Monday, February 1, 2010, 08:15 AM
"Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions." - Albert Einstein

Chatti and Matt are a photography team out of Colorado. They go by Savady Photography, so any of your Colorado Photographers out there who want to connect with a rad couple, drop them a line.. they rock. They came out to visit us in Seattle for an all day consultation. It was an absolutely PERFECT Seattle day. The sun peeking at us through the clouds, just warm enough to forget your jacket at home and enjoy a nice pot of tea. 

This day was packed full of learning and growth. In most instances, we start out our 6 or 8 hour mentor sessions with a mini shoot (30 minutes) of the photographer(s) we are working with, that is what you see here :). After our shoot with Matt and Chatti we headed to a coffee shop to chat about the dynamics of their team... what it is like to work with someone you love, work/life balance, and playing on each others strengths and leveraging those strengths for good. From there we talked about their brand and really dug into the different parts of their business that they wanted guidance in. Most notably, workflow, to help with the work/life balance piece. Mid afternoon we went out on a shoot with an awesome couple (Rose and Matt) I'll post their shoot tomorrow.  The shoots are a great way that we can all work together on a shoot, chat through lighting techniques, posing, working with our subjects and honing in on and defining each persons individual style. 

The biggest thing Chris and I wanted for Matt and Chatti was for them to have a mindshift about who they are and the things they are capable of. It was so absolutely encouraging to see Chatti's tweet later in the evening saying that during their mentor session they had (and I quote) a mind-shift explosion! ;) There is no greater feeling than to know that we played a small part in empowering someone to take the next step.... to trust their gut... to make them aware of the greatness within them.







Thoughts
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Kayleen T. says: Thursday, February 11, 2010, 10:42 AM

Love the pix of Chatty and Matt! They are good people, so talented and really genuine!

Christine Pobke says: Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 04:20 AM

Stunning couple. Beautiful work. As always. :)

Christine Pobke says: Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 04:19 AM

Stunning couple. Beautiful work. As always. :)

sarahrhoads says: Monday, February 1, 2010, 01:38 PM

@melina thanks so much... That means more than you know to know you leave this blog encouraged and inspired :) Thank you for the encouragement YOU offer ME!

Chatti + Matt says: Monday, February 1, 2010, 01:10 PM

Sarah and Chris,

You two are one of the most amazing people we have met. We are so happy that we invested in you and in turn invested in us. You have given us the confidence to proceed in our business. We won't forget the power of positive thinking and the rule of attraction. = )

Melina Wallisch says: Monday, February 1, 2010, 11:57 AM

thank you for being you...so inspiring and encouraging to others. I have definately grown because of you. thank you.

Hannah Taylor says: Monday, February 1, 2010, 11:25 AM

I also love those trees! I really like the first photo too. Isn't it cold outside?

Hannah Taylor says: Monday, February 1, 2010, 11:24 AM

I also love those trees! I really like the first photo too. Isn't it cold outside?

Ruthie P. says: Monday, February 1, 2010, 10:08 AM

Cute couple! I love those tall trees! Great job, Sarah :)

Marissa Rodriguez says: Monday, February 1, 2010, 08:43 AM

Gorgeous! Her hairpiece is beautiful!

Alexandra says: Monday, February 1, 2010, 08:19 AM

Loooove.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 09:55 AM
Jeff Holt is a dear friend to Chris and me. He is also an excellent photographer out of North Carolina. Jeff was coming through Seattle on his speaking tour with the fabulous miss Lara Casey for the Making Things Happen Intensive Tour. Our great friend Shannon Sewell also drove up from Portland for the weekend, which equates to an awesome sleepover party at the Rhoads and an epic weekend. These two are some of our very closest friends in the industry and we love them dearly. They consistently challenge us in ways that others don't and push us to be better. Having them over for the weekend was just what the doctor ordered. 

Jeff is one of those people that you can let your guard down with. One of my very favorite things about him is his unwavering passion to serve and inspire others. Jeff can find the beauty in ANYONE. He is a natural born encourager and it is absolutely infectious. He encourages the heck out of us on a regular basis. Jeff is a "Big Picture" guy with a vision and personal mission to change the world guns blazzin.' No doubt, Jeff is doing exactly that! 

For Jeff, this is a year of overcoming fears. One of Jeff's personal fears is being on the other side of the lens. So as you can imagine Chris and I begged to take his photo. Facing your fears is all about walking right into them. I think Jeff was surprised at how much fun he could have being on the other side of things and it is our hope that we brought him one step closer to overcoming some of his fear of being on the other side of the glass :) *You can check out Jeff's thoughts of the shoot here*

*And for those techies that are wondering, the large format shots were all shot by Chris and yes, it is natural tilt-blur from the tilting of the front standard and bellows of the camera, not added in PS afterwards. Pretty wicked stuff. 

Enjoy the fabulous Mr. Jeff Holt!


Thoughts
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Carter Moore says: Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 09:24 AM

These photos are great. I love the styles of his shirt and the colors go together greatly in this series. The black and white of his hand rubbing his face and the next one of him walking are my favorite. Spectacular capture of emotion.

gillian says: Friday, January 29, 2010, 10:31 PM

Great shots of Jeff! Love what looks to be a kung-fu-kick shot, and the airstream shot is great!!!Love the mix of shots.

Jeff is a truly amazing guy who connects with everyone! He's wonderful.

wrecklessgirl says: Friday, January 29, 2010, 03:19 PM

eep. cheep cheep. eep (again). so stinkin amazing.

elizabeth mae says: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 06:44 PM

Love, love, love the personality, the sweet and the serious - how wonderful your skills that they allow us to peer into someone else's soul - you both are always kickin some major butt - love it.

Anna says: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 03:48 PM

I feel like male portraits are some of the most difficult pieces, but you nailed it! I can feel a personality through the film which is so refreshing. Not to mention that he's pretty good looking as well....:)

Gina Meola says: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 02:38 PM

AWESOME!!!!!

Rachel Nickel says: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 02:13 PM

I'm digging the flannel.

jamie delaine says: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 02:09 PM

these are incredible. love the locations and clothes. gooooood lookin' man in some good lookin' photographs.

Jeff Holt says: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 01:36 PM

Wow... So where do I start?! #1 Chris and Sarah - I've told you guys a million times but I'm going to tell you a million more - THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU on so many levels. I'm beyond blessed to have the both of you in my life and to share in this journey together. These pictures mean more to me than you'll ever know. You both inspire me to be a better photographer, business owner and most importantly a better friend.

Ross says: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 11:44 AM

Definately everything you said is true! An amazing fella. and Great photos!

Cait says: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 10:35 AM

Chris & Sarah; You two are incredibly talented. Even though I don't know Jeff personally, there are so many aspects of his character shown in these images. I loved 'getting to know' him through your images.

Emilie says: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 02:20 AM

He looks like a cool guy!! Very handsome!!! I love the photo of his hands!

Audrey says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 10:07 PM

Ohhhh, Jeff is Yummy!!!

Sandi says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 10:00 PM

I love these pictures! I knew "Jeffery Jefferson" could take lots of good photos...Although, it doesn't hurt when you're working with an AMAZING photographer! :)
Great work!

Janet McK says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 06:40 PM

what? this dude doesn't like having his photo taken?! You've totally got the ruggedly handsome, sensitive thing going on here, and your smile is fantastic!

geneoh says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 05:40 PM

awesome session. Jeff is a very talented photographer!

Laura says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 05:10 PM

Gorgeous photos! I love visiting your blog and seeing your photos...they never cease to inspire.

Christine Pobke says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 03:29 PM

Um, greetings Jeff Hot! I mean, Holt. :) Beautiful portraits...and what lovely things to say about your friend. I feel like I know him! :) Everyone needs a Jeff Holt in their life, please share. :)

shannon sewell says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 02:52 PM

ahhh- sarah rhoads. what can i say to you?? you are amazing. so amazing that you can capture the amazing that is the amazing jeff holt ;) i mean come on... that's pretty friggin' amazing! :)

seriously though.. you've captured almost every facet that i think of when i think of jeff. his intensity.. his joy.. his ninja skills ;) i love them. all my favorite people equal one killer little blog post...

xoxo ~S

Hannah Taylor says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 02:47 PM

Oh that tilt-blur makes me drool! I love the action shots!! You two are so great!

Crystal Rose says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 02:41 PM

Looking good Jeff! S + C did a great job :)

AMANDA says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 02:19 PM

I think I need a Sarah Rhoads workshop in my life. Any plans to head to Toronto?

Cindy says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 12:31 PM

Love it! Love the one where he is laughing. Now I'm inspired to have MY portraits taken. It's hard for a photographer to be on the other side of the lens. Way to be brave, Jeff!

Kat Speyer says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 11:42 AM

Plaid shirts and fall/winter colors are wicked. Love the large format w/ tilt, too. :)

Katie says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 11:28 AM

Jeff, you rocked it. *high five* :) And Sarah and Chris, these shots are amazing. Loving the large format!

Lara says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 11:10 AM

JEFFREY!!!!!!! Look at YOU!! So happy right now I'm in tears looking at these! So blessed to have you in my life. Sarah and Chris, you captured him perfectly. Much love to you both. Just brilliant!

Emily @ Southern Weddings says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 11:00 AM

I love me some Jeff Holt! You look great, buddy! Can't wait to see you on Friday!

jeremy parsons says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 10:41 AM

Yeah....that's the good stuff. Amazing guys. Man, I love me some Jeff Holt.

Chris Hunt says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 10:35 AM

seriously, all they things you say of jeff are true. the shots capture that. way to step into the fear holt. nice work on both sides of the camera!

J@KE says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 10:33 AM

Seriously Jeff is a baller!!!! Love your work Sarah!

January Newbanks Soell says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 10:32 AM

I ADORE the paper-rock-scissors photograph early in the post. And I only just met Jeff at the MTH 2010 in LA, but your description could not be more dead-on. Jeff, if you're reading these comments, you look amazing. Sarah, I love your work so much. There is so much heart in each photo. Fantastic job.

Ruthie P. says: Wednesday, January 27, 2010, 10:14 AM

Another great session! :)

Friday, January 22, 2010, 10:42 AM
"In every real man a child is hidden that wants to play." - Friedrich Nietzche

Kimiko described her and Billy as having a "Sunday kind of love." :) That makes me smile. After meeting them I understand how very true that statement is. Kimiko and Billy are super playful, light hearted, flirtatious, fun-loving people. They sent me an e mail a while back about modeling for one of our mentor sessions and after reading their note, I fell in love with their sweet sentiments and child-like spirits and knew they would be very fun to photograph. 

These two were our models for our mentor session with Jill Carmel this week. We took them down to where all the boats dock here in Seattle and by the end of the shoot my cheeks hurt from laughing so much. I always love a good 'cheek work out' :)
 
Jill is a photographer who mostly photographs kids/babies and families who wanted to see a little different perspective and approach. Once we wrapped up the session she said, "you shoot couples a lot like how I shoot kids." I loved hearing that perspective! A lot of times we run around and act like goof balls on our shoots and ask our couples to do the same. I believe everyone has an inner-child, some people are just more comfortable tapping into it.  One thing I absolutely love to do is capture that youthfulness in people. It is fun to remember what it feels like to skip and run around with no inhibitions. That is what this session with Kimiko & Billy was ALL about. 




Thoughts
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anna says: Sunday, January 24, 2010, 03:04 PM

these are beautiful photos. i love the styling & they look utterly completely happy!

amber says: Saturday, January 23, 2010, 02:16 PM

in love with the first pic! great location choice...you always find the best places ; )

darla says: Saturday, January 23, 2010, 12:40 PM

I love how your images tell a story!!

K$ says: Friday, January 22, 2010, 03:36 PM

Magic.

Savannah says: Friday, January 22, 2010, 02:11 PM

Such a freakin adorable couple, and amazing pics. :)

Janie says: Friday, January 22, 2010, 01:47 PM

What lenses do you use??

Katie Neal Photo says: Friday, January 22, 2010, 12:31 PM

Love the photos, love the location! GORGEOUS!

imthiaz houseman says: Friday, January 22, 2010, 12:18 PM

these photos are awesome. just looking at them you want to laugh and smile. i love it!

Ruthie P. says: Friday, January 22, 2010, 11:52 AM

I love these photos! what a happy, fun looking couple! love the colors too! :)

scott neumyer says: Friday, January 22, 2010, 11:02 AM

LOVE these! Especially the ones with all the geekery included!

Alexandra says: Friday, January 22, 2010, 10:56 AM

Oh my gosh these are so beautiful :) :) They look just as you described them, so happy and full of youth :) Love it!

Gail says: Friday, January 22, 2010, 10:55 AM

How adorable are THEY?! I would love to see them get a canvas of that first photo. Just because it's so beautiful :) All of these are wonderful. Love her curls!

Alexandra says: Friday, January 22, 2010, 10:55 AM

Oh my gosh these are so beautiful :) :) They look just as you described them, so happy and full of youth :) Love it!

sean says: Friday, January 22, 2010, 10:51 AM

nice work, rhoads. your work has grown leaps and bounds. i can see a real comfort on both ends of the camera in these. this may sound odd, but, i swear that billy lives in my building, that or he has a twin.

Bianca Valentim says: Friday, January 22, 2010, 10:50 AM

what a fun session!!
i love their laugh!
awesome job!

Cassidy Brooke says: Friday, January 22, 2010, 10:46 AM

LOVE the colors!
You always have the greatest locations for shoots!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010, 11:01 AM
"Whatever the mind can conceive it can achieve." - W. Clement Stone

Jill Carmel is an extremely talented photographer out of Sacramento, CA who came up to Seattle to see Chris and me for a mentor session. Jill is a rockstar when it comes to shooting newborns, kido's, maternity's and families. When Jill called to ask about booking a mentor session with us I said, "Jill you know our bread and butter is couples right?" to which she responded that she wanted a new perspective on things. I thought that was pretty awesome. 

During Jill's full day consult we really focused on pushing Jill to think outside the realm of what she believes could even be possible. We challenged her to think audaciously. We are what we think about, and I believe that our thoughts shape our reality. We see big things in store for Jill. Jill has a unique ability to pull out the beautiful parts in people and has a passion for making people happy, and as a photographer both of these passions are true gifts.

We talked a lot about building a personal brand that is authentic and honest. We talked about the power that rests within that. When we build a personal brand that is authentic to who we are, there is no one in the world that can replicate it. The bottom line is nobody can be YOU. People sure can try, but at the end of the day we own our own business' because we are seeking a certain level of fulfillment and satisfaction.  Those that merely copy-cat will never access the satisfaction that comes from being authentically you and building a personal brand around you and your personal passion. And they will ultimately be cheating themselves. Jill is just beginning her journey of going through a full identity re-brand and I cannot wait to see all the great things that are in store for her! We are so excited for Jill and the big things she will go on to do! 




Thoughts
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sarahrhoads says: Monday, January 25, 2010, 11:13 PM

@Maureen I just adore you. my most thoughtful encouraging sweet friend :)

Maureen Nikonov says: Sunday, January 24, 2010, 09:06 PM

I really love this set. You didn't even need many backgrounds or locations to get these shots, but the simplicity and the beauty still made me stop and stare.

But most of all, I really love you! :)

Robyn Steward says: Friday, January 22, 2010, 02:59 AM

Jill is beautiful from the inside - out. a calm beauty. You captured that perfectly!

Alexandra says: Thursday, January 21, 2010, 01:50 PM

I always love your work. That's all I can say.

Rachel Absher says: Wednesday, January 20, 2010, 02:43 PM

Sarah, have I told you lately that I love your work?! Maybe not, but I do and I say it every time I visit your blog.

anda says: Wednesday, January 20, 2010, 12:42 PM

a really great post. again! just love reading your words -- the icing on top of a beautiful photo cake. that sounds gross -- butyouknowwhatimean.

Ruthie says: Wednesday, January 20, 2010, 11:14 AM

Great session! I love the pink house! I like their work as photographers as well, very cool :)

Jessica Moores says: Wednesday, January 20, 2010, 11:05 AM

I thought I recognized her! How cool!