Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 04:26 PM
Any photographers who are going to be participating in the fun at WPPI this year should have the Airhorns and Lasers party on the "must" list. Chris and I have been asked to help put this shin dig on with many of our dear friends. It's going to be a killer time filled with many surprises!

If there is any advice I can give any WPPI first-timers it would be to get out there, don't be shy, go up and introduce yourself to people. Also, stay up too late talking, let your hair down, forget about work for a few days and just enjoy mingling and meeting new people and friends. We met some of our (now) closest photography friends at WPPI last year. Most of which we had been talking to via the internet, i chat etc. but people we had never actually met in person. 

Unlike most jobs, as photographers, we typically don't go into an office full of "co-workers" that we interact with on a daily basis. That is why social media is used so heavily in this industry. It is a way all of us can connect to other creatives from our isolated little offices. As great as social media is, there is nothing better than seeing someone face to face, grabbing a drink and spending time in person. It is so totally refreshing, and this is why we love WPPI every year. 

So come on out to the most killer party at WPPI, Airhorns & Lasers, and lets dance our faces off.





Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (16)
Galaxie Andrews says: Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 09:27 PM

i got my ticket and i'm excited to meet you guys! this will be my first WPPI event. can't wait :))

Beata English says: Saturday, February 13, 2010, 03:17 AM

Hi Sarah, i'm going to be in Vegas on Sunday March 7th - gosh i hope i get to meet you in person! i emailed Airhorns and Lasers but was wondering if anyone could attend?

thanks heaps. fingers crossed we get to meet in person!

xxx

Kat Speyer says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 02:24 PM

I'mma so be there! :D

Nicolenjoli says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 12:07 AM

Hi this is my first time actually commenting on one of the blogs I have just recently started checking out...I was compelled to say Hi since your post said not to be shy...Im going to wppi...see you all there!

Anna Sawin says: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 05:06 PM

I saw a link to buy tickets and now...can't find it! Please please--can't wait to go at my first WPPI!

JacquelynnBrynn says: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 07:39 AM

This sounds amazing! Too bad baby put me in my 3rd "no flying" trimester at the wrong time!! Can't wait for next year

robert madrid says: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 06:01 AM

boooooom! can't wait to meet you two :)

Heather Kincaid says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 11:07 PM

Going to be so fun. :)

Heather Kincaid says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 11:06 PM

Going to be so fun. :)

ashley says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 09:00 PM

This looks so great and I would love to come. Is it going to be possible to get tickets?

romin says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 07:44 PM

hey sarah -- can you send me a message when some tix free up? kthxbai =)

Julie Watts says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 06:13 PM

Oh man! It's posts like these that REALLY make me wish I was going!! I don't think I'll be able to stand missing another one...

amber says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 05:49 PM

yes yes yes!!!! i want to come!!! this is my first year at wppi and i am crazy excited

Katie Lewis says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 05:23 PM

I heard tickets are almost sold out so.....how do we even get tickets?? It sounds like a blast!

Kristin says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 05:20 PM

Wow! Check out the attendee party list! Count me in!

melissa says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 05:02 PM

i wanna come! when are the tickets going to be available?

Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 09:30 AM
Chris and I had so much fun designing this Album of Emma & Bubba's Lifestyle Shoot. For us, the album is what brings it all together. It is the icing on the cake. It is the fruit of our artistic labor, and nothing feels better than seeing our work in tactile story form. 

When our buddy, Ken at Renaissance asked us to submit some work for their booth at the WPPI trade show, I knew that this had to be a shoot that turned into an album design. It was one of my personal favorite shoots of the season. Mostly because Emma and Bubba had raging chemistry, complete trust in us, a belief in our creative vision, and all of us just had a blast.

We get asked by other photographers a lot about our album designs so we thought we would share this design with you. Many of our couples opt to turn their engagement sessions into engagement books and I always love when they do. Our style caters to it. We're not "one shot" photographers. We are photographers who tell a story, capture an energy, a feeling, through a series of photographs. 

We custom design all of our album designs in InDesign, it is the most fantastic program in the world for layout and saving you time. All of our designs are clean and to the point... much like our brand. I hope you enjoy and feel free to check it out in tactile form at the Renaissance Booth at the trade show in a few weeks. We also did a post a while back on our wedding albums that might also give some insight into how we do things for those that are still curious (check out the commentary in the comments section). 

Who's going to be at WPPI?! We're excited to represent. It's always a good time.

You can view Emma & Bubba's Full Slideshow here


Thoughts
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Amanda Burgess says: Sunday, March 14, 2010, 03:46 PM

These are amazing!

Rima says: Wednesday, March 10, 2010, 07:48 AM

Wicked set of images!!!

Sadie says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 11:18 PM

I loved that shoot! You guys are awesome! :)

Micah Dahlberg says: Friday, February 12, 2010, 08:12 AM

YES

jane button says: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 01:36 PM

L.O.V.E. T.H.I.S. :)

Hannah Taylor says: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 09:54 AM

I love your work! Oh I know what you mean about telling a story.

Nancy says: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 12:15 AM

So awesome, thanks for the inspiration!

evelyn says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 07:25 PM

OH MY.. THIS IS AMAZING GORGEOUS!

carrie says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 04:40 PM

s, i'm so with you on this. clean, simple design is so lovely and makes my heart go pitter patter. delivering a completed book to a client is the whipped cream topping ;). this is beautiful and perfect.

Amanda Richelle says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 04:36 PM

Wow. This is a kick-ass album design. That little splash of red on spread 9 is perfection. LOVE.

Maureen says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 04:27 PM

Your quirky style is your best asset. I loved this shoot, and I love this album as well.

Lydia says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 03:26 PM

I'll be at WPPI! I'll have to make sure I see this album in person!

Lynn says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 03:10 PM

Oh I love this shoot, but this album is amazing!!

Kat Speyer says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 02:34 PM

Super sweet album design! Very clean and contemporary.

I'll be at WPPI. Wanna hang out? :D

Paige Butcher says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 02:15 PM

LOVE IT!

Marissa Rodriguez says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 11:59 AM

This album rocks! My gosh I love it! I'm going to WPPI! I hope I get to meet you guys so that some of your talent rubs off on me hehe! :)

Carl McKinney says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 10:46 AM

Awesomeness just happened over here at sarahrhoads.com! You guys are such an inspiration to artists in general. I had a question. Your albums look pretty square, are these 10x10 layouts or something else? Do you switch book dimensions or do you stick with a square format book?

Thank you for all of your wonderful insight and much continued success to you guys!

Kate Noelle says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 10:45 AM

Sarah, I absolutely love coming to your blog and seeing what you're up to photographically. Lately, I've been on this "asserting myself" kick.... and I love that you do your own thing. Really. Seriously. Your work stands out because you strive to challenge yourself artistically away from the way everyone else does it. I love it. I look forward to the day when I can be as strong and creative as you. :) Keep it up!

Cody says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 10:37 AM

i love all of the images! to each their own..if only done in best respects. sarah and chris i admire your work beyond words! im always inspired by your work.

Jennica Wallis says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 10:30 AM

WOW!!!! I'm in LOVE with this! It's so simple, modern & adorable! :D What does the cover look like?

Jennica Wallis says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 10:29 AM

WOW!!!! I'm in LOVE with this! It's so simple, modern & adorable! :D What does the cover look like?

Jennica Wallis says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 10:29 AM

WOW!!!! I'm in LOVE with this! It's so simple, modern & adorable! :D What does the cover look like?

Julie h says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 10:27 AM

such a fun session and beautiful album design. :)

Katie Anderson says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 10:22 AM

Sweet! I love this shoot that you did. The quirky-ness of it is what makes us swoon!

Melina Wallisch says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 10:22 AM

Wow. I'm an artistic junky and lover of love and I can FEEL the LOVE and JOY in these pictures FULLY. One of my favorite shoots as well.

Rob Robertson says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 10:20 AM

Way to knock it out of the park! Awesome layout! what size album is this for? Always encouraged and inspired by your design & photo skilz!

Melina Wallisch says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 10:20 AM

Wow, I'm an artistic junky and lover of love and I can FEEL the LOVE and JOY in these pictures FULLY!

Ruthie P. says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 10:17 AM

This is one of my fav. sessions :) LOVE the album, so clean and modern!

Bianca Valentim says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 10:14 AM

Love it!

Chris says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 10:11 AM

I like some of your style, however, pictures of sinks? I dont think so...where is the celebration of love and romance? You say you tell a story, but I dont see no story here, just a load of images in your qwerky style. OK it looks fashionable, but it doesnt celebrate love or even the engagement...
Sorry, some arty types may like it, but these people are often on a different planet and wouldnt recognise romance if it bit them.

Katie Neal Photo says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 10:02 AM

Innnn love. These photos make me happy!

mary says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 09:53 AM

killlller!!! swoooning over spread04, graphically delicious. this shoot is seriously embracing your brand, can't wait to see the album @ wppi!!!

lesley says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 09:50 AM

Beautiful album! I loved this session as well! :)

johnna brynn says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 09:42 AM

ahhh love it! ...if u sold your design templates, i'd buy 'em!

emily says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 09:41 AM

absolutely beautiful! I am also a huge InDesign fan, so lovely to hear other photogs out there love it to. I love your clean designs, and the links to your wedding albums. Thanks for inspiration!

Sarah says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 09:39 AM

lovely, Sarah!!

Ryan Klos says: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, 09:37 AM

This book is KICK AWESOME! I love it! The story is clear and well told, but all the stuff you guys shoot is :)

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
Add a Comment View Comments (8)
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!

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 (27)
Nirav Patel says: Friday, June 4, 2010, 04:15 PM

Holy smokes Sarah! You nailed it. So true and so inspirational. Thank you for the smile you just put on my face :).

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!