Thursday, February 18, 2010, 09:42 AM
I'm writing this post today in my blue fuzzy robe with kleenex sticking out of my nose... sounds hot huh? ;) I've been under the weather this week and it reached a whole new level of sickness about two days ago which of course was when we had an all day shoot in the snowy mountains scheduled. It was one of those days when I really just had to psyche myself up and push through to get what I needed to get.

I've been thinking a lot about this idea of pushing through recently. I've been watching the Winter Olympics and I am fascinated by the absolute perseverance of the contenders. Pushing through takes on a whole new meaning when you are an Olympic Athlete. These people train day in and day out, pushing through injury, discomfort, pain, sleeplessness and the list goes on. The sacrifice they undergo is intense. But what all of these contenders have in common is passion. There is something in them that drives them to a slight sense of insanity. And I DO think you have to be slightly "insane" to achieve a certain level of greatness :) These people have designed their life around their passion which is why they make "pushing through" and persevering look easy. It's never easy but they recognize the absolute necessity in it.

I learned that one of my old dance friends who I did ballet with for years and years is in the Olympics this year as one of the top male figure skaters, Evan Lysacek. It's so amazing to think of how far he has come. Evan trained with me at one of the best ballet studios in Chicago, not because he wanted to be a ballet dancer, but because he wanted to be the best figure skater possible. He is someone that has pushed through the pain and sacrificed a great deal to get to where he is. But when you are pursuing your passion, sacrifice feels like gain and perseverance is like having your morning coffee. It just comes with the territory.

Here is a frame from the winter shoot we had on Tuesday. Lots more coming...

Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (29)
Shannon Yau says: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 04:54 PM

This post resonated with me for several reasons. firstly because I was battling my own cold and I'm the biggest baby ever when I'm sick. Your words were the "get your #$% up and do something" I needed. Also, I am in love with the olympics. I was actually lucky enough to be there for the opening weekend and it was both inspiring and incredible.
Oh, and I LOVE this photo!

Darby says: Monday, February 22, 2010, 07:09 PM

This photo is AMAZING!!!! Excited to see more!

Patrina says: Sunday, February 21, 2010, 03:28 PM

Your words are spot on, Sarah. And the photo is, too. Pushing thru the hard times is what separates the good from the great.

Anne W says: Saturday, February 20, 2010, 01:22 PM

I was searching Evan Lysacek on twitter the other day and I stumbled upon your post about him. I'm 17 now, but I remember I used to dance at the same studio as him ... and when I saw that you used to dance there too, I clicked on your Twitter page which led me to your website.
Anyhow ... your photos are amazing! I'm not really a photographer, but I do other types of art (drawing, music, ... living, etc.). I think what I really like about your photos is that the people in it seem really genuine. Their smiles aren't posed or anything; each person is shown beautifully and genuinely. The pictures are not only vibrant in terms of their colors but also in terms of how you manage to capture the spirit of the moment and how the photos are able to speak... (if that makes any sense at all, haha) Looking at these pictures really makes me want to pick up photography.
Just wanted to let you know! You and your husband are truly talented :)

Jackie Lovato says: Friday, February 19, 2010, 06:07 PM

your photography is SOLID.

AbiQ says: Friday, February 19, 2010, 02:35 PM

I LOVE THIS SHOT. It so belongs in a magazine!

Kim Spears says: Friday, February 19, 2010, 11:35 AM

Wow she is a stunner !! Love the texture the fur added. I hope you feel better you little sickie :)

Tina says: Friday, February 19, 2010, 09:23 AM

LOVE this winter shot. You've got me itching to see the rest.

Feuza says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:36 PM

perseverance to fuel the passion for sure. this shot is like a magazine, love it and can not wait to see more

Anthony says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 09:16 PM

Evan just won! Thats awesome that you were with him in his early stages of becoming a gold medalist. Feel better! Soup and rest.

Hannah Taylor says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 03:21 PM

Great shot!! Thanks for all the motivation that comes from reading your blog!!

Calie says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 02:31 PM

Well it sounds like there was LOTS of pushing through this week!! ;D I have to say - if you were sick on Tuesday, it is really sinful how beautiful and poised you are!!! WOW!! Would not have guess that in a million years!!! I can't wait to see the rest of the shoot - this is truly amazing and we were blessed to be a part of it!!! Hugs!!! Calie and Kourtney!

mary wyar says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 01:53 PM

Had the same thoughts last night with the Olympians! The amount of passion it takes to fight through all the physical &, no doubt, personal sacrifices to get to that level... it's quite emotional to see! Oh and if you're feeling snotty, a neti-pot works wonders for me! Feel better chica! :)

Sarah says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 12:46 PM

great post! i was just thinking about the amount of dedication needed to be an olympian the other day. truly amazing. very cool that you once trained with evan lysacek. i might have a little crush on him. haha. here's hoping he does well tonight! and i can't wait to see the rest of these snow shots, looks like they'll be amazing as usual! :)

kbreints says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 12:39 PM

Came over from a new reader of yours who was linking to your site-- love the layout of your site-- had me confused for a moment :) Your photos are wonderful!

Heather says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 11:17 AM

This image is breathtaking!
I liked what you said about Olympic athletes having to have a certain level of insanity to get where they are. My husband was a swimmer in the Olympics and he had to be focused like a horse with blinders on to get there. I think the beautiful thing is that some people in other fields (other than athletes) are in hot pursuit of "being all they can be" with the same type of dedication and "insanity". I see that in your craft....it is a beautiful thing.

Suzanne and Amanda says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:58 AM

Even with Kleenix's you are beauitful. Love the shot- so glad you all went forward with it. My cousin helps run a program for cancer stricken kids and Kimmie Meissner had her Olympic friends skate for a fund raiser- we got to see and meet afterwards Tanith Belbin & Ben Agosto; Jeffrey Buttle; yuko Sato; Johnny Weir; others but your friend, Evan. They were all wonderful! But then so are you and Chris!!!

Talk to you later!!

kylie says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:54 AM

This image is amazing and I cannot wait to see all that goes with it. As you know from my incessant commenting, I have been following you for a while now and I can see the growth you are making with every shoot. You are an amazing artist Sarah and you really are doing what God created you to do. " )
On a side note, was this shoot for any specific purpose or just for fun and to experiment? I ask because if you were selling something with this image, I would buy it!

Sally says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:37 AM

Ooh, I love it!! This is such a gorgeous shot - it's just perfect! Can't wait to see the rest... P.S. Can I come along as an assistant next time?! I'll bring you coffee, tea, kleenex... :)

Tonhya Kae says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:26 AM

Girl, I think you're a little "insane" with this image!! OOooOoo I can't WAIT to see the rest, looks like you all probably had a fun day in the snow! I hope you feel better...the great weather today should help a little I hope! :)

Paige Butcher says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:18 AM

LOVE this shot! And what you have to say about pushing through is so incredibly true. This time of year with all the snow and grey skies on the East Coast, it's easy to give up and succumb to the temptation to coast until Spring. I'm trying to push through and finish strong :)

Candice says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:17 AM

i am constantly encouraged and inspired.

Suki says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:12 AM

I love this post very much. I think you got it and it describes me in my passion very well. Everyone has to be some sort of insane to achieve greatness :)
Thank you for that reminder.

AndaMarie says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:09 AM

Feel better, Sarah! I think it'd be awesome if you bottled up all your philosophical blog posts and made them into a book. I would keep it by my bedside or my computer and read random pages from it all the time. You inspire me!

AndaMarie says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:08 AM

Feel better, Sarah! I think it'd be awesome if you bottled up all your philosophical blog posts and made them into a book. I would keep it by my bedside or my computer and read random pages from it all the time. You inspire me!

Marissa Rodriguez says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:06 AM

"And I DO think you have to be slightly "insane" to achieve a certain level of greatness"....this is great! :) Very well said! I hope you feel better and I know the rest of these photos are going to be crazy amazing!!!

Marissa Rodriguez says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:05 AM

"And I DO think you have to be slightly "insane" to achieve a certain level of greatness"....this is great! :) Very well said! I hope you feel better and I know the rest of these photos are going to be crazy amazing!!!

Rachel Castillero says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:05 AM

Thanks for these words! Exactly what I needed to "hear" today. :) FABULOUS picture too!

Julie h says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:04 AM

oh my!!! I already know this shoot is going to be incredible. Stoked to see the rest. Sleep and EmergenC usually does the trick when I'm sick. Hope your feeling 100% very soon. :)

Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 06:02 AM
So you want to win some free tickets to the Airhorns and Lasers party at WPPI in Vegas this year? 

Since we had so many of you ask about tickets after our post last week we were able to lock a few down to giveaway to some of our blog readers and fellow party people :).
We will have four tickets to giveaway and we thought it would be funny to make a little contest out of this.
 
So the requirements are that you have to create a photo that has the two following items in it: 
-An Airhorn
-& a Laser

*Example photo is associated with this post ;)

photos should be sized to 550 pixels high and e mailed to us (consulting@sarahrhoads.com) by Thursday night at midnight. The subject line of the e mail should be AIRHORN WIN

The winning images will be posted and announced Friday and we'll look forward to partying with the folks who win!

Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (11)
LED Bulb says: Saturday, September 3, 2011, 01:07 AM

Very good list ! Thanks ! Maybe now the traffic of my website will be increase ^^

Feuza says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 10:23 PM

phew just sent mine, hope I made the deadline, had fun with it :-)

mariana herrera mosli says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 08:01 PM

OMG!! I just ran across this hilarious contest!! It's a sign that I should go to WPPI!! LOL! I have been debating because of the financial situation, but a chance for free airline ticket?! I am so in!!! Will send in what I create, I have one hour (eastern time, right?) to see what I can come up with!!!

Thanks for the opportunity!

Mariana

mariana herrera mosli says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 08:01 PM

OMG!! I just ran across this hilarious contest!! It's a sign that I should go to WPPI!! LOL! I have been debating because of the financial situation, but a chance for free airline ticket?! I am so in!!! Will send in what I create, I have one hour (eastern time, right?) to see what I can come up with!!!

Thanks for the opportunity!

Mariana

sarahrhoads says: Thursday, February 18, 2010, 09:05 AM

@Feuza I'll give you a hint ;) you can find lots of pictures of airhorns and lasers by simply asking the google gods and clicking "images" ;)

Feuza says: Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 09:42 PM

so want to win tickets to that party, will try to come up with something, do not even know where I will get an airhorn but will try

Becka @Studio222 Photography says: Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 01:47 PM

HAHA. You're photo cracks me up. We will be missing the party but hopefully we'll get to meet up with ya later in the week. :)

Ilana Herring says: Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 12:50 AM

I found your blog from the link to Ruvi Leider's self portrait. awesome that you posted it! he is super talented! but just had to write a comment cause you guys are SUPER crazy talented! im blown away by the stuff on your blog. thank you! im not in the industry and dont know much about it....but your work is pretty amazing to witness!

Ilana Herring says: Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 12:50 AM

I found your blog from the link to Ruvi Leider's self portrait. awesome that you posted it! he is super talented! but just had to write a comment cause you guys are SUPER crazy talented! im blown away by the stuff on your blog. thank you! im not in the industry and dont know much about it....but your work is pretty amazing to witness!

Melina Wallisch says: Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 06:22 AM

sounds like a great party. just getting familiar with with all this. count me in for next year!

Melina Wallisch says: Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 06:19 AM

sounds like a great party. just getting familiar with all of this. count me in for next year!

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
Add a Comment View Comments (28)
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!

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?!!