Thursday, January 14, 2010, 09:15 AM
Shari and Mike Vallely are an awesome husband and wife photography team that came down to Seattle from Vancouver, B.C. to see us for a six hour mentor session yesterday. It was like the four of us were destined to be friends. Mike and Shari are visionaries who see the "bigger picture" in things, and to us, that is where EVERYTHING should start. 

Vision is everything. The quote that describes it best is, "Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others." An artist without vision is worthless. As artists, people hire us for our unique vision. They hire us because we see things and think of things that they never would. Every successful artist and business person I know shares one very attractive quality... a clear and compelling vision. They know where they are going and they always think BIG. People with vision have the heart, the guts, and the drive to take them to where they want to be. Vision is the defining quality that sets apart the leaders from the followers; those that make their dreams a reality and those who merely wish.

What was so personally empowering about working with Mike and Shari was helping these two get in touch with their own aspirations in order to help them forge those aspirations into a personal vision, and then giving them tangible steps to help them get to where they want to be.

These two have so much going for them. This world better watch out because these two have one thing that most people never grasp in this life, and that is Vision.

p.s. Mike is a killer break-dancer and is B-boy'ing it up in the closing ceremony's of the Olympics this year :) hence his killer moves in a couple of the following photos.




Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (17)
stevie Trischmann says: Wednesday, January 20, 2010, 03:16 PM

somehow my comment keeps going on the wrong post so just know that my previous comment was meant for your post on why you became a photographer. It was a lovely post!

Stacey says: Monday, January 18, 2010, 05:51 PM

What a stunning and fun looking couple. I love how you captured them! :)

renata Marques says: Friday, January 15, 2010, 01:33 PM

perfect! your work is lovely!

;)

Emilie says: Friday, January 15, 2010, 08:36 AM

Gorgeous photos!! What a cute couple!!

appleM00N says: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 10:11 PM

thank you guys for sharing YOUR vision

Kayleen T. says: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 02:08 PM

I love them! The mentoring sessions seem awesome, getting to learn from you guys, plus being shot by you is such a bonus!

Chrissy Austring says: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 01:44 PM

Amazing job on these shots as always! I am a huge fan of your work and feel so inspired!

Mike and Shari: It’s been ages! You both look fab :) xoxo

Chrissy Austring says: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 01:44 PM

Amazing job on these shots as always! I am a huge fan of your work and feel so inspired!

Mike and Shari: It’s been ages! You both look fab :) xoxo

Katie Neal Photo says: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 12:47 PM

Love these shots! This is like THE perfect couple to take photos of! Gorgeous and fun!

kirsten says: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 10:54 AM

this is too cute! what a rockin couple :)

Marissa Rodriguez says: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 10:40 AM

I wish I could break dance! :) LOVIN' this couple!

jamie delaine says: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 10:13 AM

Oh my goshhhhh. This couple is RAD. Rad rad RAD. :) Sarah Rhoads, only you turn me into a little fangirl when I comment. only you!

sarahrhoads says: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 09:54 AM

@Brianna I think we should go on a covert "bike stashing" mission. ;)

Harmony Loves says: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 09:44 AM

your work always pulls me in. I find myself with a big fat smile across my face while looking at your site. :)
They look so happy and serene, I lOVE it!

Alexandra says: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 09:30 AM

I love these!

Krista Leigh Hurst says: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 09:23 AM

I love how you captured the breaking dancing. I can see his personality through that photo. Nice Job :)

briana says: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 09:19 AM

i must say, i just want to go stash bikes at random places amongst my city so i can shoot through them on my esessions, so much loving. ...

Monday, January 11, 2010, 08:55 AM
Courtney & Adam are the definition of fun & stylish. We went to downtown Seattle for their engagement shoot last week and we had a blast running around trying to beat the sun as it went down. Some of my favorite shots in their set were shot at dusk (which is at about 4:30 these days.. so early!). Courtney is a "fashionista" through and through so going to the shopping district of downtown Seattle was a perfect place to capture these two. It's funny because after living in Seattle for almost three years it is the first time I've gone to shoot in that area. I love exploring new places and although I have been down there many times, when you go to shoot some place for the first time it's almost as if you are looking at it with a new set of eyes - Looking for shapes, light, shadows, reflections. It was an inspiring place to shoot with a very inspiring couple. 

I came home from this shoot embracing that familiar feeling that I crave and love so much... the feeling of exhaustion from pouring all of yourself into the lives of others for the sake of them and the creative process, but also the feeling of being so full of energy and excitement from what you experienced and helped create. Something amazing happens when we pour ourselves out for others during the creative process... we begin to feel & see exhaustion becoming pure energy and momentum. It is an amazing feeling to pour out your heart into those which you love for the sake of that which I feel called to create. It is a way we serve God and serve others and it feels so good.




Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (29)
mary moore says: Friday, January 29, 2010, 10:19 AM

courtney, your pics are so cute . you and your fiance look adorable together. we are all so porud of you. you turned into a beautiful woman, may your wedding day be everything u expected and more. love the lingerie crew

Dianne Jago says: Thursday, January 28, 2010, 05:02 PM

I'm reading your blog backwards. Taking a couple entries at a time. So you'll probably see comments from me all over the place lol. Let me just say that your posts are not only filled with pictures that are uniquely beautiful in and of themselves, but your words are packed so full of wisdom. I'm always writing down phrases you say and putting them around my house for inspiration. It is SO magnificently wonderful to find a sister in Christ who can give glory to God with your picture and pen. You are a blessing, an inspiration, and your words give fuel to my passion. I cannot even begin to express how you have impacted my life within the past few days of me sitting down and taking the time to read through your blog. So thank you.

Broderick says: Monday, January 18, 2010, 04:20 PM

This is an incredibly gorgeous set of photos... so much joy and you captured them perfectly

kristen says: Saturday, January 16, 2010, 07:57 PM

That last one is made of magic. love the magenta tones.

jen says: Friday, January 15, 2010, 03:30 PM

I love seeing your shots and thinking "i know that alley" or I love that brick. You represent Seattle wonderfully!

Harmony Loves says: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 09:46 AM

they are darling- the couple and pictures.

Julie h says: Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 07:08 PM

i've decided that you are either the most hillarious person ever, or all of your couples happen to get the giggles during the shoot! ;)

ash says: Wednesday, January 13, 2010, 06:11 PM

100% BOSS. true story. :) love you guys!

Mark Brooke says: Tuesday, January 12, 2010, 10:05 PM

insane in the membrane!

arenda says: Tuesday, January 12, 2010, 08:04 PM

gorgeous pics! reminds me of my seattle days. :)
love the last and the 3rd last photos especially - beautiful.

Kayla says: Tuesday, January 12, 2010, 09:19 AM

Love them! And I really love the last one!

Becka @Studio222 Photography says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 07:31 PM

Shooting at dusk is becoming one of my favorite things to do.

Brielle McClain says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 07:01 PM

love love love that last one. I can feel their connection through the computer screen --- impressive.

Carol Green says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 02:07 PM

I see love beauty and a future. Much creativity as well.What a couple!

Anna says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 12:58 PM

The combination of your words and photos is one of the most awe-inspiring and motivating things to me. Thank you for doing what you do.

Brielle McClain says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 12:38 PM

love love love that last one. I can feel their connection through the computer screen --- impressive.

Becky says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 12:32 PM

Wow, I love them, really cool.

kelvin green says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 12:27 PM

what a great way too make a mom and dad very happy, and we get too show the pictures and bragg how beautiful they are together. Dad

Gwyn says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 11:17 AM

Love the reflection too... reminds me of the self portrait you guys rocked :) I LOVE how inspiration can spin into amazing execution!

A plus for me (maybe because I am a photographer - dunno) is that you are in the image. Because you are always in your images really, but here you actually slightly visible.

kirsten says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 09:52 AM

beautiful shots! -the lighting is so soft and perfect.

Allison says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 09:47 AM

Such a cute couple! Amazing photos as always I especially love how your couples always look like they are having so much fun!

Kim Spears says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 09:46 AM

Love all of the laughter in these !! My fave is the one behind the glass :) Amazing as always !

paula says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 09:32 AM

awesome shots!!

jamie delaine says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 09:27 AM

too much, too much, too much. i just love them. every one. all the time. :) p.s. LOVING "start with why" by the way.

Marissa Rodriguez says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 09:19 AM

"we begin to feel & see exhaustion becoming pure energy and momentum..." I love this! And I love the one with the 'our world is getting a little brighter' sign!

Aaron Snow says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 09:17 AM

What a great looking couple. That first picture is so awesome!

Aaron Snow says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 09:17 AM

What a great looking couple. That first picture is so awesome!

Alexandra says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 09:17 AM

I love these!!!!!

Gail says: Monday, January 11, 2010, 09:04 AM

GORGEOUS!!!!!!! She has SUCH an amazing smile!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:15 AM
"This is how it works, You peer inside yourself, You take the things you like & try and love the things you took. And then you take that love you made and stick it into someone else's heart, pumping someone else's blood" - Regina Spektor

Meet the beautiful Miss Ryan and the fantastic Sir Jake. They make my heart go pitter-patter. If you really must know, I have a crush. These two got engaged recently and were our models for our group mentor session in Oklahoma a couple of weeks ago. They recently moved from LA back to Oklahoma to start their lives together. These two are authentic, free, fun-loving and have a little bit of Boho that runs through their veins. I personally take a liking to that particular recipe of person :). 

Ryan is a jaw dropper... beautiful in every sense of the word. Ryan and I actually met & became friends about five or six years ago and we immediately connected on a level much deeper than surface conversation. She is an artist, an animal lover and a kindred spirit. I'm so happy that Jake and Ryan found one another. They make a completely perfect match. I think the captures of them really speak for themselves; their love is so real, honest and playful.  These two are just two peas in a pod and we feel so blessed to capture them during this sweet season. 

Also, a big thank you to Jessica Bottomly for doing the make up for this shoot! 







Thoughts
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Brenda Landrum says: Wednesday, January 20, 2010, 02:41 PM

Oh how I love this session! The 4 bw images at the beginning are fabulous! My favorite though is of Jake behind the tree in bw. Love that!

AmyPunky Photography says: Wednesday, January 20, 2010, 02:14 PM

Oh wow! they are so stylish! Gorgeous couple!! I love her haircolor! :)

Rog says: Wednesday, January 20, 2010, 02:15 AM

pretty girls named ryan are more pretty than girls named other things.

Harmony Loves says: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 09:47 AM

I'm in love with the 3rd and last image- Amazing. Seriously!

David says: Sunday, January 10, 2010, 06:26 PM

Great work as always!!

carl zoch says: Saturday, January 9, 2010, 10:16 PM

ZING!
Nothing like some good ol' Oklahoma light :) Beautiful session, hands down.

Lisa Dunham says: Saturday, January 9, 2010, 11:17 AM

These are gorgeous! I love them all but I really like the total joy in the last one. I had a blast with you guys! Thanks so much for a great mentor sesh! You're the BEST!

Melissa Hathaway says: Saturday, January 9, 2010, 09:45 AM

Luv your work! Beautiful as always!

briana elledge says: Saturday, January 9, 2010, 07:49 AM

ok, seriously? this session was a little tramadic, first, lost my socks, (blown off, obviously) then.... i pretty much got laid out from the awesomeness of the rest of it, and then was finally completely knocked out with the last one. you gotta be a little kinder to us, we cant take this much awesomeness all the time! (jk, continue to rock, please, but seriously, very much awesome), just so you know...

Joshua Souder says: Saturday, January 9, 2010, 07:29 AM

love the tones in this shoot! Great job again guys!!!!

Joshua Souder says: Saturday, January 9, 2010, 07:29 AM

love the tones in this shoot! Great job again guys!!!!

Becka @Studio222 Photography says: Friday, January 8, 2010, 10:46 AM

Adorable. I love the suitcases and slight bit of snow.

Lara Beck says: Friday, January 8, 2010, 03:37 AM

WOW!! What a Natural Beauty!! The photos are awesome!! :-))

kristen says: Thursday, January 7, 2010, 07:48 PM

Her cape, her hair, his shirt, his sweater, the luggage, the light , his sunglasses +your skillz= WOWZZZAZ. You capture love beautifully.

Also, your photo for your twitter account makes me so happy. I love it.

lesley says: Thursday, January 7, 2010, 05:45 PM

what a great looking couple, and awesome photos as always sarah! :)

imthiaz houseman says: Thursday, January 7, 2010, 01:33 PM

i have to agree with Micah Dahlberg:

Great shoot you guys! Making it look easy... AGAIN

Micah Dahlberg says: Thursday, January 7, 2010, 11:09 AM

Great shoot you guys! Making it look easy... AGAIN.

sean mclean says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 05:39 PM

great series--i'm so happy for them

Christine says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 04:01 PM

Wow. Ryan is seriously gorgeous. Love that these images portray your connection with one another (as well as her connection with her fiance)... they're both incredibly beautiful and your work is insanely amazing. :)

Candice says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 01:31 PM

they are beautiful! your work captures love on such a genuine and emotional level. love this. love it a lot.

kara Wieler says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 12:57 PM

Stunning! Both the couple and the images!

kara Wieler says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 12:56 PM

Stunning! Both the couple and the images!

Dennis Bullock says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 10:35 AM

These are all so fantastic Sarah!

sara montour says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 10:14 AM

these are so beautiful . some really great, raw, real moments, which are my very favorite . gorgeous . gorgeous!

Hannah Taylor says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 09:44 AM

I just love your style!

anda says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 09:37 AM

modelicious.

Marissa Rodriguez says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 09:18 AM

Perfect! As usual! :)

Carolyn says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:54 AM

Amazing Photos for two amazing people!

Alexandra says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:47 AM

Stunning photos!!!!

Kayla says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:43 AM

These are SO beautiful!

Bianca Valentim says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:42 AM

I'm totally in love with this couple!
AWESOME images, this is one of my favorites engagement sessions.

Emily Grober says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:39 AM

Gorgeous! You definitely caught their darling personalities. Yay Jake + Ryann!

Briony says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:38 AM

they are a gorgeous couple and these images definitely show their love.

paula says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:34 AM

amazing images, i love them all :)

ryan christensen says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:29 AM

sarah... your work is LEGIT! I love seeing the world through your eyes... so inspiring! I hope you are going to WPPI this year, I'd love to meet you. if some bald guy comes up and says hi don't be alarmed. LOL

Cody says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:25 AM

stunning work as usual! the first photo demands attention i love it

Sophie says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:24 AM

Great!

Sophie says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:23 AM

Great!

Lauranne says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:23 AM

Absolutely incredible, Sarah. Way to kick off 2010!

Chad says: Wednesday, January 6, 2010, 08:20 AM

this session is a jaw-dropper to say the least! Amazing work, as always.

Saturday, January 2, 2010, 12:00 PM
I wore my long under-roo's to shoot Kasey & Brad the other day in Tulsa, OK :). It had been snowing all week and there were still big piles of the white powdery-goodness on the ground. I rarely get to shoot with snow so I loved it, but I think by the end of the shoot all of us had bright pink noses and our fingers were a bit numb. There were also several times that Brad rescued me from falling to my death from slipping on ice in my cowboy boots (note to self: cowboy boots; not the wisest choice when shooting in snow/icey conditions). 

I think we all stayed warm by laughing A lot! Kasey & Brad have been together since 8th grade. Which I think is about 10-11 years for them! I'm going to go ahead and put my money on them to perservere through anything life gives them. They are down to earth, thoughtful and love to laugh... three qualities I love and respect. We had a lot of fun cruising around downtown Tulsa to capture these two. And as I was driving off and my fingers were just starting to thaw out snow started falling from the sky. It was beautiful. Perfect ending to a great day. Kasey & Brad we wish you two all the best in the world! xoxo






Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (9)
Heather Gilson says: Tuesday, January 5, 2010, 05:10 PM

I love the warm playful tones in these!This couple looks so sweet!

Ariel Renae says: Monday, January 4, 2010, 11:29 AM

Amazing work, as usual! Your photos both inspire me and challenge me to be the very best photog i can be. thank you for that.

Ariel Renae says: Monday, January 4, 2010, 11:27 AM

beautiful work, as usual. your photos both inspire me and challenge me to be the best photog i can be!!! thank you for that.

Eric says: Sunday, January 3, 2010, 01:49 AM

Once again - your work is very, very impressive Sarah! Wonderful job in this shoot!

Meghan says: Saturday, January 2, 2010, 03:53 PM

SOOOOOO BEAUTIFUL! you captured my best friend and her man perfectly! the third picture from the end is my favorite! kasey looks gorgeous!

mandiimae says: Saturday, January 2, 2010, 03:21 PM

All your photos always look like they should belong in some amazing art gallery. Keep it up. :)

Alexandra says: Saturday, January 2, 2010, 02:48 PM

How come your photos are ALWAYS flawless????? I'm jealous :)

Milena Dekic says: Saturday, January 2, 2010, 02:15 PM

Wow, I just love this engagement session. The couple are just so darn cute, they really look like love-struck teenagers (which after 10 years is pretty amazing). I also really love the snow. I was born in a rather snowy country, but now live in Australia (not a lot of snow) and I really miss it. Loved seeing the snow and the cuddles and really love your work.

Milena Dekic says: Saturday, January 2, 2010, 02:14 PM

Wow, I just love this engagement session. The couple are just so darn cute, they really look like love-struck teenagers (which after 10 years is pretty amazing). I also really love the snow. I was born in a rather snowy country, but now live in Australia (not a lot of snow) and I really miss it. Loved seeing the snow and the cuddles and really love your work.