Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 02:46 PM
It's rare that I meet a couple as cuddly as my husband and I but I believe we have met our match with Courtney and Joey. They are true cuddler's through and through. It is so very sweet. I'm excited to post this shoot because I want everyone to know just how unbelievably beautiful it is in Seattle right now. All of the colors, the reds, yellows and oranges. The leaves are almost all on the ground now. The leaves have piled along the sides of the roads like snow does after a plow has come through. It is magical. 

I hit it off with these two immediately. They are my kind of people. Up for an adventure, lover's of life, playful, funny, down to earth & authentic. They love vino... we love vino. It's pretty much a match made in heaven. I've decided that these two are destined to be our new couple friends :) 

In other news, I have been thinking a lot about exploration and what that means for us as creatives. I feel like without that one skill, "to explore", I would personally be completely void of any inspiring thought and completely mediocre as an artist. I don't even know if we can rightfully call ourselves artists if we have forgotten what it means to explore. I would dare to say that for anyone in a creative field, exploration is just as important as breathing. Exploring both internally and externally. Digging deep within us to explore what it is we are put here to communicate to the world... in an effort to know ourselves deeper and with more clarity... to explore the things that scare us....to explore the things that excite us and then ask why. And also exploring externally, and asking ourselves questions about why the world is the way it is, exploring the things that inspire us. Asking the tough questions. Exploration is so important.. I have been exploring a lot of things about myself recently... I am glad for that. Exploration makes me better not only as a photographer & a creative but as a person.  I loved this quote by T.S. Elliot "We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started... and know the place for the first time." Beautiful. just beautiful.




Thoughts
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Meaghan Cook says: Wednesday, November 11, 2009, 12:58 AM

So good it hurts.

ben + laura says: Monday, November 9, 2009, 07:16 AM

these are happy photos :)

benj haisch says: Saturday, November 7, 2009, 10:32 AM

woah. totally know those kids.

Courtney & Joey says: Friday, November 6, 2009, 09:32 PM

Sarah - We LOVE the photos..! You made us look good, ha! :-) Thank you so much - you are so creative and talented!!!

Emily Beaty says: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 12:20 PM

How FUN!!! I LOVE these. :)

Charmi says: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 12:06 PM

these pictures are incredible! i love the first one especially with all the leaves. and her outfits are SO cute!

Liz says: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 08:19 AM

Beautiful fall colours.

johnwaire | photo says: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 06:15 AM

...can't help but smile when looking at that last image!

Romin Lee Johnson says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 09:59 PM

Your T.S. Eliot quote reminds me of 'The Alchemist.' It is always a pleasure to stop by your site and see what you guys have been up to. Hope we bump into you guys sooner or later.

kylie says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 08:23 PM

That first image in just perfect! It looks like you are selling something, and whatever it is, I am buying it!

KIM+PHIL says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 07:46 PM

Your guys' couples sessions are always freaking amazing. The emotions are just so natural and make you feel that these 2 people are so connected to each other.

josh solar says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 06:38 PM

ahhhh. you and your beautiful pictures. love this session. i can really see the connection these 2 have in these images. refreshing.

Jane Hasty says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 05:50 PM

Just gorgeous and oh so sweet!

Savannah says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 04:33 PM

THIS IS SO ADORABLE AMAZING

Lesley says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 04:17 PM

Oh my! These two are just too darn cute! :D

Harmony ♥'s says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 03:49 PM

My favorite by far. I LOVE the fun and playfulness. LOVE!

Christine says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 03:47 PM

Love this session... they are so beautiful and the colors just jump off the page!!! :) Awesome!

paula Leme says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 03:20 PM

i love it! what a great looking couple :)

mary says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 03:16 PM

ooooo!!!! she's got great hair! they have great style! great locations! uber amazing photogs! phil and i shouldve done a shoot when we were in seattle!!!

angie says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 03:16 PM

Oh can you please send Fall this way! Phoenix doesn't have a fall, winter, or spring. Just a summer. I love the colors and the trees! I love this cute couple playing together in the leaves:)

jamie delaine says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 03:12 PM

oh how i love this.

Bianca Valentim says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 03:11 PM

you rocked again!!!!
... as usual...
so nice to came here!

Alexandra says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 03:08 PM

Loving these!

Gail says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 03:06 PM

Beautiful! I LOVE her red hair! And all the hats...and those LEAVES!

Adam says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 03:03 PM

Very cool shoot, they look very happy. It seems like you captured exactly what they would have wanted, best thing a photographer can do.

Heather Kincaid says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 02:57 PM

Gorgeous! Wish we had Falls like that in SoCal.

Troy Grover says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 02:56 PM

Oh fun. I love fall :)

Friday, October 23, 2009, 10:25 AM
Matt & Sylvia have a special little place in my heart.  They share Chris and I's deep love and admiration for mid-century modern furniture. They are like our "furniture-soulmates" really :) I hit it off with these two immediately. I'm not sure how we got on the topic of modern furniture but it is rare that someone shares are deep affinity for the Eames lounge, the Barcelona chair modern clocks. Not only that, but Sylvia and Matt are just down to earth, honest, fun people. Sylvia is one of those gals I could have all day tea-athons with. Sylvia is a cook.. she has a passion for it... I'm trying to figure out a way for her to pass on some of those supernatural abilities to me. My poor husband is getting very sick of macaroni and cheese and pizza pockets :( please help! 

We went out to the Olympic Sculpture Park for their shoot. I really felt like the modern, clean lines of the park would match their style. And it is right on the water over looking the Olympic Mountain range. I'm typically not so big on silhouette shots, but the way the sunset under the mountains that evening was just beautiful. There was a certain peace that settled in all of us as the sun set that evening and the three of us took it all in.... 



Thoughts
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Patrina says: Friday, November 13, 2009, 01:46 PM

This shoot speaks to me. Maybe it's the water. Maybe it's the people. Maybe it's just you and Chris. Whatever the reason, really beautiful work, and thank you so much for sharing your passion and art.

Rachel says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 02:41 PM

Beautiful!

Alexandra says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 11:00 AM

Wow these are stunning!

Allison says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 10:06 AM

Awww I love these images, the light, the backgrounds, the color... makes me want to move back to Seattle!

Allison says: Monday, October 26, 2009, 10:02 AM

These images make me want to move back to Seattle! Love them!

zachgray says: Saturday, October 24, 2009, 10:53 PM

That first frame is pretty much perfect. Great work as usual!

Lara Beck says: Friday, October 23, 2009, 09:33 PM

Oh I love the B&W one with the shadows...it looks awesome!! :-)

Jane Hasty says: Friday, October 23, 2009, 05:50 PM

You are hot on the posts! Looks awesome. Thanks for so much yumminess to look at!

Debra Page says: Friday, October 23, 2009, 05:37 PM

Wow! Love the one under the Calder sculpture and the last picture is AMAZING. Can't wait to see the full shoot. You both look so happy and she captured that perfectly.

Kim says: Friday, October 23, 2009, 05:13 PM

Great photos! I LOVE them! So artistic.. I especially love the shoe pic-so Sylvia.

Sylvia says: Friday, October 23, 2009, 01:13 PM

We love them!! Once again your creativity, color palette, and lighting are awesome. We've become so addicted to your blog and seeing all the amazing work you guys have done.

Briony says: Friday, October 23, 2009, 11:21 AM

beautiful!

Marissa Rodriguez says: Friday, October 23, 2009, 10:49 AM

I love the lines!!!! You guys are awesome! Every time I come to your blog, I feel inspired!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 08:09 AM
As you may have noticed, we are currently swimming in engagement sessions/lifestyle shoots, so we are working hard trying to get things turned around and edited, hence the mass amount of shoots hitting the blog. Jessica & Colin are one of our fantastic 2010 couples. We are soo thrilled to have them as a part of the Sarah Rhoads Family for next year! They are fun, playful, lovable, passionate, kind, funny & adventurous. I just love being around them. They just have those infectious personalities that draw you in. It's hard not to love them. 

I have a lot of favorites in this set of images... the light was just perfect and so were my sweet subjects. I feel like the set really captures the different dynamics of Jessica & Colin's relationship.... from funny and fun to passionate and romantic. It's always so important that we capture those different authentic facets of a couple, the "edges and curves" that make them truly unique. One thing I love about what we do is that every day is different and no couple is just alike. Love finds interesting and beautiful ways of manifesting itself and it sure does make my life more exciting.

On another note, I thought I would share one of our favorite business blogs with those of you interested. It is Seth Godin's Blog who is one of our favorite Marketing Guru's. His book Purple Cow was pivotal in developing our new brand when it rolled out last December. His blog is full of little gems of wisdom.





Thoughts
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Lara Beck says: Friday, October 23, 2009, 09:39 PM

OMG...I love this shoot!!! :-)

Emily Beaty says: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 05:24 PM

The light is beautiful!!! Love these so much!

imthiaz houseman says: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 05:07 PM

oh my goodness...stunning work as usual. love this post and kylie and john!

Lisa says: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 03:47 PM

All your new posts have put me in photography heaven! Its like Christmas! I love, love the shot where her dress is matching the circle on the wall behind her. Great composition. You guys are SO good at what you do ; )

Jane Hasty says: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 12:39 PM

Speechless!

Jamie says: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 12:31 PM

Love the one of her looking through the grass and the one where she's looking down and he's staring into the camera. Thanks for sharing!

Jennifer Walker says: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 11:39 AM

These look great! She captured your emotions perfectly.

Lesley says: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 11:15 AM

Wow, these are just breath taking! :)

Whitney Harms says: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 10:49 AM

Beautiful session guys! So much life in these photos. Love them!

Sarah Richstad says: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 10:28 AM

These turned out great! So excited for the wedding pics too!

Carl McKinney says: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 10:11 AM

Sick, sick, sick! There's so much life wrapped into these images. I love these!

Dennis Bullock says: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 09:31 AM

These are all so grat Sarah! I love the warm light!

geri e. says: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 09:03 AM

what you do with light is brilliant!
(and i am totally in love with this couple's style.)

shanni says: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 08:48 AM

yummy.

Bianca Valentim says: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 08:41 AM

what is this light??
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!
I love this session!
:) :) :)

Suzi says: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 08:28 AM

Wow. The one with the couple lying down in the grass where Jessica is looking straight into our souls is wild! SO BEAUTIFUL. Thanks for sharing your gift.

stephanie says: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 08:24 AM

The light gives me tingles!! such a lovely session.

stephanie says: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 08:24 AM

The light gives me tingles!! such a lovely session.

Anna says: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 08:22 AM

Oh my goodness I am loving the lighting effects!!! The shadow use is awesome too!!

Monday, October 19, 2009, 09:52 AM
Kari & Cedric are generous and so fun. To give you an idea of just how generous and totally fun they are, just recently, they invited us to share their box seats at the Pearl Jam show when the band played in Seattle. Unfortunately I was out of town so we couldn't make it out, but it was so stinkin' thoughtful and generous of them to think of us. They are just good people like that. 

Kari and Cedric both know good music... they are Pete Yorn lovers which only deepens my natural affection for them :). Cedric has been involved with the entertainment industry for some time now, so he is always keeping me up on new albums etc. etc. He is what I like to call, "On the Pulse."  Needless to say, their wedding will be wicked cool with a live band to go along with the amazing party they will be having. Chris and I cannot wait. 

These images were shot on what I would like to consider one of the most beautiful Seattle days in history..... okay, okay, maybe that is a slight exaggeration, but really, it was just that beautiful. Man, I love this city. 




Thoughts
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Jamie says: Monday, October 19, 2009, 06:21 PM

You ... passed up... box seats to Pearl Jam? I don't know what to say. I weep for your loss. Photos are great per usual but .... sigh...

imthiaz houseman says: Monday, October 19, 2009, 11:59 AM

what beautiful weather!! it must have been hard to get Kari not to smile, she simply glowing. gorgeous set and couple!

Shirley says: Monday, October 19, 2009, 11:01 AM

The pictures are fabulous and so is the couple - what a great way to start your life together! Sarah you are a true artist

Shannon says: Monday, October 19, 2009, 10:42 AM

WOW! These are amazing! I can see the joy they bring each other! Thanks for capturing my friends' happiness :)

Alexandra says: Monday, October 19, 2009, 09:53 AM

I'm loving these! So awesome!

Marissa Rodriguez says: Monday, October 19, 2009, 09:39 AM

These photos make me smile :) You are awesome. Period.

Cedric Padilla says: Monday, October 19, 2009, 09:25 AM

Oh my... Thank you! These pictures are amazing! I can't wait to see the rest of them!

paula Leme says: Monday, October 19, 2009, 08:47 AM

lovely light!

Steve Gerrard says: Monday, October 19, 2009, 08:18 AM

If somebody else took this couple to the same locations, the photos would never be as good. True story.

Miriam says: Monday, October 19, 2009, 08:00 AM

You are absolute amazing woman! Soooo talented!