Friday, August 20, 2010, 09:30 AM
Meet the beautiful Mike & Vanessa. 
Vanessa has a strong and quiet energy to her. Mike is a leader, rooted and solid. It was such a delight to photograph these two. They were kind enough to model for my mentor session with Sarah, a photographer from Idaho who I will be blogging soon, but I just couldn't wait to get my hands on these images. 

Some random facts: These photos were all taken in about a one block radius about one minute from our house. un-planned spontaneity is the best medicine for photo goodness. It's not about where you go, it's about pulling inspiration from the amazing subjects before us, the connection they share and the energy that they breathe into the world. These two have a fantastic energy to them. It's contained, gentle but strong. It makes them incredibly intriguing. 

It started to get a little brisk yesterday... the sun is going down earlier and earlier. I'm starting to think the world is sending me a tragic message that soon my tank tops will be turning into cardigans. Although I live and breathe for the fall months summer cannot go this soon. it just cannot...



Thoughts
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Truc says: Friday, October 1, 2010, 11:37 AM

Adorable couple, fabulous photos!

Claire Dionne says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 08:40 AM

Thats my adorable big brother :)
you guys did an amazing job on those pics :)
Love you Mikey and Van :)

apple says: Thursday, August 26, 2010, 02:51 AM

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Natalie Brooke says: Monday, August 23, 2010, 03:58 PM

Love the muted colors and soft tones here! Excellent...

Colorado Wedding Photographers, JasonG says: Monday, August 23, 2010, 03:19 PM

Great work... the color/tone totally fits the shoot and the couple. Love your crops.

Christine says: Sunday, August 22, 2010, 07:15 PM

i love spontaneity and these are absolutely beautiful. rhoadsies rocked it yet again. :) xoxo

Allison says: Sunday, August 22, 2010, 10:07 AM

So Fun and Lighthearted! Love it!

Alex says: Sunday, August 22, 2010, 06:15 AM

Amazing!

Meghan Flint says: Saturday, August 21, 2010, 10:39 PM

Well great... Just when I have decided to grow out my bangs you blog a girl with super cute bangs.... Great work. LOVE the colors.

Nic says: Friday, August 20, 2010, 10:40 PM

I love your style Sarah...what's the comment above about you coming to Oz??

Katelyn James says: Friday, August 20, 2010, 10:25 PM

love your blog... just love it! Thanks for being so original!

Tim G says: Friday, August 20, 2010, 09:34 PM

Lovely lovely, as always!! Thanks so much for posting these.

johnna brynn says: Friday, August 20, 2010, 07:56 PM

they're adorable. she's gorgeous. way to go, sarah and chris.

Annie says: Friday, August 20, 2010, 05:45 PM

Don't worry, when you come to Oz, the sun will greet you right off the plane! :D Love that last image!

theresachoi says: Friday, August 20, 2010, 05:08 PM

I LOVE your work! Gorgeous images, Sarah! :)

Laura says: Friday, August 20, 2010, 04:48 PM

Gorgeous images! It`s starting to turn brisk here as well...

Spencer says: Friday, August 20, 2010, 03:58 PM

Gosh you capture people so well! Love it!

Harmony Loves says: Friday, August 20, 2010, 01:17 PM

so cute and fun!!! just sweet perfection :)

Jen Goulet says: Friday, August 20, 2010, 10:54 AM

I feel exactly the same - I love Fall but a little more sun couldn't hurt!

jamie delaine says: Friday, August 20, 2010, 10:02 AM

oh beautiful, beautiful couple. that last one is gorgeous. the last 4 are gorgeous. everything is gorgeous. ;)

lauren says: Friday, August 20, 2010, 09:47 AM

just lovely.

ryan says: Friday, August 20, 2010, 09:43 AM

i

Monday, August 2, 2010, 09:15 AM
Momma Alyssa, Daddy Rich and kiddlet Murph are absolutely inspiring. This is the type of family that just draws you in. This was one of those shoots that I just kept wanting to scream because I couldn't contain my excitement, passion and fascination with everything that was happening in front of me. Little Murph in his Where the Wild Things Are outfit just made me melt. I was in heaven. 

It was raining on us for the entirety of this shoot and I think it only added to the honesty of it all. To me, the rain made it all a little more real. Upon meeting this family in person the things that immediately stood out to me where authenticity and imagination. So I really wanted to capture that spirit about them. The Mattingly's didn't let the rain phase them for a second. We went out into the blueberry fields of the property we were staying on in Upstate NY and I rolled around on the ground with the family as they laughed and tickled and laughed some more... it reminded me of being a child again and I loved it. These are the moments I love about what I do.... the moments where I just get lost in it... where I feel like I am part of it all... the beautiful seconds where I am laying down on the ground with Murph and he gives me the most honest look you could give someone... those magnetic seconds where I am able to see these beautiful parts of him and freeze it in time forever. It's exhilarating. 

There is something about working with families that really makes me come alive. I think it is because I see the value in how much these moments of honesty will mean to them as they look back later on in life. I'm sure Murph will LOVE these photos coming out to his high school girlfriends as his mom shows them a photo of him in his little "Max" suit ;) lol. 

This shoot means so much to me.... the people in it are just amazing..

Thoughts
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Cole says: Monday, December 20, 2010, 05:31 PM

Hopping over from Molly Flanagan- love, love, love it! Oh my- sweetness, imagination and beauty to roar over!

Eileen Marie says: Thursday, October 14, 2010, 10:37 AM

This is such an amazing shoot! I absolutely LOVE all of your work, but I think this is my fav yet! God bless and keep the inspiration coming :)

shannon says: Friday, September 3, 2010, 09:27 AM

absolutely adore this shoot! so sweet and so cute!!!

Nicki says: Friday, August 27, 2010, 07:39 AM

Big, swelling, hurty feeling in my throat. Every family should have images like these. Unfortunately, every family's maybe not as cool as these guys! ;)

Brianna says: Thursday, August 26, 2010, 03:40 AM

I love these photos! They're wonderful and I love that the little boy wore his "Where the Wild Things Are" costume!

molly says: Wednesday, August 11, 2010, 11:28 PM

i'm in love. these are wonderful.

Danica says: Wednesday, August 11, 2010, 11:02 AM

Aaaaaaaaa! You captured this family perfectly!!! The spirit in this shoot completely embodies the raw emotion of Max in Where the Wild Things Are. I feel like this short collection of stills is just as emotionally gripping as the film. It really portrays the youthful spirits of the parents and how they all love each other undoubtedly. What a wonderful environment for this child to grow up in and what wonderful parents to join in the freedom and adventure of childhood with their child. You are beyond stellar!!

Rachel Pick says: Monday, August 9, 2010, 01:11 PM

Wow, Sarah. Haven't seen this until today and it is magical. Amazing family, moments and all comes together so well in this series. Magic!!

Jonathan says: Monday, August 9, 2010, 12:24 PM

What is this water coming from my eyes?
Are you... for real?
You... you win at life, madame.

Anda says: Sunday, August 8, 2010, 09:54 AM

I've never liked any family session by anyone until this one. I've come back to look at this all week. xo.

bobbi says: Sunday, August 8, 2010, 06:59 AM

Sarah, you're an incredible photographer. This family is the best of the best of the best. You win... I'm not worthy!!!!!

John Harder says: Wednesday, August 4, 2010, 05:55 PM

Ok, these photos are insane. I want to be where this family is. I want to be a part of this family. And I want to be this family (when I grow up ;) )

Absolutely perfect in every way.

Alex Rubin says: Wednesday, August 4, 2010, 05:50 PM

Really fun images! Great work.

Alex Rubin says: Wednesday, August 4, 2010, 05:50 PM

Really fun images! Great work.

souder photography says: Wednesday, August 4, 2010, 12:48 PM

3rd from the end is so epic i don't even have words to.........................

Rachel says: Wednesday, August 4, 2010, 08:55 AM

Beautiful works of art....they will be happy with these images for a lifetime!

Kyle Richter says: Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 08:15 PM

I love this shoot.. so fun.. and the kid and parents are adorable!! great photos! does it get any cuter... cheers to you both..
kyle @ s28

Christine says: Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 05:47 PM

BEAUUUUTIFUL. so very touching and warm and sweet. how do you do it? answer me, woman! :)

Nirav Patel says: Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 05:12 PM

Wow Sarah!! This is one of my favorite famliy sessions ever. Outstanding work and a beautiful family.

Geoff says: Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 03:24 PM

This may be my favorite shoot ever...holy cow that's AWESOME!!

Melissa says: Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 11:33 AM

So touching Sarah, awesome shoot and awesome memories for this family.

Liz Plimmer says: Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 10:33 AM

I think this photo shoot has to be the best one hands down. There is just something so raw and beautiful about them.

Truc says: Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 07:36 AM

An adorable family and fabulous photos!

Emma Robertson says: Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 12:54 AM

Sarah, hands down my favorite shoot. I'll leave it at that :) Keep up the FABULOUS work.

Joel Flory says: Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 12:09 AM

so inspiring and what a great example of connecting with your clients.

Kaysha says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 10:00 PM

This melts my heart! Your posts are always so refreshing and your photography, inspiring!

Marcy Harris Photography says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 08:18 PM

This session is fantastic. So cool.

Marcy Harris Photography says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 08:18 PM

This session is fantastic. So cool.

Anna says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 08:05 PM

MAX! These are so wonderful.

Lisa says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 07:52 PM

Oh my heavens! Only you guys could make a rainy day this awesome! I LOVE these! They're like stills from a movie....*sigh*

Paige Butcher says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 06:46 PM

So much wonderful life in these :) Wonderful.

Annie says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 04:52 PM

This is magical. There is something very special in these photos. What a precious gift to be able to capture this. :)

anjuli paschall says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 04:36 PM

i just LOVE these. gonna go hug my 3 year old boy now. thanks!!

Alyssa says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 02:04 PM

Actually, Sarah, I think if I show these to Murph's high school girlfriends, he'll probably be pretty proud, because he'll know none of them could possibly have photos of themselves anywhere near as awesome as these. I can't even begin to say how happy we are with them. We love them, and I know that one day when Rich and I are long gone from the world that Murphy will look at these and know, without question, how much we loved him. Thank you for doing such a beautiful job. You two rock.

Nikki McArthur says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 01:55 PM

These images are totally inspiring. Being primarily a family photographer myself I'm totally inspired and in awe. Thanks! These are REAL!

Lucia says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 01:38 PM

I absolutely love this. So beautiful!

Hristo says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 01:20 PM

This is probably my favorite photo shoot! Amazing!

julie h says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 01:17 PM

these make me so so so happy! so much love.

Jason Ball says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 01:07 PM

Brilliant. Seriously.. love every one.

Mary Roy says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 11:43 AM

wow. once again i'm completely blown away by every part of these photos. so inspiring, and what a beautiful family!

HannahTaylor says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 11:01 AM

I love how you described this shoot as 'honest'. That's what stuck out to me. I love the emotion in the shot of Alyssa and Rich standing in the rain with their heads up! That's my fav!

Tonhya Kae says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 10:36 AM

Wow Sarah! You've outdone yourself again. This is one of my favorite shoots from you probably. I can tell this family is so real and genuine just from your photos. So many great ones, I just can't choose a favorite! : ) Well done.

Sarah Danaher says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 10:22 AM

Soooooo amazing.

natalie says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 10:19 AM

this makes me want a lil' wild thing.

jess@studio3z says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 10:14 AM

these are so moving beyond words.

Mary says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 10:09 AM

So beautiful Sarah.. your words and the story you told throught these images made me tear up. I love the frame with Murph out of focus in the foreground focusing on the parents in the background and what shines bright is her necklace with the M on it...I am sure it stands for Murph or their family name.. its close to her heart and shows the importance of this bond that they have.

Sarah says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 10:07 AM

This might just be my favorite session of yours I've seen. Beautiful & fun. These are amazing!

Dennis Bullock says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 10:02 AM

What a moving session Sarah! Good stuff....

Spencer says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 09:57 AM

THIS IS AMAZING! LOVE LOVE LOVE the one 3 from the end! Although they are all rockin!

carrie says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 09:48 AM

absolutely magical. I love these images so much....they are just beautiful in every way imaginable. my youngest boy was max for halloween this past year, a beautiful handmade costume very much like this, so special. what a gift you have given this family. xo

todd scott ballje says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 09:35 AM

c'mon! thats just not even fair ;)

awesome idea and execution!

Christina McCormick says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 09:33 AM

I love these pictures! What a beautiful family!!! Adorable Max costume! :) :) :)

Heidi R. says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 09:32 AM

Oh my word. I ADORE this.

Rico says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 09:28 AM

Best family shoot ever!! Inspires me to want to do more family shoots. Thanks for being awesome!

Nicole Mlakar-Livingston says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 09:25 AM

This shoot is inspiring, magical, breathtaking and beautiful. It tells a story of love with rawness and compassion. Thank you for sharing.

Kip Beelman says: Monday, August 2, 2010, 09:23 AM

zOMG! I love, love, love these.

Friday, July 30, 2010, 11:22 AM
Sigh... this series just puts a smile on my face :).  Meet little Murph, the coolest kid in town. Chris and I went on an adventure with Murph and his rad rents, Alyssa & Rich, while we were in Upstate New York last week. I'm knee deep in lots of edits but this series just grabbed my heart strings like mad so I just had to share. This is Murph chasing me down in the rain, the shutter is just slow enough that you can see the rain drops in some, but mostly I just love the pure energy and freedom in these frames. 

Is it just me or does life feel like it is just flying? I don't know where my days are going. Yesterday I sat down at my computer at 7:30am and the next time I looked at the clock it was 3pm... it's like I've been sucked into a black hole time conundrum. Last I looked it was Monday and now it's Friday?! Sometimes I wish that I could just go Zach Morris style and throw up the "Time out" sign while the rest of the world stops around me. It's times like this when I am reminded that time really is the greatest gift we can give someone. I'm learning a lot about life balance and how to allocate my time best right now. It's a challenge! I know it is one many small business owners encounter on a daily basis... especially the moms of the world. I don't know how they juggle it all. My hats off to them for raising little gems like Murph, running businesses and still keeping their cool. 

Happy Friday, may little Murph make you smile like he did me :)

Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (15)
Truc says: Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 07:36 AM

What a cute little guy! Love this series!

Amanda-Rose says: Saturday, July 31, 2010, 02:20 PM

Rich & Alyssa are some of the best parents in the world...and Murphy...well Murph is an awesome kid and can always manage to put a smile on your face. Amazing photos of an amazing family...great work!

Kyle Gorton says: Saturday, July 31, 2010, 07:18 AM

What a great sequence with an amazing family. Great Job

josh solar says: Friday, July 30, 2010, 09:20 PM

AWWWWW...Snap! Look at Rich's freakin' beard!!!!! I love these images. While I've never personally met Alyssa or Rich, I know that they love their kid, are AWESOME parents, and RAD people. Way to capture that in just a few frames.

Jon Yoder says: Friday, July 30, 2010, 09:01 PM

Love these! He's so super cute. :) Also, love the dress (well, mostly the suspenders) style of the mom and pops too. =)

rich says: Friday, July 30, 2010, 04:40 PM

I saw your latest tweet (on your blog, lol - I'm a qwitter from tweeting) and that's something Alyssa has said many times to me. What you do is absolutely invaluable. Fashion spreads that costs thousands go into magazines and then into the trash can. All commercial work ends up in a landfill eventually - but families - that stuff may have a more limited audience and not make the big bucks, but it's an audience with a long and happy memory. These photos will be on our wall until the day we die, and hopefully longer as Murphy raises his own family the way we taught him.

Thank you :)

rich says: Friday, July 30, 2010, 04:25 PM

I AM SO HAPPY!!!

Alex says: Friday, July 30, 2010, 03:40 PM

Love these :)

Alyssa says: Friday, July 30, 2010, 03:33 PM

Dude, you are awesome :) Of course we love them, but you knew we would! Thank you for rocking so hard!

HannahTaylor says: Friday, July 30, 2010, 03:07 PM

cute!!

Sarah Danaher says: Friday, July 30, 2010, 02:13 PM

That child is the essence of joy.

Laura says: Friday, July 30, 2010, 12:02 PM

Energy and freedom definitely trancend these images :) Murph is pure magic and this series is perfection. Awesome job!

Kathryn Bradley says: Friday, July 30, 2010, 11:43 AM

In this midst of a hectic morning, Murph did indeed bring a big smile to my face. What a cutie! The black & white is so fitting for this series.

Chantel says: Friday, July 30, 2010, 11:33 AM

That's awesome! What a cute kid!

Kip Beelman says: Friday, July 30, 2010, 11:32 AM

ZOMG!

Thursday, July 29, 2010, 08:43 AM
Monique is a beauty. She has a sweet & tender spirit and is just a delight to be around. Her lovely kid sister came along for the ride and I had her hop in some of these shots because she is an absolute cutie as well. 

Monique has been modeling and wanted some fresh photos for her book, so we went out a few weeks ago and let the sun kiss our shoulders for this shoot. Monique is fifteen, there is something about the ages between 15-17 that I just love.... the  youth, the spirit, the hopefulness for the future, the sense of discovery... I love working with this age. When I was a camp counselor during the summers in college I would always request to work with that age group of girls. It is just such an exciting time of life. During this time period people are moldable and impressionable. I can think of three mentors during this time in MY life that really helped me become the woman I am today. These were beautiful, positive and encouraging people that re-affirmed the notion that "anything is possible." A notion that I still believe with all my heart. I'm so thankful for those seeds of hopefulness and confidence that were planted in me at an early age. 

As Monique and I walked through the fields during her shoot we talked a lot about her future plans, college, cars, boys, family..... It was fun and totally refreshing, but more importantly, it reminded me of how far I have come in the past 10 years and how thankful I am. I'm glad sweet Monique reminded me of that. 

A big thanks to the wonderful Tiffany Lowry who did hair and make up on this shoot!

Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (11)
Rachel says: Wednesday, August 4, 2010, 08:59 AM

I love the sunflare!!

Truc says: Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 07:38 AM

Love love the light. The photos are stunning, as always.

Darren says: Thursday, July 29, 2010, 10:01 PM

Lovely!!! The back-lighting gives the images such a warm quality!

Joe Chong says: Thursday, July 29, 2010, 07:46 PM

Wonderful portrait set ! perfect colour tone too.. love it !

Dennis Bullock says: Thursday, July 29, 2010, 07:01 PM

These are amazing!

Evie Perez says: Thursday, July 29, 2010, 12:09 PM

What a gorgeous gal!!! You both have a true gift and I can definitely see it through your pictures. I am so in love with the sun flare. They just make a picture pop :)

John Sharpe says: Thursday, July 29, 2010, 10:58 AM

Sarah...love the 4th image in and the photo of her flipping her hair! You never cease to amaze me and I just love your post process! Thanks for Inspiring!

Sarah Danaher says: Thursday, July 29, 2010, 10:25 AM

I love, love, LOVE the one with just her hair, hand, and shoulder. So simple, so beautiful. And the last frame is absolute warm perfection.

Briony says: Thursday, July 29, 2010, 09:24 AM

beautiful session. amazing light.

Dorothy says: Thursday, July 29, 2010, 09:14 AM

what a beaut- gorgeous photos as always :)

Lesley says: Thursday, July 29, 2010, 09:13 AM

Oh my goodness, not only do I love these photos, but do I totally get what you're saying about this age group! It was my favourite thing about working in youth group and being a cabin leader at camp! I always miss it during the summer months now. :)