Thursday, October 29, 2009, 09:01 AM
Kara Wieler is a great photographer out of Manitoba, Canada. She came out to Seattle to work with Chris and I on an 8 hour mentor session. The three of us had a blast hanging out all day. Kara is talented, down to earth, easy going and strong willed. All great qualities to have when running your own business. I am so excited to see where she is headed!

During her time with us we did a full portfolio review, chatted about goals, technique, working with subjects, posing etc. We packed soooo much into the day and even took Kara to our favorite Thai restaurant for lunch. We ended our time together with an awesome shoot at the ACE hotel in downtown Seattle which I will be doing a full post on tomorrow. *I may even give you a sneak peek at a few Polaroid's from the shoot this afternoon :). You're going to freak out when you see how cute this little couple is that I arranged for us to shoot. But in the meantime, enjoy a little bit of the beautiful Miss Kara Rhea.




Thoughts
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Mandi says: Thursday, October 29, 2009, 10:10 PM

These pictures are great. I love the hair Kara! You look Amazing!!!!!

Julie says: Thursday, October 29, 2009, 03:37 PM

YUM! Cappuccino...beautiful pics! Love the color.

Erika says: Thursday, October 29, 2009, 01:42 PM

Wow Kara you look fabulous! I was so excited to find these photos today on Sarah's blog! Looks like you guys had fun together!! Two thumbs up Sarah!

Christine says: Thursday, October 29, 2009, 12:50 PM

I am a friend on Kara's from Winkler! This pictures of her look amazing. Kara, you are so beautiful!

Jane Hasty says: Thursday, October 29, 2009, 12:29 PM

Awesome.can't wait to see what you shot!

imthiaz houseman says: Thursday, October 29, 2009, 11:17 AM

these are gorgeous, love them.

Kim Driedger says: Thursday, October 29, 2009, 11:02 AM

Gorgeous Pictures!! I am Kara's sister, she is so beautiful!!!

Julie h says: Thursday, October 29, 2009, 09:47 AM

Can't wait to see the shoot! Monday's sneak peek is eating at me, in a gooooood way. :)

Becky says: Thursday, October 29, 2009, 09:13 AM

Oooh, I have been waiting to see these ever since she came home raving about the mentor session! These are such gorgeous shots of Kara! So proud to call this beautiful, kind hearted girl my friend! Great work Sarah...as always :)

Emma says: Thursday, October 29, 2009, 09:07 AM

The hallway shot is great, totally creepy :) CANT WAIT TO SEE THE SHOOT!!

Friday, August 21, 2009, 10:28 AM
While we were in Colorado for Patrina's mentor session (Patrina is the momma in the post prior to this one). She arranged a shoot with some of her dear friends, Lee & Radleigh. We have never been in a more immaculately decorated home. It was totally modern but still very warm and cozy feeling. It gave Chris and I some major house envy :). Lee is a fantastic artist and has many of his own pieces scattered throughout the walls of their home, he is extremely talented, and from what I hear, makes a mean martini ;). Radleigh is warm, curious, imaginative, caring,  intuitive & honest.... so as you can imagine, we hit it off with these two. They have made a wonderful life together in Denver with their beautiful blue eyed pup, Raven.
 
It is always nice to shoot in the homes of our couples. It is a place that is safe to them. It is a place that reflects them and that they have invested time into making "feel" like home.  With walls scattered with their talent, book shelves stacked with that which has captivated their attention over the years, unique modern furniture throughout, It is a place that is very personal to them, making it a perfect place to shoot them :) Enjoy a little bit of Lee & Radleigh.


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Erika Jessop says: Friday, September 4, 2009, 12:10 PM

Beautiful work, Sarah! I am lucky enough to have met Radleigh and Lee (thanks again to Patrina) and walk through their gorgeous home! You have captured them so lovingly...each shot is so intimate and special.

Cheryl Cronin says: Wednesday, August 26, 2009, 06:13 AM

I am in love with this session!!! These are absolutely gorgeous in a really comfortable, intimate way. It's like I'm right there with you enjoying their laughter and love. Beautiful!

brenda says: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 08:21 PM

these are awesome! i wish so badly i could watch you shoot these because i am just so curious how you got their dog so wonderfully in the shots. like do you just take a ton of shots and the dog is framed so perfectly in some of them or do you wait patiently until the dog is ready??!!!! awesome!

michelle says: Saturday, August 22, 2009, 09:36 AM

Wow. Wow! These are so incredibly intimate. I LOVE the one of them laughing - you almost feel like you know them. And the last one - I had tears in my eyes for two people I have never met. And that dog. LOVE THAT DOG! Great work.

Josh McCullock says: Saturday, August 22, 2009, 09:04 AM

Most excellent!

Carl Zoch says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 08:19 PM

well done as usual guys!

that dog is freaking sweet!

Lee says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 05:44 PM

Sarah,

I cannot tell you what it means to me that we had this amazing opportunity. We are so blessed to call the Odettes friends and then to have you thrown in as the ultimate "bonus". Your talents not only lie within your art, but your inate ability to recognize one's level of comfort and create from that point. We so enjoyed meeting you guys and hope that you make it back to Denver sometime in the not-so-distant future. Suffice it to say, there will be martinis waiting.......

All the success in life to you both, Lee

lyndsay says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 05:43 PM

what a wonderful job you did, i love all the emotion in the images.

Kirstie says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 05:26 PM

These are incredibly moving portraits.

Yuka photo art says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 05:25 PM

Just amazing................

Tara McMullen says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 03:47 PM

These are magical. The final image made me have genuine intense emotions. Beautiful shoot. Thanks for being awesome.

Shannon Sewell says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 03:29 PM

knocked it outta here dear... you are a rockstar. for sure ;)

~S

Patrina Odette says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 01:47 PM

Hmmm....I might have images of his art! Email me! patrina@getprecise.com!

Radleigh says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 12:19 PM

Patrina just let me know that these were here. I'm trying not to cry here. These are so beautiful. We cannot thank Sarah, Chris, and Patrina enough for this magical and unbelievable opportunity. You captured me, Raven, and my beautiful Prince Charming perfectly. I cannot wait to see the rest of the batch. But until then, thank you for honoring us so.

Emma Robertson says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 12:11 PM

I want their dog and the VOGUE Living book on their table - I have been drooling over that book for ages now :)

Kim Kalyn says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 12:05 PM

Sarah, I just love this session :) It seems so personal and intimate and completely comfortable. Their home made me drool a little bit !! The last shot is my fave.

Jess Padilla says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 12:02 PM

Gorgeous session - love 2, 3, 5, + 9! They belong in Dwell... do you have any shots of his art?

Patrina Odette says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 11:41 AM

Two of my most favorite people on Earth, you've captured Lee & Radleigh and their beautifully warm relationship so perfectly. It was so great watching you work, Sarah, an experience I'll never forget. Making them feel at ease, directing when necessary, and watching you work your magic. Thank you for the experience. Thank you for sharing. And thank you for creating beautiful works of art for my sweet friends.
xoxo

Melissa Blue says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 11:39 AM

Sad to say it, but this is the very first time I have seen a gay couple featured on a website like this! What wonderful pictures! Great job you guys!

Lesley says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 11:34 AM

This session seems so intimate to me!

Kara Wieler says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 11:26 AM

My fav is the cropped one with the martini glasses (in color). Love it. Also love the third image on the couches from above. Gorgeous home is right!

Heather says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 11:21 AM

Awesome shots! And from what I can tell their home is beautiful.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 02:46 PM
A few weeks ago we flew out to Colorado to do a mentor session with Patrina Odette. While we were there, Patrina also hired Chris and I to shoot her amazing "not so little" ;) family! I honestly don't even know where to start because the entire experience of the shoot was not only Epic but totally challenged me and grew me in huge ways. Also, I can't go on enough about Patrina's amazing heart and what her mentor session was like for us. So I guess I'll start with that....

Patrina wanted to do an all day (8 hour) mentor session with us, which was really fun because she arranged a shoot with a fantastic couple Colorado couple, Lee and Radleigh, that I will be posting soon. Patrina was really interested in how we work on a shoot as well as how to connect with her subjects and post processing techniques. We of course covered all of those bases and a lot more, but what most impacted Chris and I during the mentor session was Patrina's amazing heart for others. Her ability to make you feel totally comfortable to let your guard down, her ability to make you laugh. She is compassionate, thoughtful, kind and so generous.... and not to mention a fantastic momma to her four kidos. We had an amazing time with her at the mentor session and it is always so encouraging to have someone fly us all the way to Denver because they want to hear a little bit about how we do things... It is so very humbling.

The day after the mentor session we arranged to have the most fantastic little lifestyle family shoot with Patrina's family at the Boulder Flat Irons. We were going to have the family out in the mountains on a picnic blanket with a big picnic basket and the works. Well, as it would turn out, the weather that day was absolutely terrible, 30 mph winds, thunderstorms, rain... oh and yes.... tornadoes. I talked to Patrina and we decided to go forward with the shoot. Mostly because Patrina and her family are totally amazing and adventurous and also because she had WAY more faith in me than I had in my self! I was sitting there thinking to myself, "Oh crap, shooting in heavy rain, bad wind, tornado warnings, it's super dark, and trying to make a family of 6 all look good, AND no reschedules because we fly out tomorrow.....can I really pull this off??" I was nervous as I had ever been for a shoot. And as we were driving out to Boulder it was almost as if we were driving into the black abyss, the heart of the storm. My stomach was sinking because I knew it was now or never, I had to preform and do my very best with the situation I was given.

When we finally arrived to the Flat Irons for the shoot the heavy rain turned to a sprinkle for a moment so we began to "hike in" to the shooting location. We were fine until we got to the spot we were shooting and it began to pour ruthlessly on us. It honestly was kind of hilarious thinking back now, but at the time I was freaking out a little bit inside ;). I included a photo with the fam on the blanket with the rain pouring down with an umbrella over them that they all didn't fit under. They were such great sports and just laughed about it but this was definitley not the shoot the family and I had dreamed for. It was at that point, with all of us soaking wet that I just start accepting that those may be the only shots that we will walk away with from this shoot because it was raining so bloody hard. And there I am, gripping my camera tighter than ever, snapping my shutter frantically and praying so hard for God to bail me out of this one and stop the rain. And what do you know!? The rain stopped. The deer came out. It was still. Until the kids pointed out a tornado off in the distance! eek. Seven tornadoes touched down that evening during our shoot. We were all soaking wet but we rolled with the punches. That's life I suppose. And I was really thrilled with the way we were still able to capture Patrina's family despite all the craziness and the chaos. 

I was stretched as an artist and a person during that shoot. I have never shot in such terrible weather conditions. I told myself, if I can pull this off with Sarah Rhoads gusto, I can pull off anything ;) It gave me confidence and encouragement. A huge part of the success of the shoot was the Odette's. Unlike most families, they didn't let the rain bother them, they were up for the adventure, they were able to just laugh about it and make the best of it. That kind of attitude is what saves a shoot. I feel so honored I was able to shoot this beautiful family. And I feel so thankful for the incredible "life nuggets" I was able to walk away with during our time in Colorado with the Odette family. Thank you all sincerely from the bottom of our hearts...





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Mark Alvis says: Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 09:57 AM

Love the umbrella shot!

Luisa Brimble says: Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 05:03 AM

one of my absolute favourite family portrait! makes me want to have a big family!!!!

Kiana says: Saturday, August 22, 2009, 12:06 PM

I LOOOOVE the picnic basket shot with the umbrella SO cute!!!

Radleigh says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 12:23 PM

WONDERFUL! Sarah, you are amazing. You caught this gorgeous family perfectly in the pouring rain! That is an amazing feat. I especially love the one where the family is standing equally spaced apart out in the field. Although it did get that song from The Sound of Music stuck in my head all day. You know.. the one where they all sing about the clock on the wall before heading off to bed. LOL! Awesome job!

Marissa Rodriguez says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 10:46 AM

And THAT is another reason as to why you are so amazing! Seriously :)

sarahrhoads says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 08:14 AM

@darby I have an amazing hubby who held an umbrella over me for most of the shoot :) He saved my butt

Darbi says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 07:38 AM

If my work in PERFECT weather could only be this amazing.... I would be in HEAVEN.
By the way...how'd you keep your camera dry enough to continue?


Amazing stuff...any pics of the tornadoes? :)

Emily Beaty says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 06:40 AM

What an amazing session, especially with the weather conditions! You guys are brave and completely awesome! Great job!

meg says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 04:11 AM

Hey Sarah! We should of definitely gotten a drink together....well - next time or next time i come there for a shoot! ;) Oh yeah...welcome to Colorado weather! Typical! Our weather is never typical. ;)

Tana H says: Friday, August 21, 2009, 12:34 AM

Couldn't have done a better job. Can't even tell that you don't rock out family sessions every day. These are amazing!

James Christianson says: Thursday, August 20, 2009, 04:40 PM

i'm so bummed you came to boulder and didn't even say "hi" i know you don't know me, but still, you should have said "hi" next time!

KeyonnaRenea says: Thursday, August 20, 2009, 02:24 PM

These are beautiful!! I'm so inspired.

Heather Kincaid says: Thursday, August 20, 2009, 11:19 AM

Love these! Everything about them. Especially love the piled up family shot.

carrie Sandoval says: Thursday, August 20, 2009, 10:12 AM

Wow... incredibly gorgeous images of a beautiful family (and good friend - love ya, P!)

Beth Armijo says: Thursday, August 20, 2009, 09:22 AM

Just spectacular! The photos capture so much about the Odette Family. My favorite is the group cuddled around Patrina, amazing & beautiful. LOVE LOVE!

Erika Jessop says: Thursday, August 20, 2009, 08:43 AM

Wonderful work, Sarah. I adore your style. I've known Patrina for about three years and there's no other strong, adventurous woman that I'd rather have hold my hand and walk into a storm : ) Her friendliness and joy really is contagious! I cried scrolling through gorgeous shot after gorgeous shot of them. This shoot speaks volumes about their close family vibe and your skill as a photographer. Patrina is a goddess.

Kirstie says: Thursday, August 20, 2009, 08:35 AM

What comes across in all of your blog posts is your sincerity in all that you do. I'm amazed at how openly you shared the challenges facing you in this shoot, I would never of known looking at images. The images are powerful. Full of love and quiet moments. This is one of my favourite shoots of yours. It's real, full of love and heart. I love that you took time to photograph the parents in a romantic moment as well as with their adorable kids. Beautiful images in so many ways. You are gifted.

kylie danielson says: Thursday, August 20, 2009, 08:02 AM

If you hadn't preceded this post with all the craziness of this shoot, I wouldn't have known. These images are beautiful and are a true testament to how awesome the Rhoads really are. Stunning.

haley lamb says: Thursday, August 20, 2009, 06:39 AM

wow. last one is my favorite, for sure! these are all amazing though!

Becka @Studio222 Photography says: Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 10:34 PM

I just love the picnic ones of her and her hubby. And the last one of everyone cuddled around her. Worth 10,000 words.

Zinchuk Studios says: Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 10:29 PM

What a wonderful story!! Fabulous photos, great location. . but what I really love is that you can feel the *heart* in this family and in their photogs ;)
~Jennifer

Sara says: Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 10:06 PM

Oh-My-Goodness! I just came across your website tonight and I myself am in love. In love with your amazing talent, with that adorable family, and with Colorado. Im not a photographer, but just someone who loves photography. I will check your site more often to sit and enjoy great images. Please tell me how you achieved those great silvery black and white images!

cristy cross says: Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 09:56 PM

That last one really speaks to me. As a mom myself, that would be the one I'd cherish most. Time just stands still when I look at this picture of all the love her family is giving her. To me she is saying, "I am loved." The best reward as a mom is the love your child gives you. Even after a crazy day, nothing matters when they cuddle and kiss you and give you that sweet little giggle.

Patrina Odette says: Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 09:24 PM

I think I'm in love all over again. With this shoot. With my family. With my husband. With you and Chris. With life. With Colorado. Thank you -- these are more perfect than I could've ever imagined. A night we'll never forget. Thank you Sarah and Chris! xoxo

LisaK says: Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 09:22 PM

Oh my, these photos are breathtaking! I can understand your fears Sarah but you clearly needn't have worried. You are so gifted and these photos are all so wonderful. Really, they probably wouldn't be nearly as amazing if the weather had been 'perfect'. You rock!

Erin Wallis says: Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 09:19 PM

You capture LOVE. It's a beautiful thing.

jonathan says: Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 09:19 PM

My dreams aren't even this colorful. Note to self: try to dream better than Sarah takes pictures.

jamie delaine says: Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 09:00 PM

Ohhhhhhhh. That's all I can do. All I can do when I think of you. ;) You're incredible Miss Sarah Rhoads.

Stephanie E. says: Wednesday, August 19, 2009, 08:58 PM

Awesome'ness!!!!!!

Sunday, August 2, 2009, 03:30 PM
Mary Wyar is a photographer from Toledo, Ohio who took a little road trip to Seattle for an 8 hour mentor session with Chris and I a few weeks ago. We spent the day chatting about Mary's goals/aspirations as a photographer and business woman and mapping out some good ways for her to tackle those. We gave her the in-depth look at our workflow and processing and also did a pretty extensive portfolio review.  As hard as portfolio reviews are, she took it like a champ. Mary also really wanted to go on a shoot together and see how we worked with our couples.  So we set up a shoot with Mary & Scott who drove up from California for the shoot. We all had a blast. You can see the results of that shoot on the latest blog post. And the last photo in this set is me with the two mary's ;) I pretty much love them. 

It is always so rewarding to affirm people in their journey, love on them, hear their goals and share some wisdom that we have gathered along the way. Another added bonus is we get to show people this amazing city that Chris and I live in. I am pretty sure Mary and her Hubby fell in love with it :) Which is very easy to do when you come to visit Seattle. 

So here are just a few snaps of Mary Wyar. Leave her some love and go check out her awesome Into the Darkroom blog (the same guys that did her blog also did ours).

Thoughts
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mary says: Friday, August 7, 2009, 08:20 AM

yay!!
thanks so much for everything sarah and chris!! you both are too frickin rad and offering to open your brains to fellow photogs is amazing of you. i'm so pumped for the new path i'm taking and have you both to thank for all your help & direction :)

Shannon Sewell says: Monday, August 3, 2009, 10:57 PM

these are SO cute! you are amazingness all wrapped up in an adorable blonde bundle ;) love, love 'em...
~S

Briony says: Monday, August 3, 2009, 03:37 PM

awesome shoot!

oneshotbeyond says: Monday, August 3, 2009, 10:16 AM

always such fun and creative shoots from you!

Mary says: Monday, August 3, 2009, 10:10 AM

So amazing!!! Mary looks stunning in every single one! My favorite is the black and white one..what an beautiful perspective! Sarah you rock...Mary you rock...it was wonderful spending that evening with you two!

Kara Wieler says: Monday, August 3, 2009, 07:48 AM

Wow, Love them, especially the first three. Getting more and more excited for my turn!

Jason says: Sunday, August 2, 2009, 06:44 PM

Great stuff Sarah...I really love #3 & #5!