I feel like I have my feet in different pastures on this. I really like the interpretation of removing unwanted elements in order to become a better artist, or more generally person. But I still think Michelangelo could also be talking about vision. To be able to look at a block and see a beautiful statue. I think it works on both levels at the same time. One needs to remove the unnecessary in the quest for purity, but we also need to know what is necessary for purity before we can do that. The more experience and understanding we have the better we are at cleaning ourselves up.
Thanks for the thought-provoking post!
Definitely need to hear that today... during a changing time. Thank you!
This really strikes a chord in me. It reaffirms that I need to stop questioning my work so much for one.
Amen Sarah! What makes you so special, is that you question everything. It is beautiful, refreshing and inspiring. You go girl!
Thanks for sharing this. You have a gift of encouragement. ;)
Thanks for sharing this. So very helpful to hear encouraging words from someone who has gone before us. ;)
Great blog post! I agree. There are so many distractions in life that sometimes it takes getting rid of excess to find the person God made each of us to be.
Wow... I have a lot to think about after reading this blog post!! Good stuff!
@Carl Z hey buddy! No I have never read it but it is on my current list (which keeps getting longer) maybe I'll have to bump that book up to the top. Thanks for the rec.
yeah, i was JUST (as in 5 minutes before I read this) thinking about my own fears and insecurities and wondering what I ought to do about them. i guess i'll keep thinking about them for the time being... thanks for the encouragement to ponder!
Love this post, Sarah. Very insightful! It's crazy to think it (our truth) is all within us. I think a lot of it just depends on how we choose to believe in ourselves. ;D Keep up the amazing work! You are an inspiration.
Have you read The War of Art? Very similar in thought to what Michelangelo is talking about here but uses language of resistance. It's another one of those must reads for artists.
Awesome post! Thanks for sharing.
What a great message. I come to this blog to see the beautiful person and the fun relationships (between you, Chris, and your clients) just as often as I come for inspirational images. Your ability to write, in such a vulnerable and passionnate way, is one of the raw materials you possess that I admire.
What a great message. I come to this blog to see the beautiful person and the fun relationships (between you, Chris, and your clients) just as often as I come for inspirational images. Your ability to write, in such a vulnerable and passionnate way, is one of the raw materials you possess that I admire.
You gotta love the "Babba". Kids are brutally honest and never hold back... You gotta love em..
Reminds me of our talk. Have you read the Agony and the Ecstasy, too? Great post.
Great post. I've spent many long nights thinking about how to chip away the superfluous. It has always been a struggle for me, because I am the type that, by nature, try's to improve and increase by adding...rather than subtracting.
Awesome insight - I love your blog!! Fantastic message today. Keep up the amazing, inspiring, uplifting work.
Love this Sarah! And tweeted about it too. I've heard that quote often and it always makes me stop and think whether I'm pushing forward and adding or chipping away and letting what already exists come to life. A subtle yet powerful shift.
Thanks for sharing your take on it!
This is really beautiful. Thanks for sharing, because it got me thinking too! Time to start chipping away at what's keeping me back. :)
that window shot is sick! and love that you're incorporating film into your shoots- nailed that double exposure
that window shot is sick! and love that you're incorporating film into your shoots- nailed that double exposure
that window shot is sick! and love that you're incorporating film into your shoots- nailed that double exposure
Sarah and Chris,
Yoooou guys! Thank you so much for blessing us (and so many) with your talent and sweet friendship. We had such a great time with you and love, love, love the shots! I still get a kick out of Chris under that blanket... you know the one that got put on the dumpster ;p Hoping and looking forward to working with you again in the future, oh and our dinner date!
Thanks again!
-Rose
legit. my band played with matt's band in the late 90's. i'm starting to feel so old.
@Patrina does she still have the blueberry fields? Next time you come to Seattle we should go blueberry picking :)
To expand on my tweet.. I really loved the story of the blueberry pie and your dad.. What a great story about a bond between family members.. I myself found it heart warming and interesting as I am preparing for my favorite uncle's 80th birthday "he doesnt look a day over 65".... The subtle lessons learned in the moments of sharing a bit of blueberry sweetness can last a lifetime... Mine growing up was the same but it was my aunts cheesecake that she made from scratch and the brutally honest conversations she shared with me.... I miss her firary redheaded spirit...
The way you describe this couple was perfect and the story a nice feel good. I really think you should do a blog on blueberry pie. Perhaps how to make it or were to find some or the best places to find it. I know this may be a bit off topic of you usual blog post or photos but I feel it will be a well accepted and equally enjoyable blog post for all....
I think all of us have a similar story that we can relate to when we grew up.. So I think this will touch many individuals on many levels. As usual the images are great... Makes me wish I still had my Sinar P 4x5 as well as not getting ride of my first camera a RB67 Pro S last month.. Keep up the great stories I think everyone loves them as much as the photos..
Knocked it out of the ballpark again. I just love that first set of four images.
So beautiful and lovely, as always. Such a treat to look at these.
And Sarah, now you've brought back my own childhood memories...my grandmother had blueberry fields just outside Seattle...ah, the sweetness.
Love this couple's style so much. She reminds me of Christina Aguilera a little bit. Also...LOST...FINALLY.
ahhh!! i love this session. their style is top notch.
WOW! This is my favorite session of yours to date..well I am still obsessed with the images you created for Scott and I but this is amazing! Just when I think you guys cant get any better you do! I love seeing you guys grow as artists!! Lots of love!
Wow, Sarah & Chris! These are so so beautiful! You outdid yourselves here.
Oh wow, this is def. one of my fav. couple's shoot! Loved it! Amazing job!
These are wonderful. I've had the pleasure of getting to know these two through now distant recording sessions with Blenderhead and they are fabu folk.
you're rad. love that you linked the breyer's website, hands down, best vanilla ice cream ever... it's like pure vanilla + cream. happy LOST day!!! :)
i really really like this one. i have always thought that Kings would be such an awesome place for a photo shoot. love the photo wall and the buck heads.
gorgeous shots in the ballard district. loving the storefront shots the best :)
Beautiful beautiful.... The film! Oy. Now I really want a tall boy and a burger... and a stack of quarters.
these are lovely...what a gorgeous couple and beautiful locations. your work is inspirational and she has awesome style :)
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.
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.
eep. cheep cheep. eep (again). so stinkin amazing.
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.
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....:)
these are incredible. love the locations and clothes. gooooood lookin' man in some good lookin' photographs.
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.
Definately everything you said is true! An amazing fella. and Great photos!
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.
He looks like a cool guy!! Very handsome!!! I love the photo of his hands!
Ohhhh, Jeff is Yummy!!!
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!
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!
awesome session. Jeff is a very talented photographer!
Gorgeous photos! I love visiting your blog and seeing your photos...they never cease to inspire.
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. :)
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
Oh that tilt-blur makes me drool! I love the action shots!! You two are so great!
Looking good Jeff! S + C did a great job :)
I think I need a Sarah Rhoads workshop in my life. Any plans to head to Toronto?
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!
Plaid shirts and fall/winter colors are wicked. Love the large format w/ tilt, too. :)
Jeff, you rocked it. *high five* :) And Sarah and Chris, these shots are amazing. Loving the large format!
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!
I love me some Jeff Holt! You look great, buddy! Can't wait to see you on Friday!
Yeah....that's the good stuff. Amazing guys. Man, I love me some Jeff Holt.
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!
Seriously Jeff is a baller!!!! Love your work Sarah!
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.
This post resonated with me for several reasons. firstly because I was battling my own cold and I'm the biggest baby ever when I'm sick. Your words were the "get your #$% up and do something" I needed. Also, I am in love with the olympics. I was actually lucky enough to be there for the opening weekend and it was both inspiring and incredible.
Oh, and I LOVE this photo!
This photo is AMAZING!!!! Excited to see more!
Your words are spot on, Sarah. And the photo is, too. Pushing thru the hard times is what separates the good from the great.
I was searching Evan Lysacek on twitter the other day and I stumbled upon your post about him. I'm 17 now, but I remember I used to dance at the same studio as him ... and when I saw that you used to dance there too, I clicked on your Twitter page which led me to your website.
Anyhow ... your photos are amazing! I'm not really a photographer, but I do other types of art (drawing, music, ... living, etc.). I think what I really like about your photos is that the people in it seem really genuine. Their smiles aren't posed or anything; each person is shown beautifully and genuinely. The pictures are not only vibrant in terms of their colors but also in terms of how you manage to capture the spirit of the moment and how the photos are able to speak... (if that makes any sense at all, haha) Looking at these pictures really makes me want to pick up photography.
Just wanted to let you know! You and your husband are truly talented :)
your photography is SOLID.
I LOVE THIS SHOT. It so belongs in a magazine!
Wow she is a stunner !! Love the texture the fur added. I hope you feel better you little sickie :)
LOVE this winter shot. You've got me itching to see the rest.
perseverance to fuel the passion for sure. this shot is like a magazine, love it and can not wait to see more
Evan just won! Thats awesome that you were with him in his early stages of becoming a gold medalist. Feel better! Soup and rest.
Great shot!! Thanks for all the motivation that comes from reading your blog!!
Well it sounds like there was LOTS of pushing through this week!! ;D I have to say - if you were sick on Tuesday, it is really sinful how beautiful and poised you are!!! WOW!! Would not have guess that in a million years!!! I can't wait to see the rest of the shoot - this is truly amazing and we were blessed to be a part of it!!! Hugs!!! Calie and Kourtney!
Had the same thoughts last night with the Olympians! The amount of passion it takes to fight through all the physical &, no doubt, personal sacrifices to get to that level... it's quite emotional to see! Oh and if you're feeling snotty, a neti-pot works wonders for me! Feel better chica! :)
great post! i was just thinking about the amount of dedication needed to be an olympian the other day. truly amazing. very cool that you once trained with evan lysacek. i might have a little crush on him. haha. here's hoping he does well tonight! and i can't wait to see the rest of these snow shots, looks like they'll be amazing as usual! :)
Came over from a new reader of yours who was linking to your site-- love the layout of your site-- had me confused for a moment :) Your photos are wonderful!
This image is breathtaking!
I liked what you said about Olympic athletes having to have a certain level of insanity to get where they are. My husband was a swimmer in the Olympics and he had to be focused like a horse with blinders on to get there. I think the beautiful thing is that some people in other fields (other than athletes) are in hot pursuit of "being all they can be" with the same type of dedication and "insanity". I see that in your craft....it is a beautiful thing.
Even with Kleenix's you are beauitful. Love the shot- so glad you all went forward with it. My cousin helps run a program for cancer stricken kids and Kimmie Meissner had her Olympic friends skate for a fund raiser- we got to see and meet afterwards Tanith Belbin & Ben Agosto; Jeffrey Buttle; yuko Sato; Johnny Weir; others but your friend, Evan. They were all wonderful! But then so are you and Chris!!!
Talk to you later!!
This image is amazing and I cannot wait to see all that goes with it. As you know from my incessant commenting, I have been following you for a while now and I can see the growth you are making with every shoot. You are an amazing artist Sarah and you really are doing what God created you to do. " )
On a side note, was this shoot for any specific purpose or just for fun and to experiment? I ask because if you were selling something with this image, I would buy it!
Ooh, I love it!! This is such a gorgeous shot - it's just perfect! Can't wait to see the rest... P.S. Can I come along as an assistant next time?! I'll bring you coffee, tea, kleenex... :)
Girl, I think you're a little "insane" with this image!! OOooOoo I can't WAIT to see the rest, looks like you all probably had a fun day in the snow! I hope you feel better...the great weather today should help a little I hope! :)
LOVE this shot! And what you have to say about pushing through is so incredibly true. This time of year with all the snow and grey skies on the East Coast, it's easy to give up and succumb to the temptation to coast until Spring. I'm trying to push through and finish strong :)
i am constantly encouraged and inspired.
I love this post very much. I think you got it and it describes me in my passion very well. Everyone has to be some sort of insane to achieve greatness :)
Thank you for that reminder.
Feel better, Sarah! I think it'd be awesome if you bottled up all your philosophical blog posts and made them into a book. I would keep it by my bedside or my computer and read random pages from it all the time. You inspire me!
Feel better, Sarah! I think it'd be awesome if you bottled up all your philosophical blog posts and made them into a book. I would keep it by my bedside or my computer and read random pages from it all the time. You inspire me!
"And I DO think you have to be slightly "insane" to achieve a certain level of greatness"....this is great! :) Very well said! I hope you feel better and I know the rest of these photos are going to be crazy amazing!!!
"And I DO think you have to be slightly "insane" to achieve a certain level of greatness"....this is great! :) Very well said! I hope you feel better and I know the rest of these photos are going to be crazy amazing!!!
Thanks for these words! Exactly what I needed to "hear" today. :) FABULOUS picture too!
oh my!!! I already know this shoot is going to be incredible. Stoked to see the rest. Sleep and EmergenC usually does the trick when I'm sick. Hope your feeling 100% very soon. :)