Friday, December 18, 2009, 10:15 PM
A quick frame from my time today with the most fantastic Lori & David who flew in from Tennessee to come visit us today. It has been a full day for us with an all day mentor session, and two shoots and my voice is dead! There is something so amazing about transferring knowledge and wisdom onto people who are eager to learn, I am reminded of how good it feels every time we have one of our photographer consults. 

Speaking of learning/wisdom and passing on, I would be curious to open up the comments in this post to hear a little bit about what you have learned this year :). It has been a rich year of growth for Chris and I and I'm so thankful not only for how we have grown as artists but how my heart has grown. This year has been marked with facing fears, taking risks and learning the value in hard work. A huge take away I have had from all of those moments has left me to sit with a few great realizations:

1) Nothing good in life comes without blood, sweat, tears and sacrifice. If we want something we have to put in not only the "heart" but the hours of hard work. 
2) Risks are scary, yes. But it is much more frightening to live in a place of mediocrity. This quote by T.S. Eliot says it all, "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." We must push ourselves to the limits to know what we are capable of.
3) Being yourself is the only way to be. No one can be just like you. 


Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (6)
Ryan Morck says: Tuesday, January 5, 2010, 10:51 AM

All three of those are so very true. thank you for this.

anjuli paschall says: Sunday, December 20, 2009, 08:35 PM

sometimes pain is the only doorway to hope.

sarahrhoads says: Sunday, December 20, 2009, 03:35 PM

@Issabelle wow. thank you so much for sharing that. Lovely. Inspiring and beautiful words.

Isabelle Paille says: Sunday, December 20, 2009, 05:22 AM

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish,
ulterior motives; be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and
some true friends; succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building,
someone could destroy overnight; build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people may forget tomorrow;
do good anyway.

Give the world your best anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
it was never between you and them .. anyway.

- Mother Theresa

Harmony Loves says: Saturday, December 19, 2009, 09:37 AM

This past June, I quit my full time-salary-job to pursue photography full time. It was probably the most nerve wrecking decision I've eve had to make. I am currently struggling but I know I will succeed :)
I love this image, so beautiful and peaceful.

Andrea Vaughn says: Saturday, December 19, 2009, 12:17 AM

Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.
-Oscar Wilde

Friday, November 27, 2009, 08:48 AM
Meet Rebecca & Chad Hansen! They are a husband and wife photography team from Idaho that came to Seattle to do a mentor session with Chris and I. They are some of the sweetest and most loving people you could meet. We did a 6 hour session with the four of us and it was tons of fun. They came with open hearts and minds that were eager to learn and grow. We did a full portfolio review, went over workflow, marketing, creative positioning, finding their voice and talked a lot about honing in on their strengths as artists and people. It was really fun to work with a hubby/wife team! In the 6 hour session we did a little photo shoot of the mentoree's :), it was raining so we went inside for Rebecca & Chad's shoot. This is a couple with a little bit of "quirk" so I thought this location was perfect for them and I really love this kind of "all white wall" indoor shooting. The way the light bounces and comes back in places with nice ambient window light and white walls is always really beautiful to me and is a great alternative to shooting in the rain when it's raining too hard. 

Thanksgiving was amazing yesterday... I am continually overwhelmed with my life on regular basis. The friends and family that surround us. Having a business that we love. Our amazing clients that allow us to live out our passion. It is all a bit of a dream and I am humbled by it. 

Now today we must pack. We leave for Thailand in less than 8 hours and have nothing packed.... haha... I guess that is just the way the Rhoads roll. See you all on the other side of the globe! :)

Thoughts
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Luisa Brimble says: Thursday, December 10, 2009, 06:33 PM

Hello Sarah
I just want to jump on the next available flight to Seattle for a mentor session with you! You guys are just the greatest. I would definitely like to know more about your mentor session and perhaps I should start saving tons of cash to see you guys. Please please please let me know straight away if you guys are ever coming to Australia any time soon. Actually you should have stopped Thailand is only 8 hours away. Thank you so much for the inspiration you guys give us everytime you post your photos! Hip hip hooooooooooraaaaaaaayy!!!
Cheers, Luisa

Kellie Rae says: Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 09:48 PM

These are SO awesome. I love the colors and the candid poses. Seriously, REALLY well done!

Kellie Rae says: Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 09:48 PM

These are SO awesome. I love the colors and the candid poses. Seriously, REALLY well done!

Amy says: Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 09:38 PM

This is one of the coolest locations that I have seen!! Love how funky and modern it is and all those colors are awesome!!! Love this post!

Kayla says: Saturday, November 28, 2009, 04:05 PM

SWEET location! I LOVE these photos!

Yuka photo art says: Saturday, November 28, 2009, 10:41 AM

Have fun in Thailand, we have been there and we in love with this beautiful country!!!!!!!!! Beautiful photographs, I am going to check their website as well!

kirsten says: Friday, November 27, 2009, 11:11 PM

it's true. they are the sweetest and the best. these images are beautiful and really capture them and their adorable love!

Becka @Studio222 Photography says: Friday, November 27, 2009, 09:03 PM

How do you shoot in all these gorgeous hotels? We always get asked to leave. LOL. ;)

Dorothy Huynh says: Friday, November 27, 2009, 04:55 PM

geoff mcfetridge! so good- love the window light!

Julie h says: Friday, November 27, 2009, 11:33 AM

safe travels. love the cleanness of these with a dash of color!

Alexandra says: Friday, November 27, 2009, 09:48 AM

Oooh loving these :)

Jane Hasty says: Friday, November 27, 2009, 09:44 AM

Adorable!!!!

Rebecca & Chad says: Friday, November 27, 2009, 09:04 AM

AHHHHHHHHHHH! Our heads just exploded. These are amazing!
We love you Sarah & Chris. Enjoy Thailand!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 08:19 AM
Meet Marissa, she is our fabulous intern-extraordinaire! We took her on back in late August/early September when we were in peak season and were needing some help. We had heard from a lot of our industry friends that an intern had been a real asset to their team and workflow, but we really had no idea just how amazing Marissa would be! She is truly a HUGE blessing. 

Our intern commitment is 10 hours per week for a year. Marissa is currently a student at Seattle Pacific University and has a passion for photography.  During the course of her time with us she gets to learn the in's and out's of how we run our business/process images/work with clients/manage our books etc. and she is at liberty to ask us any and all questions whenever she wants in exchange for helping us run our studio better.  Having her on board has made us more efficient and helps our clients have the best experience possible. It is like a year long mentorship for her, and we have the honor of benefiting from Marissa's amazing talents and skills over the next year. We are already dependent on this girl! I am dreading the day we have to replace her next fall! 

Marissa is an extremely gifted, talented and funny woman. She constantly makes Chris and I laugh. She is one of the funniest girls I know. I love that about her. She is a very hard worker, asks good questions, and is a lover of life. She is also an ESFJ, according to my favorite temperament test, Myers Briggs. Apparently I like ESFJ's because I just adore Marissa. She is a PERFECT fit for the Sarah Rhoads Family and we feel so thankful to have her on board with us! 

These first two frames are Polaroids and the coloring in the first frame just makes me melt... lurve it. Oh, and isn't Marissa just drop dead gorgeous?



Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (24)
Joshua Mahar says: Saturday, October 2, 2010, 08:33 AM

Hey Sarah -
these are really great. I have been looking at your Polaroid work, and coincidentally just got a 600se. Which film is the first shot?

Thanks a ton, and thank you for being a constant inspiration!
Cheers

shawnreeder says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 05:27 PM

Well first, Marissa is drop dead gorgeous. Wow. What an incredible smile and laugh, and those eyes. Wow.

Sarah, how stoked are you to have a great intern, and an ESFJ at that!! I've been a lover of Myers Briggs since my dad first turned me on to it in 7th grade, and ESFJ is one of my favorite types!!

Olivia Leigh says: Saturday, November 21, 2009, 11:19 AM

She is just lovely!

Luisa Brimble says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 11:47 PM

so lucky to be mentored by you guys! i would travel from Australia if can!

Luisa Brimble says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 11:46 PM

so lucky to be mentored by you guys! i would travel from Australia if can!

evelyn says: Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 03:58 PM

lucky girl! lovely work.

evelyn says: Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 03:58 PM

lucky girl! lovely work.

evelyn says: Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 03:56 PM

lucky girl! lovely work.

Becca says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 05:45 PM

Sigh. These shots at Fisherman's Terminal make me think of Cam and my engagement session, Sarah. I can't believe that was over one and a half years ago! How time flies! And how my little Sarah has grown :)

Alyssa says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 05:05 PM

She's stunning - what a fun set of photos. Not that I anticipate anything less than fabulous from you!

Christine says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 03:38 PM

SO PRETTY!!! :) wish i could be your intern, you guys are fabulous!!! :) Amazing shots. :)

susan says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 03:09 PM

wow...what gorgeous LIPS this girl has!

Amanda says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 02:58 PM

i'm so jealous! she has my dream job/internship!! i would move to where you are to work for you haha. but she is gorgeous! really, you guys are lucky!

Amanda says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 02:55 PM

i'm so jealous! she has my dream job/internship!! i would move to where you are to work for you haha. but she is gorgeous! really, you guys are lucky!

Alexandra says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 01:48 PM

This girl is so stunning, and she's so lucky! I'd love to work for the two of you - unfortunately I'm a bit far, but if you ever decide to move to England let me know!!! ;) Awesome photos as usual!

gabe says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 10:10 AM

right on! sweet images. Go Falcons!

Marissa Rodriguez says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 10:07 AM

She is stunning! I love her outfit and red lipstick...and of course her name! :) She is so fortunate to be able to work with you and I'm sure she's learning a ton!

Allison says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 09:56 AM

Love the bright and bold red lipstick! Such a cute and stylish intern! And the setting at the Marina, nothing says Seattle more to me than a tug boat and a dock!

Emilie says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 09:53 AM

She is gorgeous and very stylish! I love the red lipstick and the green scarf. Very classy! Love the pics of course!

Emma says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 09:20 AM

BTW - if bubba goes to Grad school in Seattle, im totally gunna propose being your intern:) wink**

Emma says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 09:16 AM

The colors are perfection.

Becka @Studio222 Photography says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 09:15 AM

She's lovely! I love her bold red lips. :) That lost one is so peaceful and alluring.

mary says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 08:49 AM

gorgeous!!! in love with color in these! makes me want to rock the red lip!

benj haisch says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 08:29 AM

yeah. that first frame is LEGIT.

Friday, October 30, 2009, 09:01 AM
Emma & Bubba might embrace the phrase "cute as pie" better than anyone I have ever met. They truly wear their hearts on their sleeves and laugh freely, making them very fun to photograph. Some of these images are my favorites in all of our current body of work. I stepped back and had to ask myself why and a lot of factors came into play to make this shoot a great one for us.

Number one, Emma and Bubba are the type of people that we connect with, they are genuine, honest, transparent, quirky and they TRUSTED us. Secondly, we truly had a vision for this shoot; I knew that I wanted to capture them in their element, something a bit un-conventional, modern but still playful and cuddly. The ACE hotel was the perfect location to make that happen, and I have to give a HUGE shout out to the ACE for being so gracious with us for this shoot... not only is it an incredible hotel, but it has an amazing staff. And  the final and very important piece that made all this come together was having great hair/make up and styling by the wonderful miss Tiffany Lowry. I cannot even begin to express how much this can take a shoot from mediocre to excellent. 

We arranged this shoot for Miss Kara's 8 hour mentor session in Seattle. Emma and Bubba flew in from Oklahoma for the shoot. We all had a blast and I am thrilled with the results. It turns out Emma and Bubba got engaged just a couple days before this shoot so hopefully these images serve as some really unique engagement photos for them :) I posted a few Polaroid frames from their shoot in a post yesterday as well. 

Also, we have a few other mentor sessions coming up in Jan. and February that I will need couples who want some creative imagery and are willing to model. We are looking for people that are open and willing to try something different and execute a concept with us. The shoot fee is waived in exchange for modeling. If you are interested please e mail a photo and a little bit about yourself to us at @ consulting @ sarahrhoads.com

Styling: Tiffany Lowry
Hair/Make up: Tiffany Lowry




Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (72)
Kristen Honeycutt says: Tuesday, November 2, 2010, 12:51 AM

I am so in love with everything about this shoot. Such. Inspiring. Work.

allysha Williams says: Tuesday, August 10, 2010, 09:10 PM

I absolutely LOVED these pictures. They are more than just attractive and well captured, they really speak to you and give you that fluttery feeling of love inside. talk about "a picture is worth a thousand words". These pictures just inspired me and made me smile. Thank you.

Kallie says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 05:50 AM

I'm unable to come up with an adequate compliment. Such a delight!

lauren nicole langston. says: Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 06:07 PM

this is my favorite engagement shoot i have ever seen.

LaRae Lobdell says: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 04:04 AM

Juicy!

aruna b. says: Friday, November 6, 2009, 06:49 AM

love love love the cuteness!

jen hunt says: Thursday, November 5, 2009, 04:15 PM

i am in love with this concept. perfect.

Vania -SimplyBloom Photography, LLC says: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 10:43 PM

I adore your blog, I adore this session. It is so different, so unique and so natural.
I adore coming back to your blog time after time.
-Vania -SimplyBloom Photography, LLC

Kayla says: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 08:25 AM

These are SO amazing! I love everything about this shoot! AWESOME!

erica says: Tuesday, November 3, 2009, 09:57 PM

woo hoo! SCORE! love you, sarah!

Norene says: Monday, November 2, 2009, 11:50 AM

Hey, You certainly caught our Em, just as she is. She is so beautiful and so in love right now. I think they are a great couple. Thanks for catching them so "just right".

Ashley McNamara says: Monday, November 2, 2009, 11:16 AM

Awesome! Every single one!

Ed Shahinian says: Monday, November 2, 2009, 09:06 AM

Sarah; Thanks for sharing! You have made the Ace Hotel very proud! Very cute couple. You captured them and the hotel in a fun light! LOVE the singing in the shower!

Aunt Michele says: Sunday, November 1, 2009, 05:03 PM

Love these photos! While changing Bubba's diapers it never crossed my mind that he would grow up and become "Zoolander" let alone snag a beauty like his little Emma.

Aunt Michele says: Sunday, November 1, 2009, 05:03 PM

Love these photos! While changing Bubba's diapers it never crossed my mind that he would grow up and become "Zoolander" let alone snag a beauty like his little Emma.

Maureen Nikonov says: Sunday, November 1, 2009, 12:04 PM

You and Chris are BALLERS, Sarah!

Melissa Oholendt says: Sunday, November 1, 2009, 11:52 AM

Love them. Love all of them.

Allison says: Sunday, November 1, 2009, 11:11 AM

I LOVE LOVE LOVE these images!! The styling, the hair, the room, all of it is amazing! What a fun couple to shoot in such a great location!

Sadie says: Saturday, October 31, 2009, 05:30 PM

Awesome! I am absolutely floored. These two are just adorable together and the images you guys took of them... well, they're are AMAZING! I love her hair in the third photograph.

Sarah-Jane says: Saturday, October 31, 2009, 02:46 PM

Hi Sarah

Wow, these are amazing. The images really capture who they are and what they're about! Beautiful work, matey.
xx

Colleen says: Saturday, October 31, 2009, 02:03 PM

Hot! Like - major, major hot! Miss you on OSP. :)

Brittany says: Saturday, October 31, 2009, 09:21 AM

Sarah, these are incredible. holy cats, i can't stop wishing i were there shooting with you, or it was me and my husband there!

Julie says: Saturday, October 31, 2009, 07:08 AM

These pictures totally make my heart happy - now I have to go to Seattle to go to the Ace Hotel!

squareoflife says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 07:54 PM

sarah,
this is my definitely my favorite session that you
have shot thus far.
their style/personalities mixed with the fabulous
venue is beyond perfect.

you guys have been whippin out
posts like crazy! keep on keepin on.
[cheers from london.]

Gwyn says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 05:15 PM

feels (for the most part) like you weren't even there... so very wonderful - feels like the perfect collaboration of exactly who they are, through your vision :)

Galaxie Andrews says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 05:06 PM

love the quirkiness, playfulness and intimacy of this series. it's just lovely and refreshing. love what you did! :)

Andrea says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 04:04 PM

oh my goodness... Sarah... I want to BE you... love your work...of course I am a bit biased about the subjects in this series... ;-)

Amiee (ace) says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 03:07 PM

These are some of my fave shots ever taken in the hotel! Good work...you guys rock. Come back soon?

Stephanie Fry says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 02:24 PM

This is by far my fav set you've created! I love the playfulness of the couple and their wardrobe. I have that same one-piece shorts outfit...LUV IT. You are constantly pushing the envelope and I faithfully look to you for inspiration. Thank you!

diane says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 02:05 PM

wowzers! can't find the ball...cos you knocked it out of the ball park. yep you sure did. great work guys!

Shelby says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 02:05 PM

I love how all of your photos not only stir emotion, but they also make me want to personally meet every one of your clients. you Are AWESOME

Hristo says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 02:03 PM

Epic.

Gail says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 01:55 PM

wow. Wow. WOw. WOW.

Jenice says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 01:23 PM

This is amazing work, guys. I love it!

Jenice says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 01:22 PM

This is amazing work, guys. I love it!

Rebecca Dohrman says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 01:18 PM

I absolutely love this set of photos. I have been reading your blog for several months and although I am not a professional photographer, I really love your approach and I have learned a lot from reading about your work. You have amazing energy! Keep it up. People really appreciate this.

Sydney says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 12:55 PM

WOW!! These are incredible! Yall look like you're having so much fun! My mom's right, you really captured them perfectly Sarah!

LOVE THEM!
Sister

Jason says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 12:52 PM

The post with the most. This is where the SRP really shines...right here in this very spot! BOOYAH!!

Mommy says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 12:52 PM

Sarah-
You captured their personalities perfectly...I didn't think that was possible! Chaco tan lines and skinny jeans, chiffon ruffles and tube socks! My beautiful baby!
Emma's Mom

Ed says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 12:44 PM

Sarah; You have made the Ace Hotel-Seattle proud! Very fun shots. Love the singing shower shots. Also, the knitted boots/legs on windowsill! Thanks so much for sharing with me!

carl zoch says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 12:20 PM

these are as awesome as his chaco tan lines :)

well done!!

Gerald says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 12:16 PM

These truly are amazing photos Sarah! It just feels like you. The location, the couple, the hair, the lighting--everything about this concept was perfectly realized. Brilliant!!!

Jane Hasty says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 11:38 AM

SERIOULSY=SPEECHLESS

anda says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 11:29 AM

true story: you're brilliant.

Marissa Rodriguez says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 11:14 AM

EVERY.THING you guys do is soooooo YOU and perfect! Seriously, I hope that one day I can define my style as perfectly as you have! I love everything about this shoot!

Lyndzee of EP says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 11:09 AM

love these so much that I wish it were me and my Rog in the pictures. what an honest, inspiring, sogreatitwillmakeyoupeeyourpantsinexcitement shoot.
another thing? i love them as a couple, and love that his name is bubba.

adrian hitt says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 10:37 AM

totally in love. these are absolutely delightful!

tonhya kae says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 10:36 AM

Wow Sarah, these are yes..definitely my favorite session of yours by far. So creative and real... and this couple is just disgustingly CUTE! That last picture...money! Great job.

Carolyn says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 10:32 AM

Sarah, you so rock! Amazing pictures!

Kevin Robertson says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 10:22 AM

Dad loves them too! Great job Sarah. Thank you so much.

Heather Kincaid says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 10:20 AM

These are so amazingly beautiful and fun! Definitely inspiring.

Heather Kincaid says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 10:20 AM

These are so amazingly beautiful and fun! Definitely inspiring.

Leda says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 10:19 AM

Loving this post Sarah, super-creative and adorable!

ohana photographers says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 10:08 AM

pure perfection!

Becka @Studio222 Photography says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 09:55 AM

I LOVE IT! I need to find a trusty hairstylist/stylist to work with. It really does make a big difference. I've noticed as well. Gorgeous concept! I'm sure they will cherish these as memories of such a fun time in their relationship!

Lydia says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 09:49 AM

What a cute couple! LOVE the playfulness and lifestyle concepts! These pictures are out of this world awesome!

Lesley says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 09:46 AM

Wow, the concept for this is amazing, I'm sure they are going to love the photos! Oh, and I have to say, he has AWESOME foot tan! =D

Poser says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 09:37 AM

Man, so great. I feel like i know what it would be like to have a conversation with them. Epic vulnerability/real. :)

ryan says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 09:35 AM

Amazing stuff. As usual. So inspiring! thank you!

Misty says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 09:32 AM

Love them, ALL of them!

sean says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 09:30 AM

i am so happy for them.
love this series.
these pics so capture their personalities
congrats B&E

Misty says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 09:29 AM

Love them, ALL of them!

John Harder says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 09:23 AM

I think I just fell in love with these people.

John Harder says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 09:22 AM

I think I just fell in love with these people.

John Harder says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 09:21 AM

I think I just fell in love with these people.

Beth says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 09:21 AM

YES! what an awesome session! singing in the shower! FUN! Is it a hotel!? I want it :D
really really great job, both to you photogs and the models ;)

jamie delaine says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 09:18 AM

Tooooooooo wonderful. That last one has to be a favourite. :) Where oh where do you find such amazing inspiration for these sessions? Amazing.

Deb Cull says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 09:16 AM

Best Shoot Ever! Man, this is SO creative and fun!!! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

fer juaristi says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 09:15 AM

freaking gorgeous set, lovw th coolnes of the couple, magic!

Deb Cull says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 09:14 AM

Best Shoot Ever! Man, this is SO creative and fun!!! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

paula Leme says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 09:12 AM

what a cool session!

Troy Grover says: Friday, October 30, 2009, 09:11 AM

Sweet pics! I love the ace hotel :)