Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 09:26 AM
Dieter Rams' Ten Principles of good design (most of which can be applied directly to making wicked photographs): 

1. Good Design is innovative. 

2. Good design makes a product useful.

3. Good design is aesthetic.

4. Good design makes a product (or person) understandable.

5. Good design is unobtrusive.

6. Good design is honest. 

7. Good design is long-lasting. 

8. Good design is thorough down to the last detail. 

9. Good design is environmentally friendly.

10. Good design is as little design as possible*


Thoughts
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Becka @Studio222 Photography says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 05:59 PM

222nd post. :) And it's a favorite of mine!

Kat Speyer says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 02:36 PM

Tru dat.

Lauren says: Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 05:48 PM

Sarah, I just wanted to say that I'm so in love with your work. I read your blog almost everyday and I think that everything that you do is very inspiring!

Alexandra says: Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 01:27 PM

I just replaced design with photography. :) ps i love that photo.

mikhail says: Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 12:41 PM

good design is everything. nudie jeans are everything too. ha

James Moes says: Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 10:51 AM

Chris is art.

eliesa says: Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 10:16 AM

Amen.

Ruthie P. says: Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 10:10 AM

"10. Good design is as little design as possible" - Loved it!

Monday, February 8, 2010, 09:04 AM
The Hallmark Holiday of Love is almost upon us. I've never been a huge valentines day fan myself, but I guess it is hard to bash any holiday that promotes eating endless chocolates and getting roses and "I love you" cards and poems from your sweetheart. I'll take it, commercialized or not. 

Tiffany Lowry styled and did all of the hair and make up for this shoot. She is quite the rockstar. We had a lot of fun gorging ourselves with chocolate and champagne on this shoot. I have the worst sweet tooth known to man and cookie dough and brownie batter are my weakness so this set was like temptation island for me.

Does anyone have any big plans for Valentines day? As for me, my only request from my hubs is to see the new movie Valentines Day and eat some delish Italian cuisine with him. That movie looks so stinkin' cute and I love romantic comedy's. 

Chocolate Concept: Tiffany Lowry
Clothing/Wardrobe: Frocky Jack Morgan
Lighting/Photography: Chris and Sarah Rhoads
Make up/Hair: Tiffany Lowry
Hairpieces: Violet Magpie





Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (38)
Bryan says: Monday, February 15, 2010, 07:40 AM

This is one of my very favorite shoots you've done! Your artistic expression really came through on this one.

Lara says: Sunday, February 14, 2010, 10:09 AM

You two are RIDICULOUS! Seriously. Wow.

Kat Speyer says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 02:33 PM

VERY cool shoot. Love the shot of her lying on the floor with all the goodies.

Mikkel says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 09:36 AM

LOVE THIS! It reminds me of Amy Sedaris!!

Rhys says: Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 08:49 PM

I can't help but laugh every time I look at the second to last pic; the mayonnaise jar totally looks like it's about to tip over and smack her in the head.

I don't know if that was a happy accident or intention, but it absolutely made the shot for me.

chatti says: Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 10:55 AM

wine and chocolate and your photography equals yummy. i want to see valentine's day the movie too. =)

Vizcara says: Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 01:32 AM

Funny I posted a comment here but now I do not see it any more.. Perhaps I did not hit the submit button or something else?

Tracey Bevan-Carrigan says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 09:52 PM

Beautiful conceptual photographs. As always, I love to look at your stuff. Fabulous.

sarahrhoads says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 06:45 PM

@Steve Thanks for the kind words! Yes, this shoot was a multi-light set up with a 60in umbrella and various modifiers. Hope that helps :)

Steve says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 06:43 PM

This shot set is KILLAH! I think they are my fave shots of yours to date. You continually inspire everyone that frequents your blog. Did you use strobes or any other light sources besides the ones supplied in the rooms? Great work - super inspiring!

Christine says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 05:21 PM

SARAH!!! i'm seriously drowning in my own puddle of drool. :) LOVE the concept, absolutely brilliant. and the outfits, makeup, accessories and CHOCOLATE all just pair perfectly together. :)

Jenny says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 01:38 PM

You had me at chocolate :)
Amazing as always, Sarah!

sarahrhoads says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 12:59 PM

@sarahjane it is an aesthetic element that the make up artist wanted to introduce to enhance the look she was going for :)

Jen@GreenWeddingShoes says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 12:58 PM

Such a fun shoot! Love her outfit and the photo of her mixing the bowl.

Darby Cahill says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 12:32 PM

This is awesome!!!! I love all the hershey kisses on the floor!

Sarah-Jane says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 12:31 PM

One word to some up the whole shoot... YUM!
Can I ask though, what is the red shading on her face in all the color pictures. Have a I missed something? Just curious.
Loving this series and thanks for sharing :D

Meghan says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 12:22 PM

this is my favorite thing you have ever done! i love the one with the knife. it's so mr. and mrs. smith. and i love the heart drawn in the chocolate chips. yummy!

kirsten says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 11:37 AM

sarah, these seriously rock my world! what a great concept.

lesley says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 11:24 AM

This concept shoot is pretty awesome! Makes me want to eat some raw cookie dough. :)

Hannah Taylor says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 10:52 AM

What a great theme for a shoot! I love the hair and make-up! And the polka dot apron is fantastic! The pictures wouldn't be the same without it.

Marissa Rodriguez says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 10:51 AM

UGH! I know it sounds like I say the same thing every time I comment on your blog, but I can't help it! I love it all! Every shoot is just as amazing, if not, better! Every single picture in this shoot is crazy good! You guys rock!

Gina Meola says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 10:45 AM

I loooove this, Sarah!! Beautiful work, great creativity!!

amber says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 10:12 AM

WOW! unexpected and wonderful! shows your versatility, attention to detail, and creative flair. i'm completely blown away.

Keri Doolittle Photography says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 10:11 AM

That first BW shot...TO DIE FOR!! Awesome job!! So creative

Ruthie P. says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 10:09 AM

WOW, I am blown away! You totally rocked this session!!

Jessica Hanaumi says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 09:45 AM

Overindulgence at its very best!

jonda spurbeck says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 09:38 AM

super awesome as usual, but the knife shot was so unexpected that it's my favorite! love!!!

Jenni Wise says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 09:38 AM

LOVE THIS!!!! What a great idea!

Chris Carrington says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 09:34 AM

I absolute love this set Sarah! Its so the estranged house-wife! Spectacular! :-)

Drew says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 09:28 AM

Awesome stuff Sarah. I'm a big fan of the lighting throughout the shoot. Keep up the amazing work.

Kelsey Eads says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 09:27 AM

Wowza! YUMMY shoot, beautiful work Sarah & Tiff!!

romin says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 09:20 AM

this shoot looks like it was so much fun! =)

Lisa Dunham says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 09:19 AM

I LOVE this! This is my kinda shoot, girl! You nailed it to the wall you guys!

Alexandra says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 09:17 AM

Love this! Very inspiring :)

Katherine says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 09:17 AM

I love these! They make me want to go grab the closest chocolate I can find. I might have to make cookies tonight now :) YUM!

Anda says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 09:15 AM

Hahaha -- this is all at once genius, gorgeous and hilarious! Awesome job!

Cody says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 09:15 AM

beautiful work as always! youre such an inspiration

Rachel says: Monday, February 8, 2010, 09:13 AM

Seriously.

U.R.INCREDIBLE.

Every single post leaves my jaw on the floor.

INCREDIBLE.

Friday, February 5, 2010, 08:47 AM
If there is one thing that all successful people seem to have in common it is passion. 
Passion is what sets apart the exceptional from the mediocre. The good from the great. Passion is what keeps you working all hours of the night when you are too tired to even think straight. It is doing things that might be tedious because you see the BIGGER PICTURE. 

People with a passion for something embrace the hustle and the hard work because there is something deep within them that knows without a doubt this is what they are supposed to be doing.... they have conviction. When people have passion, hard work doesn't feel like "hard work," rather, it's exciting, stimulating, exhilarating and even fun.

I would dare to say that without passion any business will flounder.... especially in this competitive photography industry. The stakes are high. Only those with passion can swim in these waters, and those with real passion will walk on water. Because the truth is that most people are okay with having mediocrity in their life. Passionate people will NEVER settle with anything less than their best most exceptional work. That is why passionate people continue to stand out from the pack. That is why passionate people get noticed. That is why passionate people and business' thrive. 

What are you truly passionate about? 


Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (26)
Kaysha says: Sunday, February 7, 2010, 01:24 PM

I adore these kinds of post from you!!! I always leave feeling better, inspired, and like I'm not alone in my feelings!

Lara Beck says: Sunday, February 7, 2010, 06:37 AM

I thought I was just CRAZY but now I know it's "Passion" that I have :-) well maybe I'm a little crazy too :P Thanks you...I love you guys heaps!!

Hannah Taylor says: Saturday, February 6, 2010, 02:18 PM

That is so encouraging! It is just so freeing to me to let me be myself. And be insane about something I love when other people don't get it.

Karen Workun says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 09:45 PM

Love this image...love running full force after passions present and not yet discovered...I'm passionate about teaching, creativity, and making sure every person I encounter feels loved...

Martin L. says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 09:34 PM

A lot of what you said, reflects in some awesome TED-video: Benjamin Zander on music and passion.
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/benjamin_zander_on_music_and_passion.html
I grant for that to be worthy of your glance!
If not I'll owe you a huge coffee with an apple pie ;)
Let me know, what you think about it; I'm sure you're gonna agree on the shining eye thing since I think you have this effect too!

Marissa Rodriguez says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 04:15 PM

So perfectly said! This is definitely something I needed to read today! And it's SO official, you are one of my FAV photographers!

Janet McK says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 03:53 PM

trying to figure out how to convey my passion... also, i love all business-related posts! Thanks for sharing!

Vizcara says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 01:49 PM

I commend you for speaking words of truth... I would like to say what you said was great but even better or what makes it truly inspirational is the "Way" you said it.. I can assure you that you would be fantastic at being a inspirational speaker or writer.. :) The story you told was a very accurate one.. I think I will type this blog and post it on the Fridge or near the morning coffee pot..

jamie delaine says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 01:17 PM

mmm. business. creating photographs i love. seeing people touched by the love of jesus.

Paige Butcher says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 12:54 PM

" Passionate people will NEVER settle with anything less than their best most exceptional work. That is why passionate people continue to stand out from the pack. That is why passionate people get noticed. That is why passionate people and business' thrive."

Love this -- and it's so, so true. Very motivating stuff.

Rensche van Dyk says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 12:44 PM

the hours are so long and the workload sometimes so big and when my friends or family asks; "but why do you do it?" I say: "because I love it" and I know it wont always be this hard, I will get even better and learn even more.

Just as long as I love it, I cant complain.

Alexandra says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 12:25 PM

I love this post. I think of this all the time.

mary says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 12:15 PM

love. so true. especially in this biz. love the quirk in this photo...

Corissa says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 11:29 AM

What a beautiful post! Truly what i needed to hear. Thank you.

Kat Speyer says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 10:46 AM

Looking at that photo, I believe I am truly passionate about chocolate chip cookies! OM NOM NOM. :)

sara montour says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 10:40 AM

love . love . love

mikhail glabets says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 10:24 AM

Great post! Revived me for sure. I am super passionate...when i do actually work and not being a lazy bum. I guess im missing the big P in passionate, which is Persistence.

Poser says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 10:16 AM

I second.

:P

Jill says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 09:44 AM

Amen, sista!

Bethany Hill says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 09:07 AM

Thanks for sharing Sarah. Your blog is a constant source of inspiration for other photographers. No wonder your mentor sessions are so sought after! Love your drive!

Ryan Klos says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 09:05 AM

Great post, Sarah. I'm a firm believer that without passion, there truly is no creativity. Unfortunately, I think lots of people have misplaced passion and work hard at the wrong things for a long time. I am not OK with mediocrity. And I'm not OK with stagnant creativity. Which is why I'm constantly trying new things and stepping out of my comfort zone. Onward!

matthew d. lyons says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 09:03 AM

Sorry for the double post. :-/

matthew d. lyons says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 09:02 AM

Nice post. You are spot on!

I recently wrote a piece on my blog called "when I grow up..." about the seemingly moving "career" target over the years. While I feel there's nothing inherently wrong with change, I have come to the realization that art, produced through photography, is my true passion. I have begun to dedicate the time and energy necessary to pursue the passion. I'm not sure if everything one is passionate about is meant to be a career path, but I am convinced that my direction has been revealed.

Thanks for posing the question and consistently offering a source of inspiration.

Best!
Matthew

sarahrhoads says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 09:00 AM

@Rebecca you are going to LOVE SFMOMA one of my favorite places. I don't know if the Avedon exhibit is still up but if it is you will melt.

matthew d. lyons says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 09:00 AM

Nice post. You are spot on!

I recently wrote a piece on my blog called "when I grow up..." about the seemingly moving "career" target over the years. While I feel there's nothing inherently wrong with change, I have come to the realization that art, produced through photography, is my true passion. I have begun to dedicate the time and energy necessary to pursue the passion. I'm not sure if everything one is passionate about is meant to be a career path, but I am convinced that my direction has been revealed.

Thanks for posing the question and consistently offering a source of inspiration.

Best!
Matthew

Rebecca Hansen says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 08:56 AM

True words. We're going to SFMOMA tomorrow, we'll think of you guys while we're there!

Thursday, February 4, 2010, 09:26 AM
Tyler Eide is a great friend of ours here in Seattle.  Some of you may also remember him from our little outing at the Shelter a couple weeks ago. Tyler is an incredibly talented designer who we work with on a regular basis for various design projects. Mostly because Tyler "gets it." 

When people are looking for a good designer for a re-brand or identity we always encourage people to link arms with a designer who totally gets who you are, where you are going, and what you are all about. If there is a disconnect on that most basic level the chances for a successful outcome are slim to none. We are also firm believers in hiring a professional to do our design on every level. A lot of photographers go about this all wrong by trying to do things themselves. We are great photographers, NOT great designers. Just as we encourage each of our clients to hire a photographer who they really connect with and who's talented as hell... we apply the same notion to many aspects of our business including good design. We will always pay a premium to hire someone extremely talented who gets what we are all about because ultimately the end result will speak for itself. The old saying is true, 'you get what you pay for.' I read a quote the other day that hits the nail on the head, "If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur" -Red Adair.   

Tyler's design sense and personal approach on life go hand and hand with ours. Tyler sees the world as his playground and is passionate about taking his work to new hieghts. We respect, admire and love this dude. He wanted a few photos so that he looked more "grown up" in his bio's. Not sure if we made him look more mature but we sure did have fun :)

Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (16)
Sarah-Jane says: Sunday, February 7, 2010, 12:56 PM

fantastic. another set of inspiring images Sarah!

Alexandra says: Friday, February 5, 2010, 02:02 AM

I love these! Such cool, alive shots.

Janet McK says: Thursday, February 4, 2010, 07:24 PM

That man is SO not a grown up :) (and I mean that as a compliment!)

sarahrhoads says: Thursday, February 4, 2010, 06:46 PM

@Laura you can do whatever you put your mind to!! I am a firm believer of that!

Laura says: Thursday, February 4, 2010, 04:57 PM

Awesome photos! You and Chris both inspire me so much - hope I can be doing what you guys do in a couple of years!

jamie delaine says: Thursday, February 4, 2010, 03:40 PM

i love your portraits, sarah and chris. how you approach them is so cool.

Jenny GG says: Thursday, February 4, 2010, 02:32 PM

totally rockin' shots lady and i am SO using that quote!

Kat Speyer says: Thursday, February 4, 2010, 02:28 PM

Such a fun set!

Hannah Taylor says: Thursday, February 4, 2010, 01:35 PM

I love how you can just sense the fun!

Marissa Maharaj says: Thursday, February 4, 2010, 12:35 PM

Totally.

kirsten says: Thursday, February 4, 2010, 11:16 AM

loving the mustachio!

jesse and whit says: Thursday, February 4, 2010, 11:14 AM

so awesome!

Ruthie P. says: Thursday, February 4, 2010, 10:13 AM

LOVED it! :)

yan palmer says: Thursday, February 4, 2010, 09:37 AM

couldn't have asked for a better answer to my current design quandries. and excellent shots of your friend, tyler. can't wait to check out his work.

Ryan Klos says: Thursday, February 4, 2010, 09:35 AM

Sweet 'stache!

I read that same quote a few weeks ago about "wait till you hire an amateur." Truth truth truth.

mary says: Thursday, February 4, 2010, 09:35 AM

fun fun! kudos for staying so busy through the winter!!!