Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 07:25 AM
This was a photo taken about ten or so days ago in Bangkok. We're pretty behind on getting to all of the images that we have captured... I suppose we are having too much fun to edit :) and are having a hard time getting to working internet to blog. I presume I'll do most of the image processing when I get home so I can really "be" here in the moment as much as possible, but still wanted to keep our blog readers in the loop and more importantly, let our parents know we are still alive. :) Since Bangkok, we have been to Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Phi Phi Don and we just arrived in Krabi today. Krabi is like a dream. It is like paradise here. Each place has been unique, beautiful and captivating in its own right. I am trying to soak every last bit of it in...trying to take the memories captive and hide them away somewhere safe. They are precious. It is a place that teaches humility and reminds me that the "first will be last." That seems to be the motto of the Thai people. 

Just thought I would share this capture. For some reason as I was going through the set this one grabbed my attention. The irony of the shot is what makes it beautiful to me. The hard with the soft. The soldiers which embody what we know to be militant next to that which stands for peace. To me this shot is special :) I have learned a lot about "waiting for the shot" on this trip. This was one of those moments when I watched, waited and snapped. Somehow the stars aligned for me and no one walked in front of the shot other than the person who I wanted to (the monk). Happy Tuesday to you all. It is late Tuesday night here and it has been a RICH day full of lots of boat rides and adventure, so I'm getting ready to go to bed to conquer tomorrow.

Thoughts
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Anthony Lazzari says: Wednesday, December 16, 2009, 08:13 PM

This shot reminds me of David duChemin's book, "Within the Frame." It is my favorite of all the pictures you have here!

I'll keep coming back to see more inspiring photos!!

imthiaz houseman says: Thursday, December 10, 2009, 11:47 AM

wow, i'm speechless. i love this image.

Melissa Blue says: Wednesday, December 9, 2009, 06:19 AM

I love the colors of this country! Great compositions guys!

wrecklessgirl says: Wednesday, December 9, 2009, 05:42 AM

i'm so excited you were able to go there! i'm also bummed i couldn't meet you there and adventure around together! this image is insanely beautiful and provoking. "bellissima" as the woman downstairs just yelled across the room.

sean says: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 05:09 PM

i love both the physical and emotional balance of this image.

mom says: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 04:55 PM

yeah....thanks for remembering the parents....they were beginning to grow a bit worried since we hadn't heard from you in a few days....so thanks for the post! Glad you are having fun.
Mom

Jenny GG says: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 01:18 PM

the contrast of color here is really beautiful.

Gail says: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 08:29 AM

I love it. So much is said with this one image where no words are needed. (I also really love the color of his robe with the blue of that window - great contrast!)

Lisa Dunham says: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 08:28 AM

Thanks for taking the time to update us, Sarah. So we can live vicariously thru you during your amazing journey. Continued safe travels and star alignment to you and Chris.

Jenice says: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 07:52 AM

Beautiful image. I cannot wait to hear about everything! Come home!

jess@studio3z says: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 07:36 AM

brilliant.

jamie delaine says: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 07:34 AM

Sounds like such an incredible, incredble time.

Thursday, December 3, 2009, 05:50 PM
We have traveled to the great land of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai. We've actually been here a few days it has just been hard to find time to sit down and blog. It is quite amazing here, it is different than Bangkok in many respects...but mostly there is less chaos here, life is a bit slower paced. The people of Thailand have captured our hearts. They are humble, gentle people that always have smiles on their faces. The people here are teaching me how to be better...

Being here puts the world into a better perspective. Reminding me that our pace of life in the States is a choice, and that many people choose to do things differently. Take in life, squeeze the nectar out of it. I think there are happy mediums for everything. I feel like I am always striving but never really achieving the "happy mediums" in my life; maybe one day :). Being here has beckoned me to ask myself, 'what do I really want out of life?' The question that often gets buried amidst the day to day on-goings of a busy life, but in a place like this is on the forefront of my heart and thoughts. It is a question all of us should ask more. It is a question that sets the scene of the story of our lives. What we want out of life determines everything, the choices we make, the goals we set, how we treat people. For me, I want to live a life of passion... I desire to love people better... to strive to understand the things that I do not understand... I desire to create, and in doing so make the world a little better. I desire to trust where God leads and not give into fear. Fear is the great thief that we oftentimes un-knowingly allow to steal so many of our beautiful moments. 

Anyhow, these are just a few of the many thoughts this great country has forced me to ask myself. It is amazing how when we get out of our comfort zones these type of questions surface, forcing a confrontation. We need more confrontation of the difficult questions in life. It feels good....

So enough of my ramblings for today... Chiang Mai is amazing... we have spent the day with elephants, hiked through the jungles to visit a fascinating hill-tribe of people called the "long neck tribe," I'll blog some of those soon, and learned to cook our favorite thai dishes. And tonight we will go to a Muay Thai boxing match... something I have been dying to do, oddly enough :) I am a bit overwhelmed with how many photos we have taken so many of these will be blogged when I have time to sit down with them for longer, but here are just a few. enjoy a little taste of Thailand.




Thoughts
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Lisa says: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 06:52 PM

I have been following your blog for a while now, and I want to let you know I love your photos.

I love love love the portraits you take of the people. LOVE THEM!!!

Thailand is amazing. I miss it....

Curtis Moore says: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 08:28 AM

Looks like an amazing trip! Can't wait to go myself:):) Great work!!

Sarah says: Monday, December 7, 2009, 01:51 PM

Beautiful images! I feel like i'm walking along side of you.

Sarah says: Monday, December 7, 2009, 01:50 PM

Beautiful images! I feel like i'm walking along side of you.

anjuli paschall says: Sunday, December 6, 2009, 10:38 PM

My favorite place on thee entire planet. say hello to my family :) peace. I love your photography.

Jenice says: Sunday, December 6, 2009, 08:28 AM

Amazing photos! I cannot wait to hear about your many adventures!

arenda says: Saturday, December 5, 2009, 08:03 PM

those little girls by the motorbikes are way too adorable! love that pic.

imthiaz houseman says: Saturday, December 5, 2009, 08:33 AM

it would be nice to find that happy medium in life. :) beautiful images.

john pascale says: Friday, December 4, 2009, 10:42 AM

It's amazing how each photo conveys a specific emotion. Love them!

Kim Spears says: Friday, December 4, 2009, 10:09 AM

Ohhh Sarah, your photos make me want to go back there so badly ! I looooooved Chiang Mai and can't wait to be there again. Have fun at the Muay Thai fight ...they're crazy !!! Oh and if you can, please have a banana pancake with nutella for me :)

Sarah Anna Hansen says: Friday, December 4, 2009, 09:28 AM

Beautiful and inspiring...

applem00N says: Friday, December 4, 2009, 08:22 AM

think i'm ready for a thai iced coffee now.

Pascal says: Friday, December 4, 2009, 01:14 AM

Great shots! Love the entrance of the pagoda with th monk. It brings back memories. Enjoy!

Gabriel Van Wyhe says: Friday, December 4, 2009, 12:02 AM

Wow, what an amazing adventure and amazing pictures!! I'm thrilled for you two!!

Amanda H says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 08:25 PM

Beautiful pics! Can't wait to chat with you about all that God is showing you. Praying that you are being refreshed and ignited and being filled to overflowing!!

Harmony Loves says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 07:43 PM

Gorgeous pictures. I bet you all are having the time of your lives and eating great food!

Candice says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:46 PM

Hey Sarah! Your pictures are beautiful! Jon and I lived in Chiang Mai for a year the year before last. Your updates are making me feel homesick for Thailand. We've about decided to go back to visit this summer. Keep the pics coming...they make me sad we aren't there, but so happy to have experienced it at the same time! You really are capturing the people so well; they truly are incredible. I keep thinking one of our friends is going to show up on your site:)

Debby says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:28 PM

Love the images. I'll be there this next August for a 2 month backpacking journey through southeast asia....and seeing this makes me soooo excited. =)

Kayleen T. says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:18 PM

Looks like you guys are having such an awesome experience!! Great pictures, makes me feel like I'm right there on the street!

Kate Noelle says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:12 PM

Such good thoughts... inspiring to let them sink in and activate. :) Keep the awesome pictures and stories coming! This is curbing my appetite for more Thailand.

James Moes says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:09 PM

Well-deserved rest. Thanks for the images.

Kara Wieler says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:05 PM

My heart aches to be there when I look at these photos. Gorgeous!

Julie h says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:04 PM

i love the shot of the bashful little girls!

Gerald says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:01 PM

I love the shot of the boy eating the popsicle!

Monday, November 30, 2009, 08:00 AM
Waking up in Bangkok this morning was surreal. I think I woke up with a smile on my face. Feeling the "push" of a Monday in this beautiful city was enlightening. The faces, the smiles, the smells, the sweat, the sound of scooters racing around you, the stray cat that follows me home, the birds, the decadent architecture, the seeming poverty but the richness of spirit.... and the Thai food... oh the amazing Thai food! This city has an indescribable energy to it. I feel so humbled to be here. To be able to share in this experience with Chris.

We woke up this morning at 4am (yes, we are still adjusting to this whole 15 hours ahead thing).  And in case you were wondering, yes, it is the end of the day Monday for me in the 'future' and the beginning of the day Monday for you. I think we must have walked about 20 miles today, and my heart was overflowing. I loved taking it all in. People watching. Trying to capture everything I was seeing, smelling and hearing with my lens. This is the kind of thing that makes me come to life. There was one point today when Chris looked at me, smiled, and said, "Sarah, you are a true photographer, you really have found your calling in life..." Coming from him, it meant the world. This IS what I feel like I was born to do. To capture people. To create. To inspire others through the people that I photograph. To be a vessel.

Statues bore me really, Chris made me put a few temples in this post because the architecture in Thailand really is breathtaking. And it would be a shame not to put just a few of those frames in. As much as I appreciate the temples and like to look at them, I have discovered I do not like to photograph them. I like people. I connect with people. So that is what I spent most of my time today doing :) Capturing the people of Bangkok. These are only a few snippits of the shots we have captured from Bangkok.... There will be many more to come. Off to Chiang Mai tomorrow morning. Gotta get some shut eye.





Thoughts
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Meaghan Cook says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 02:51 AM

These make me want to go on holidays. NOW!

Amy says: Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 09:39 PM

Would love to visit Asia specifically Thailand!! Just looks so beautiful and such a different culture. What and adventure you are having!

Natasha says: Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 06:45 PM

Awesome shots guys! Enjoy your time there and don't forget to take more pictures!

tara whitney says: Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 08:52 AM

Sarah,
I have been so excited to see your point of view of Thailand. You did not disappoint! I am so happy you love it. Wish I could be there too.

xoxo

John Pascale says: Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 08:35 AM

I really like the yellow stripe shot. All of them are great! Enjoy your trip

kristen says: Tuesday, December 1, 2009, 03:03 PM

WONDERFUL! I miss Thailand so much! Can't wait to head back in summer!

I do miss 50cent meals..

Liyana says: Tuesday, December 1, 2009, 01:36 AM

hey, since you're in Thailand, why don't you come to Malaysia.. You should try Langkawi Island, considering it is up north of the peninsular, it is quite near to Thailand. Enjoy you vacation.

geneoh says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 11:59 AM

looks like such an awesome trip. can't wait to see more.

Casey Warren says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 11:46 AM

Wow, awesome photos. Great to see that you guys are rockin it out in Thailand!!!! wooowee. It must be amazing over there. Im really liking the photo of the painter.....he's got some skill in keeping that yellow line perfectly straight. Miss you guys, hope your Thanksgiving was good too! lets get together when you get back, would love to hear about your travels ;)

~Casey W.

Sarah Danaher says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 10:36 AM

Ooooooooooooh you make me miss that precious country.

Anna says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 10:08 AM

I love hearing how *alive* you are. Travel always seems to peel back all of the excess and bring us to our very senses. ♥ The color in your images is just divine. Somehow faded and yet still so rich and vibrant. Amazing. Lovelovelove.

imthiaz houseman says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 09:57 AM

what stunning photos. i hope you and chris are enjoying this wonderful time in your lives, i can't wait to see what you share with us!

Abigayle Ellson says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 09:54 AM

As soon as I read that you were heading to Bangkok I couldn't wait to see how you would capture this amazing place. You haven't disapointed in any way. Looks a lot cleaner and more modern than when I was there 19 years ago, but the people, food, smells and landscape are just something that I hope never change. Wait until you head out to Chang Mai - it will blow your socks off. Enjoy every minute as much as I did; as much as I enjoy every image you post. Thank you, Abi x

arenda says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 09:42 AM

wow, great photos! i love people photography, too... though i'm always a little nervous to just jump in and take a picture. great work!

haley lamb says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 09:22 AM

wow....love everything about this post!

Kate Noelle says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 09:20 AM

I am SOOO excited you're in Thailand. I spend 2.5 months there in 2008 and I love that I get to see another photographer's perspective through their experiences and art. Have an AMAZING time! :)

Janet says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 09:10 AM

I always enjoy your blog, but I'm SUPER excited for these next few weeks of Thai goodness!

Mary says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 08:59 AM

what a beautiful adventure! So excited for you two to be there! I can totally relate to you about architecture photographs..never interested me. I seek out the emotion in people as well. Beautiful images! Can't wait to see more! Have fun you two!

Harvey says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 08:41 AM

Looks like you are having a good time, I feel jealous. I know that feeling you describe.

I'm impressed, not only by your photographs. But also by the person painting the yellow line, I wish I could paint a yellow line straight like that without making a huge mess. No tape or anything, looks perfect to me.


Thanks for sharing.

Julie h says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 08:38 AM

dare i ask what those turtles are for??? afternoon snack?
lovely photos! The elderly woman in the second photo makes my heart smile. :)

Jenice says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 08:37 AM

Beautiful work. I can't wait to see more. Have an amazing time!

Julie h says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 08:36 AM

dare i ask what those turtles are for??? afternoon snack?
lovely photos! The elderly woman in the second photo makes my heart smile. :)

Kara Wieler says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 08:31 AM

LOVE the yellow paint shot, and the umbrella in the intersection! Wow, didn't realize how badly I want to return to Thailand until I saw these photos. I would love to share this magical place with my husband!! You've captured it so well, the energy, the colors, the life.... I can practically smell the smells and hear the sounds! Can't wait to see what else you share with us!!!

Simon says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 08:21 AM

Really good photos, do you always ask permission? For instance the guy sleeping on the bench - I would be worried that someone might take offense!

Also the guy reading by the road side, great shot, but if I asked him to take his photo he then might pose and the photo wouldn't have the same mood, and if I didn't ask, again people might take offense!

Love to take photos like this but I am a bit of a wuss when it comes to photographing on the street!

Steve Gerrard says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 08:19 AM

Hope you're having a great time guys. Make sure you have dinner at Cabbages & Condoms in Bangkok :)

neal Carpenter says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 08:13 AM

Wow. Thailand is on my list. I'm even more sure that I must go. Have fun.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 10:20 AM
Kim & Christian were married at one of the most magical places in all the land... Cannon Beach, OR. I did a personal post while we were there that describes my complete and utter obsession with the place. It was a true honor to shoot Kim & Christian there. It is my Narnia ;) I think each person needs a Narnia and Cannon Beach just happens to be mine. 

The fog wrapped us all in it's whimsical bliss that day. It was perfect. Kim & Christian were perfect. Their love for one another is so innocent and tender. They had an incredible wedding right on the beach in front of Haystack Rock. I always love when our couples do something a little different than the "norm" for their big day. It always adds a lot of character and life to the day. It was one of those kick-off-your-shoes-and-feel-the-sand-between-your-toes kind of day. It was relaxed, romantic and beautiful just like Kim & Christian. 

There is not much better than spending my day "at work" in my 'Narnia' with my hubby by my side, my shoes kicked off listening to the sound of the ocean break with two people totally in love :)

Enjoy the loveliness that is Kim & Christian...
You can also check out this wedding as had a full feature on Portland Style Unveiled!






Thoughts
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Heather Sharpe says: Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 12:34 PM

This is where I was married!!!! I absolutely LOVE Cannon Beach ... it's my second home :) Great great shots, Sarah!!!
~xoxo
Heather Sharpe
A Sharpe Occasion

Pascal says: Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 05:22 AM

I just love the atmosphere !

Kimberly Dewey! says: Tuesday, August 18, 2009, 02:34 PM

oh Sarah and Chris you have spoiled me! You are the best decision I've ever made... well other than marrying Christian of course.

I thank you for your kind words, calm spirit, and vision of capturing the day. The pictures with my grandma melt my heart. My dad looks like he's the most relaxed, happiest dad ever! I absolutely adore my whole family and would love for you to join us for adventures to come.

Cheers to your awesomeness. You and Chris have showed me a new way to view the world around me!

flor aubone says: Monday, August 17, 2009, 07:47 PM

wowwww, I loved your work, really spectacular, congrartulations fropm argentina!!!

Tami says: Monday, August 17, 2009, 07:57 AM

How lucky are we? You got to photograph a beautiful couple in such a special place; the photographs are amazing as always. Your words especially inspire me and remind me why I became a photographer. Thank you.

ryan flynn says: Saturday, August 15, 2009, 01:23 PM

that is the COOLEST arbor i've ever seen. love it. the pictures look like cannon beach feels. well done.

Steve Truppe says: Friday, August 14, 2009, 03:05 PM

Sarah and Chris! Yet another set of incredible imagery. You capture moments that expose all the beauty and personality of your couples. You both inspire me so much! Keep the shutters going because I love seeing what you two come up with!

Kiana McCrackin says: Friday, August 14, 2009, 02:30 PM

AH! I'm so past addicted to your blog! seriously I need an intervention! ;) your work is so fabulous and (I know you hear this all the time!) also so very inspiring!

wei says: Friday, August 14, 2009, 12:20 AM

i see what you mean. cannon beach rocks.

Ketti says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 11:04 PM

Wow wow wow, these are amazing! Such a dream.

Anna says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 10:57 PM

Sarah and Chris, your images are so beautiful! Romantic, soft, real. I love reading your posts. Thank you.

Alyssa Barajas says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 08:59 PM

wow, what an incredible location. definitely magical, i can see why it is your narnia!

Stevi Savage says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 08:11 PM

Sarah, I love all the fog in this place. It truly does look magical.

Jonda Spurbeck says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 07:31 PM

i love you too... i'm always awestruck... sigh...

FRESH says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 06:23 PM

i luv you - today & 4ever - sarahrhoadsphotography. you are my new muse

imthiaz houseman says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 05:47 PM

wow...simply stunning! wonderful work as always.

marisol says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 05:21 PM

hermosas fotografías!
captaste el más bello instante.

Shannon Yau says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 04:41 PM

This is one of my favorite places I've ever visited and as per usual your photos managed to capture the beauty perfectly. I LOVED every image!

Erin says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 04:40 PM

Hi Sarah-
My sister sent me this link. Cannon Beach is my 'Narnia' as well. Christian even looks a little like Corey Feldman. Very appropriate for Haystack Rock. Kim is a beautiful bride. Great shots. I am having serious wedding envy. :) I think the shot of 'grandpa' is great!

Leah says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 04:34 PM

Just beautiful. I really get a sense of a this family being close knit and truly loving of one another. Thank you for being true to your heart and your eye Sarah. I think I'm older than you but I still want to be you when I grow up ;)

Keri Doolittle Photography says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 02:31 PM

WOW, WOW, WOW!! I sure do LOVE Cannon Beach! Spectacular pics, Sarah!

jonathan says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 02:25 PM

Yep.

Kip says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 02:12 PM

My day just got exponentially better by seeing these images. Thank you.

scott neumyer says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 01:23 PM

These are STUNNING!

Kayleen T. says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 01:22 PM

Beautiful pix! And that beach is beautiful as well!

Jemal says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 01:07 PM

I love the way you shoot! I always love looking at other photographer's work,Best wishes!

ashley parsons says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 12:58 PM

OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS, FRIENDS!!! This is by far the most beautiful wedding I have ever seen you shoot - I can tell this is your happy place - PACKED with beauty and inspiration. you are marvelous artists.
love!! lots of love from us. ;)

Trisha says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 12:57 PM

omgosh! whimsical bliss, indeed! especially love the shot with the rings and the twigs and the feet in the sand. love it!

ashley parsons says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 12:57 PM

OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS, FRIENDS!!! This is by far the most beautiful wedding I have ever seen you shoot - I can tell this is your happy place - PACKED with beauty and inspiration. you are marvelous artists.
love!! lots of love from us. ;)

Trisha says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 12:57 PM

omgosh! whimsical bliss, indeed! especially love the shot with the rings and the twigs and the feet in the sand. love it!

Gabe says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 12:55 PM

incredible images guys!! wonderful visual storytelling!!

anda says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 12:45 PM

wow, you captured the atmosphere so well. i feel like i am there :)

Jess Padilla says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 11:32 AM

very dreamy *sigh* you can almost feel the fog on your skin. it makes me want to hear some aqualung (take me home) :)

John Heil says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 11:20 AM

gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. the fog in these photos just makes them so moody. I love cannon beach and this really makes me want to go back. great photos, sarah!

Sarah Wert says: Wednesday, August 12, 2009, 11:18 AM

This are so lovely, Sarah. I love Cannon Beach as well. Someone told me the rock just off the coast there was the rock from the movie, The Goonies. Wondering if it was too foggy to see it?
Thanks for sharing. I'm a big fan of your incredibly work!