go run away to for a year it would probably be Italy. I am a carb-o-holic and love a good glass of vino. I think if I lived over there I would come back at least 20lbs heavier.... at least.... probably more like 40lbs if I'm being honest. Anyhow, these two are living the life and I am so happy for them. 

Right when I met these two it was like the sparks went off. Lisa and Brian cater their lifestyle around embracing life to the fullest and loving every minute. In my opinion, that is a good solid philosophy to live by. We cannot wait to shoot their wedding this summer!

The light came out in full force for their e session. It was goldeny yummy goodness and for anyone that knows me knows that is my shooting sweet-spot. I was in heaven. 

Enjoy a little bit of Lisa and Brian!









Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (16)
John Pascale says: Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 11:25 AM

Ok, these are great, love the angles. Super

matthew morgan says: Monday, February 15, 2010, 10:15 AM

so many beautiful shots in one session

Janine says: Monday, February 15, 2010, 12:08 AM

Wow. I've only just discovered you Sarah...your photo's are truly amazing. Especially love the window shot and the tree silhouette. When can you come to Sydney? :)

Michelle Engvall says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 06:11 PM

Gorgeous Sarah! Lisa and Brian told me how amazing their shoot was with you. Your photos always leave me truly speechless...I can't wait for their wedding together!

Michelle Engvall says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 06:10 PM

Gorgeous Sarah! Lisa and Brian told me how amazing their shoot was with you. Your photos always leave me truly speechless...I can't wait for their wedding together!

Michelle Engvall says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 06:10 PM

Gorgeous Sarah! Lisa and Brian told me how amazing their shoot was with you. Your photos always leave me truly speechless...I can't wait for their wedding together!

Michelle Engvall says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 06:09 PM

Gorgeous Sarah! Lisa and Brian told me how amazing their shoot was with you. Your photos always leave me truly speechless...I can't wait for their wedding together!

Jackie Lovato says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 04:43 PM

love the way you tell stories with your images...love their story...

Lisa says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 02:42 PM

OMG Sarah! I love the pictures!!!!!! :D I can not WAIT to see the rest! :D

Kayleen T. says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 02:06 PM

I love this shoot! Your pictures always make me smile! :D

Melina Wallisch says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 01:05 PM

BEAUTIFUL...I love the golden tree one and the restaurant window one, such pretty light and they evoke such wonderful feelings!

Micah Dahlberg says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 12:45 PM

Changing the world one photo at a time. Great stuff Sarah and Chris.

Hannah VanDenBerg says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 12:30 PM

what a gorgeous couple, and great day for a shoot!

Ruthie P. says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 12:28 PM

You never disappoint us!! Your work is amazing, great - great photos!

Rachel says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 12:28 PM

Once again, Marvelous!

All each a work of ART!

Lisa Gilbert says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 12:27 PM

Oh my goodness, Sarah.....these are so kick-ass I can barely STAND it. That silhouette by the tree is something I could look at forever. I don't even know this couple and I want to hang that in my house.

Thursday, February 11, 2010, 01:47 PM
We are SOOO stoked and honored to be a part of our friend Cameron Ingalls' Fall in Love Workshop in San Luis Obispo, CA at Flying Caballos Ranch (This place is Ah-MAZING!).
Cameron is an amazing photographer who truly has something unique to share with the world, his workshop has had amazing reviews and we are just happy to be a part of it all.

This is going to be a two day photography workshop. We cannot wait to meet and hang out with the 12 attendees for a couple of days (March 31st and April 1st) in the magical land of San Luis Obispo... if you have never been there it is like heaven on earth. Perfection!
Cam is limiting it to only twelve spots so if you want in Register here... spots will go quickly!

A few topics that will be covered at the Fall in Love workshop:
-Identifying your dream
-Finding your voice
-Building a business to last
-Branding + Marketing
-Magazine + Blog submissions
-Working with your spouse
-Shooting in RAW using natural light Lightroom
-How to creatively collaborate and direct couples so they don't look posed
-Live engagement photo shoot
-Post processing in
-Image review + critique from photo shoot


Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (7)
Vizcara says: Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 09:04 PM

Honestly I think you will add far more value for that 1,250 seminar fee.... From what I seen of the work yours is a bit cut above and a bit more polished.. So its good that you will be there... I think you should do your own event similar to this one.

Desiree says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 03:23 PM

I agree...how about a little workshop in Europe? Possibly even Norway? ;)
I'm in love and inspired by your work! Thank you for that.

Becka @Studio222 Photography says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 09:34 AM

Nate and I just had our 1st two guest speaking experiences this month and it was so much fun! You're going to have such a fantastic time and I know everyone is going to love you guys.

Karolina Kuras says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 05:58 AM

What a stellar combo!!!
I wish I could be there, please do more in the future! The Flying Caballos Ranch rock!

Katja says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 04:54 AM

Wish I could fly to the states to share this workshop on this fantastic place. I was there a few years ago and I love it!
Why aren't there some workshops in Europe? Hey Sarah, if you are interested starting such an adventure, just send me a mail! :-)

Cameron Ingalls says: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 03:07 PM

Lisa...
You don't have to live in America... you just have to FLY to America. ;)

LisaK says: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 02:33 PM

Just really wanted to be the first to comment! This workshop sounds AMAZING....if only I lived in America. : ( Jealous much?!!