Monday, July 12, 2010, 10:55 AM
One of my favorite authors, Seth Godin, defines art as "unique, new, and challenging to the status quo. It is not decoration. It is something that causes change." 

I love this definition of art. It forces me to ask myself the difficult question of how are my photos causing change? 

Getting to the heart of people has always been my passion. There is an art to drawing out that beautiful space of authenticity and freedom in people. For me, change can happen between the subjects we are working with, the people experiencing the imagery, or change can happen in me, as the artist. The ultimate goal is for an experience. When we experience, we change. When we experience, we grow. Which beckons the question of, how can I build experiences for each of the people we work with? When we can create experiences for people through taking photos we give them a gift that is more than just a pretty picture. 

Being a body who snaps a shutter and knows the technicalities of the camera is merely being a photographer. Having a WHY, a reason behind the shutter, is what differentiates a photographer from an artist. My why? I want people to experience love and freedom through our images... I want to create imagery that inspires people to love harder and live a life dancing in freedom, joy and passion. 

Just some thoughts I have been having recently on inviting people into an experience that I thought I would share... 

Happy Monday!


Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (7)
Emma Case says: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 04:17 AM

Hey Sarah and Chris,

I wholeheartedly agree.

x

Alex says: Wednesday, July 14, 2010, 03:31 AM

Beautiful post!!! :) So inspiring as usual!

Melina Wallisch says: Tuesday, July 13, 2010, 10:55 AM

you ARE changing the world

Anda says: Monday, July 12, 2010, 02:36 PM

I wrote about Seth Godin and being an artist today TOO. Ahh, great minds...LOL.

Lora Ayers says: Monday, July 12, 2010, 01:38 PM

Very well said, and such a great desire to have. Thanks for sharing.

mandiimae says: Monday, July 12, 2010, 01:36 PM

i like the way you think. and i like when you share with us what you're thinking:) thank you!

kirsten says: Monday, July 12, 2010, 01:21 PM

I love that definition of art too. Wonderful things to think about, thanks Sarah!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010, 04:00 AM
We are so very excited to announce VOICE, a workshop with Chris and me in Australia this year! 

About four months ago we were contacted by a beautiful photographer, Christine Pobke, from Australia who was interested in hosting us for a workshop in her hometown of Canberra, Australia. From the moment Christine emailed I felt like we were kindred spirits, and we couldn't be happier to link arms with such a fabulous person & photographer as our host.

We are so passionate about sharing with and encouraging photographers to find their own unique voice as artists and business owners.  It is our belief that everyone has a unique message and voice to share with the world.  Most times, it is just a matter of finding it. Our VOICE workshop will be an experience rich in life, love, photography, inspiration, exploration and creativity.

The concept behind VOICE centers around finding your unique voice as an artist, developing a market niche, staying inspired, being remarkable for your clients, and building a brand experience. VOICE stands for Vision, Openness, Inspiration, Creativity & Experience. During our time together we will dig into developing personal vision, voice, inviting your clients to a space of openness, building a brand experience, and creating work that you are excited & passionate about. We will be covering a variety of topics such as:

  • Finding your VOICE as an artist
  • Shooting
  • Interacting with and posing clients
  • Chemistry with Clients
  • Marketing
  • Building a brand experience
  • Post Processing
  • Pricing
  • Setting up creative shoots
  • making time to shoot for yourself
  • Managing client expectations
  • Blogging
  • Working with available light
  • Workflow
  • Staying Inspired, fresh & Creative
  • Being Remarkable for your clients

*During our time together, Chris and I have a shoot planned where you will be able to watch and see us in action. This will be an opportunity to see how we work in different environments, interact with our couples, and the "behind the scenes" of how we do what we do.

** In order to maintain a more intimate experience for our attendees, spots will be very limited for our workshop in Australia so sign up quick.

Sponsors: We have some incredible sponsors that have hooked us up with some great giveaways and discounts for our attendees. Our sponsors include:

-Into The Darkroom 
-Renaissance Albums 
-H20 Album Templates 
-Totally Rad Actions 
-Enlighten Photography Tools by Jesh de Rox 
-ProDPI 
-Kelly Moore Bags 
-Red Cart

**How much? The cost of the workshop will be $950 USD.

This fee will also include three meals on the day of the workshop. Payments will be accepted via credit/debit card using our online cart system. Please e mail us at consulting@sarahrhoads.com if you have any questions.

So how do I sign up??! 
You can sign up via the link below. Spots are limited and the link will no longer work once the workshop is full.

SIGN UP HERE

Once your fee is paid we will send you a questionnaire to complete and also provide you with exact details on location/where to stay etc.


To find out more information on the Voice Workshops you can go to: 




Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (19)
Kimberly Chau says: Thursday, October 7, 2010, 02:15 PM

I'm bummed that I'm just now reading about this! Please have another workshop soon! :)

Rebecca Mercia says: Sunday, October 3, 2010, 06:16 PM

I would like to second/ third whatever number we are up to the notion for a second workshop! In WA would be amaaaaaaazing but a second one anywhere in Aus would be fantabulous!! :) .... you know you want to..... :)

Nic says: Wednesday, September 8, 2010, 02:14 AM

I've only just found out about this...would have loved to come along. Any chance of another workshop in Australia...say in WA??

liz arcus says: Wednesday, August 4, 2010, 02:19 PM

any chance of another workshop in Australia while you are in - Canberra or Melbourne ?

sarah tonkin says: Friday, July 9, 2010, 02:11 AM

Any chance of doing another workshop while you are in Aus??? I am so sad it's sold out!

latteaddict says: Thursday, July 8, 2010, 11:34 PM

Darn it, you've sold out! Enjoy Oz, lots of beautiful scenery and people.

OHANA PHOTOGRAPHERS says: Thursday, July 8, 2010, 03:06 PM

rhoads :)

OHANA PHOTOGRAPHERS says: Thursday, July 8, 2010, 02:59 PM

rock on rhods! you're going to kill!!!

Alex says: Wednesday, July 7, 2010, 01:52 PM

I am soooo jealous that I won't be in Australia when this is happening!!!! Ahhh.. how exciting for you both though! Congrats :)

Ryan Johnson says: Wednesday, July 7, 2010, 11:43 AM

That sounds like such a fantastic workshop!! Sadly, no tengo la gita to fly to Australia for it. =(
Hopefully you'll maybe do something similar in the USA soon!

Lisa Dunham says: Wednesday, July 7, 2010, 06:56 AM

Perfect for you two! Hope it's all you dreamed it can be!

Anda says: Wednesday, July 7, 2010, 06:19 AM

I LOVE Christine!! What a great team with you three working together. I'm sure it'll be magical and beyond inspiring for all the attendees :) Congrats on another new, awesome undertaking!

Lisa says: Wednesday, July 7, 2010, 03:40 AM

So very, very tempted!!!

Beata English says: Wednesday, July 7, 2010, 02:59 AM

you are both amazing, i am blessed to get the opportunity to be part of this amazing workshop.

I can't wait to see you both again. xxxx

Casey Warren says: Wednesday, July 7, 2010, 12:06 AM

awesomeness - perfect acronym that truly fits.

Christine says: Tuesday, July 6, 2010, 07:08 PM

aw *blushes* thanks for the very sweet, very beautiful words. i can't wait for you guys to come to canberra and see how gorgeous summer can be here! and i'm so looking forward to finally meeting you both in person next week! be prepared for some big big hugsies! :) xoxoxoxo PS australia is so incredibly lucky to have you!

todd scott ballje says: Tuesday, July 6, 2010, 05:49 PM

thats pretty ridiculously amazing! Not a more perfect expression of you guys as a way to encourage and equip others. Cheers mates (is the feminine of mate matey?)

Marissa Rodriguez says: Tuesday, July 6, 2010, 05:16 PM

This is so awesome! It would be a DREAM come true to learn from you!

Kevin Wrenn Photography says: Tuesday, July 6, 2010, 04:25 PM

So proud of you guys!!!

Thursday, July 1, 2010, 08:40 AM
I've been thinking a lot about the attitude of scarcity versus the attitude of possibility recently. The attitude of scarcity is the notion that embraces the idea that resources, clients, knowledge are so scarce so we must "take and guard" what is "ours." It is viewpoint that sees the pie as small with limited pieces for people. It is an attitude that breeds competition rather than "co-opetition." This attitude keeps people from being excited about the success of others. Instead, we feel threatened by them, we feel jealousy creep in. The attitude of scarcity surrounds us in people and society every day. It is the outlook of the person that wakes up in the morning with the assumption that life is about merely staying alive and surviving in a world of very limited resources.  It is what keeps people from sharing an ultimately growing. This is an attitude and outlook rooted in the enemy... fear.

On the other side of that, I have encountered a handful of people in my life that embrace another kind of attitude... one that I admire and strive after...the attitude of possibility. This attitude embraces the idea that anything is possible. In this world of possibility, thought is not impeded by the concern of survival, but stands in the field of optimism with a posture of vast openness. These are the people that share their knowledge freely because instead of feeling threatened by the thought of scarcity they are excited by the thought of continued growth for both parties. This attitude recognizes that there is plenty of business to go around, setting them free to be happy for the success of their colleagues and counterparts.  The attitude of possibility doesn't see people with eyes that limit and measure them, but rather, sees them for all of the unique potential that each person posses'.  This is an attitude that recognizes that each of us is created with individual gifts and talents and that anyone is capable of ANYTHING they put their mind to. Instead of living in fear, this attitude is rooted in freedom, choice, and love. This is a perspective that recognizes that the pie is enormous and even if you take a piece, the pie is whole again. 

Everyday we make a choice about the attitude we will embrace by our thoughts, words and motives. For me, I will continue striving to live in love and not fear. I will choose to see the world for all of it's variety, glimmer, hope, engagement and forward movement. The seemingly small moments of our lives are ultimately what write our life stories. We have a choice about how they will be written. For me I will continue to dance in the vast and glowing fields of possibility....

For anyone who cares to explore this idea of possibility in more depth, I highly recommend a book I read back in January called The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander & Benjamin Zander. It was an inspiring read that offers great insight and perspective.

Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (30)
Emily Porter says: Wednesday, January 12, 2011, 08:33 PM

I just thought you should know that not only do I read this at least once a month now, I also share it on facebook to thousands of friends/'likers' on a regular basis, because it's one of the best things I've ever read. I am so thankful there are people like you out there with bigger voices than mine, promoting such positive points of views. Thank you.

ellie says: Thursday, July 29, 2010, 02:06 PM

thank you, I will be picking up your book reccomendation.

Kristin says: Saturday, July 10, 2010, 03:31 PM

This is something I've been thinking about lately. Is there enough for everyone? Can everyone live the life they dream? And that negative feeling when others accomplish what I cannot and while I know it is counterproductive it is hard to quiet the negativity. thank you for the lovely thoughts and words, it reminds me of a much more loving and open perspective.

christin rose says: Sunday, July 4, 2010, 09:20 AM

one of my favorite posts yet. you are brilliant.

Jenn Best says: Saturday, July 3, 2010, 10:44 PM

Great reminder Sarah! I just read this book in April after the Jesh workshop and I too found it inspiring and aspirational - LOVE IT. Hope you're having a great summer so far :)

Laura says: Saturday, July 3, 2010, 09:28 PM

Love living in the world of possibility and always believing my dreams will come true. Thanks!

Laura says: Saturday, July 3, 2010, 09:28 PM

Love to live in the world of possibility and always beilieving my dreams will come true. Thanks!

Patrina says: Saturday, July 3, 2010, 05:01 PM

Sarah, you're beautiful in every way. Thank you for staying true to yourself. What a gift you are..

Nirav says: Saturday, July 3, 2010, 09:40 AM

Thank you for this Sarah. You have the amazing ability to captivate and inspire people through images and words. What you guys do it beyond beautiful. It touches my heart and changes the way I view the world for the better and I can't thank you enough.

Suki says: Saturday, July 3, 2010, 09:08 AM

Inspirational writing :)

Alex Beadon says: Saturday, July 3, 2010, 08:58 AM

I love your blog. Always so inspirational.

Mercedes says: Friday, July 2, 2010, 05:31 PM

I wish more people would have that attitude of possibility... at least where I'm at :/

Truc says: Friday, July 2, 2010, 03:33 PM

Thank you for this post. So true and inspiring.

mary says: Friday, July 2, 2010, 12:54 PM

you sure get a lot of girls to run around in their underwear! ;) would love to see a list of book recs... just finished some linchpin. genius :)

Patricia E says: Friday, July 2, 2010, 06:55 AM

Love this! Sometimes I tend to believe that there's more than enough for everyone but me. I know it's not truth or how God intended me to live- sometimes it's harder said than done but at least I move forward.

HannahTaylor says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 08:42 PM

I love your insight!! I know a lot of people probably say this, but I just feel like such a kindred spirit with you! I love living with the attitude of possibility and I think that it rubs people the wrong way. I have felt like people just look at me weird, like, "you think you can do that?" "You don't have a degree in that, we all have the "right" degree and you think you can just start doing the same thing." All I have to say is when you are born to do something you need to do it, whether it is photography, design, teaching, communicating, being a mom, accounting, the news, construction, it doesn't matter. That's the fun!

Tim G says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 08:00 PM

Excellent thoughts, thanks for this post!! This is a great perspective. I can testify first hand that you practice what you preach.. My wife and I are just starting out with photography, and Sarah and Chris have been a HUGE help, generously taking the time to answer questions for us, asking nothing back from us, even though we've offered. Thanks to you both so much. Your art really is inspiring. We are huge fans!!

Kevin Wrenn Photography says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 04:14 PM

What a beautiful post to read. You said it so eloquently. You and Chris are beautiful expressions of something grand and I love being a witness to what you both bring to the world. Thanks for continuing to share the gift of yourselves with me.

Is that you in the pic? If so I love it and kudos to Chris for capturing it!

caroline says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 03:37 PM

That was incredibly inspiring and insightful, Sarah. Thank you for that. I was in a design meeting this morning, shared this with a friend, and your post ended up getting read aloud to everyone. Not only does your art continue to challenge me, but your thoughts on life allow me to enjoy mine just that little bit more. Cheers.

Karen Knapper says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 01:38 PM

I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to read this. As I am a photographer just getting my start in this business, I am often shunned or ignored when I reach out to other professionals in this business, looking for guidance and mentors. It has been incredibly discouraging, so to know that there are others out there that are willing to share their knowledge and experience gives me hope. I may have to get there on my own, but you have inspired me to be diligent in helping those that come behind me.

Well done, Sarah.

Melanie Watson says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 12:22 PM

Lovely. It is often trying when surrounded by so many people that are of the scarcity mindset, but it is the possibility people that make the world wonderful. Keep exploring the possible friend. :)

Stephanie Cristalli says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 11:17 AM

And that attitude is one of the many reasons you are so successful!
Cheers.

Anna says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 11:15 AM

Oh Sarah, this could not have been more timely. Thank you so much for this... :)

Michelle Stone says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 10:55 AM

So well said! LOVE it!!! I'll definitely be checking out that book.

Melissa says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 10:40 AM

LOVE this - just what I needed to read this morning.

Sarah says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 09:54 AM

Long time lurker.... Very eloquently put. I've been reading your words for a while now and you always seem to know just how to say them to give me hope. Thank you.

Rachel says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 09:10 AM

That is correct! The Universe says there is ENOUGH of EVERYTHING for everyone! Share!

Beautiful Photo!

Katie says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 08:55 AM

Such a great reminder for my morning. Plus, I just love the picture!

Rachel says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 08:55 AM

That is correct! The Universe says there is ENOUGH of EVERYTHING for everyone! Share!

Beautiful Photo!

kirsten says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 08:50 AM

AMEN!

Monday, June 21, 2010, 10:19 AM
Momentum is the fuel that feeds growth and forward movement.
With momentum a small running-back can break through a 300lb line-backer. 
Momentum is what fuels our motivation.
Momentum is what gives a runner the power to finish out the final miles of the race.

Life has been on overdrive for us recently and it has made me think a lot about the idea of momentum. What is it? How do we attain it & how do we foster it? 

Isn't it strange to think that the times we are the busiest are to be the times that we get the most accomplished? It seems it would be the other way around. However, when we have the most to do, we also have the FIRE & HUSTLE that it takes to get it all done. With all of our travels, shooting and upon trying to get moved into our new place there are moments when it has felt quite daunting. There seems to always be an overwhelming list, but one practice that I have found that feeds my momentum, is to take pride in the little wins. Focusing on the one thing that I am doing at that very moment, rather than getting overwhelmed by looking at everything helps me be more effective and somehow get it all done. I have found that the way to build momentum is to get something done and then move onto the next thing. Being stuck on endless projects is never fun, nor is it productive or helpful for anyone. So I take some sound advice from a book I read last year called Getting Things Done, by David Allen; I define my actionable items into outcomes and concrete next steps and then... I act!  I take the small victories in stride and take one project at a time. It's a practice that has really helped me keep momentum and has allowed me to feel creative energy despite my long list of 'to-do's.' If you haven't read Allen's book, I highly recommend it, it is a bit of a dry read at times, but it has some glorious little tid-bits of goodness that will help any small business owner stay on top of it all and keep their momentum. 

I have quite a bit to process right now in terms of images, but today I just wanted to do a post for myself and share some shots of our recent travels. Happy Monday!

Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (7)
James Moes says: Wednesday, June 23, 2010, 08:08 AM

I want the Ace monks on my wall.

Apuje says: Wednesday, June 23, 2010, 06:35 AM

Thanks for the inspiration and affirmation Sarah. I've quickly become a fan of your work from a photographer friend of mines, Elton Anderson. We seem to have this same conversation every 3 months or so when we both become overwhelmed.

Truc says: Wednesday, June 23, 2010, 04:10 AM

Great post, Sarah. Thanks for the reminder.

Kristen says: Monday, June 21, 2010, 07:30 PM

you are so inspiring! So many of your posts have gotten me up and out and behind my camera

Kevin Wrenn Photography says: Monday, June 21, 2010, 01:00 PM

Very well said. I'm taking note of this post for sure. It's a great reminder for those of us who are hard workers...to be soft on ourselves and just slow down for long enough to see what we have accomplished. Thank you so much for slowing down yourself long enough to put yourself out there in a way that serves others!!! You and Chris are doing wonderful work and you both inspire me.

kirsten says: Monday, June 21, 2010, 12:49 PM

lovely message sarah! and i adore the last image. the simple composition and use of negative space just keeps me staring at it. hope you have a wonderful week!

Ryan Klos says: Monday, June 21, 2010, 11:22 AM

Thanks for this, Sarah. Good reminder and, as always, great images. You continuously inspire me!