Thursday, December 3, 2009, 05:50 PM
We have traveled to the great land of Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai. We've actually been here a few days it has just been hard to find time to sit down and blog. It is quite amazing here, it is different than Bangkok in many respects...but mostly there is less chaos here, life is a bit slower paced. The people of Thailand have captured our hearts. They are humble, gentle people that always have smiles on their faces. The people here are teaching me how to be better...

Being here puts the world into a better perspective. Reminding me that our pace of life in the States is a choice, and that many people choose to do things differently. Take in life, squeeze the nectar out of it. I think there are happy mediums for everything. I feel like I am always striving but never really achieving the "happy mediums" in my life; maybe one day :). Being here has beckoned me to ask myself, 'what do I really want out of life?' The question that often gets buried amidst the day to day on-goings of a busy life, but in a place like this is on the forefront of my heart and thoughts. It is a question all of us should ask more. It is a question that sets the scene of the story of our lives. What we want out of life determines everything, the choices we make, the goals we set, how we treat people. For me, I want to live a life of passion... I desire to love people better... to strive to understand the things that I do not understand... I desire to create, and in doing so make the world a little better. I desire to trust where God leads and not give into fear. Fear is the great thief that we oftentimes un-knowingly allow to steal so many of our beautiful moments. 

Anyhow, these are just a few of the many thoughts this great country has forced me to ask myself. It is amazing how when we get out of our comfort zones these type of questions surface, forcing a confrontation. We need more confrontation of the difficult questions in life. It feels good....

So enough of my ramblings for today... Chiang Mai is amazing... we have spent the day with elephants, hiked through the jungles to visit a fascinating hill-tribe of people called the "long neck tribe," I'll blog some of those soon, and learned to cook our favorite thai dishes. And tonight we will go to a Muay Thai boxing match... something I have been dying to do, oddly enough :) I am a bit overwhelmed with how many photos we have taken so many of these will be blogged when I have time to sit down with them for longer, but here are just a few. enjoy a little taste of Thailand.




Thoughts
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Lisa says: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 06:52 PM

I have been following your blog for a while now, and I want to let you know I love your photos.

I love love love the portraits you take of the people. LOVE THEM!!!

Thailand is amazing. I miss it....

Curtis Moore says: Tuesday, December 8, 2009, 08:28 AM

Looks like an amazing trip! Can't wait to go myself:):) Great work!!

Sarah says: Monday, December 7, 2009, 01:51 PM

Beautiful images! I feel like i'm walking along side of you.

Sarah says: Monday, December 7, 2009, 01:50 PM

Beautiful images! I feel like i'm walking along side of you.

anjuli paschall says: Sunday, December 6, 2009, 10:38 PM

My favorite place on thee entire planet. say hello to my family :) peace. I love your photography.

Jenice says: Sunday, December 6, 2009, 08:28 AM

Amazing photos! I cannot wait to hear about your many adventures!

arenda says: Saturday, December 5, 2009, 08:03 PM

those little girls by the motorbikes are way too adorable! love that pic.

imthiaz houseman says: Saturday, December 5, 2009, 08:33 AM

it would be nice to find that happy medium in life. :) beautiful images.

john pascale says: Friday, December 4, 2009, 10:42 AM

It's amazing how each photo conveys a specific emotion. Love them!

Kim Spears says: Friday, December 4, 2009, 10:09 AM

Ohhh Sarah, your photos make me want to go back there so badly ! I looooooved Chiang Mai and can't wait to be there again. Have fun at the Muay Thai fight ...they're crazy !!! Oh and if you can, please have a banana pancake with nutella for me :)

Sarah Anna Hansen says: Friday, December 4, 2009, 09:28 AM

Beautiful and inspiring...

applem00N says: Friday, December 4, 2009, 08:22 AM

think i'm ready for a thai iced coffee now.

Pascal says: Friday, December 4, 2009, 01:14 AM

Great shots! Love the entrance of the pagoda with th monk. It brings back memories. Enjoy!

Gabriel Van Wyhe says: Friday, December 4, 2009, 12:02 AM

Wow, what an amazing adventure and amazing pictures!! I'm thrilled for you two!!

Amanda H says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 08:25 PM

Beautiful pics! Can't wait to chat with you about all that God is showing you. Praying that you are being refreshed and ignited and being filled to overflowing!!

Harmony Loves says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 07:43 PM

Gorgeous pictures. I bet you all are having the time of your lives and eating great food!

Candice says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:46 PM

Hey Sarah! Your pictures are beautiful! Jon and I lived in Chiang Mai for a year the year before last. Your updates are making me feel homesick for Thailand. We've about decided to go back to visit this summer. Keep the pics coming...they make me sad we aren't there, but so happy to have experienced it at the same time! You really are capturing the people so well; they truly are incredible. I keep thinking one of our friends is going to show up on your site:)

Debby says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:28 PM

Love the images. I'll be there this next August for a 2 month backpacking journey through southeast asia....and seeing this makes me soooo excited. =)

Kayleen T. says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:18 PM

Looks like you guys are having such an awesome experience!! Great pictures, makes me feel like I'm right there on the street!

Kate Noelle says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:12 PM

Such good thoughts... inspiring to let them sink in and activate. :) Keep the awesome pictures and stories coming! This is curbing my appetite for more Thailand.

James Moes says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:09 PM

Well-deserved rest. Thanks for the images.

Kara Wieler says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:05 PM

My heart aches to be there when I look at these photos. Gorgeous!

Julie h says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:04 PM

i love the shot of the bashful little girls!

Gerald says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 06:01 PM

I love the shot of the boy eating the popsicle!

Monday, November 30, 2009, 08:00 AM
Waking up in Bangkok this morning was surreal. I think I woke up with a smile on my face. Feeling the "push" of a Monday in this beautiful city was enlightening. The faces, the smiles, the smells, the sweat, the sound of scooters racing around you, the stray cat that follows me home, the birds, the decadent architecture, the seeming poverty but the richness of spirit.... and the Thai food... oh the amazing Thai food! This city has an indescribable energy to it. I feel so humbled to be here. To be able to share in this experience with Chris.

We woke up this morning at 4am (yes, we are still adjusting to this whole 15 hours ahead thing).  And in case you were wondering, yes, it is the end of the day Monday for me in the 'future' and the beginning of the day Monday for you. I think we must have walked about 20 miles today, and my heart was overflowing. I loved taking it all in. People watching. Trying to capture everything I was seeing, smelling and hearing with my lens. This is the kind of thing that makes me come to life. There was one point today when Chris looked at me, smiled, and said, "Sarah, you are a true photographer, you really have found your calling in life..." Coming from him, it meant the world. This IS what I feel like I was born to do. To capture people. To create. To inspire others through the people that I photograph. To be a vessel.

Statues bore me really, Chris made me put a few temples in this post because the architecture in Thailand really is breathtaking. And it would be a shame not to put just a few of those frames in. As much as I appreciate the temples and like to look at them, I have discovered I do not like to photograph them. I like people. I connect with people. So that is what I spent most of my time today doing :) Capturing the people of Bangkok. These are only a few snippits of the shots we have captured from Bangkok.... There will be many more to come. Off to Chiang Mai tomorrow morning. Gotta get some shut eye.





Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (26)
Meaghan Cook says: Thursday, December 3, 2009, 02:51 AM

These make me want to go on holidays. NOW!

Amy says: Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 09:39 PM

Would love to visit Asia specifically Thailand!! Just looks so beautiful and such a different culture. What and adventure you are having!

Natasha says: Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 06:45 PM

Awesome shots guys! Enjoy your time there and don't forget to take more pictures!

tara whitney says: Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 08:52 AM

Sarah,
I have been so excited to see your point of view of Thailand. You did not disappoint! I am so happy you love it. Wish I could be there too.

xoxo

John Pascale says: Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 08:35 AM

I really like the yellow stripe shot. All of them are great! Enjoy your trip

kristen says: Tuesday, December 1, 2009, 03:03 PM

WONDERFUL! I miss Thailand so much! Can't wait to head back in summer!

I do miss 50cent meals..

Liyana says: Tuesday, December 1, 2009, 01:36 AM

hey, since you're in Thailand, why don't you come to Malaysia.. You should try Langkawi Island, considering it is up north of the peninsular, it is quite near to Thailand. Enjoy you vacation.

geneoh says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 11:59 AM

looks like such an awesome trip. can't wait to see more.

Casey Warren says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 11:46 AM

Wow, awesome photos. Great to see that you guys are rockin it out in Thailand!!!! wooowee. It must be amazing over there. Im really liking the photo of the painter.....he's got some skill in keeping that yellow line perfectly straight. Miss you guys, hope your Thanksgiving was good too! lets get together when you get back, would love to hear about your travels ;)

~Casey W.

Sarah Danaher says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 10:36 AM

Ooooooooooooh you make me miss that precious country.

Anna says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 10:08 AM

I love hearing how *alive* you are. Travel always seems to peel back all of the excess and bring us to our very senses. ♥ The color in your images is just divine. Somehow faded and yet still so rich and vibrant. Amazing. Lovelovelove.

imthiaz houseman says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 09:57 AM

what stunning photos. i hope you and chris are enjoying this wonderful time in your lives, i can't wait to see what you share with us!

Abigayle Ellson says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 09:54 AM

As soon as I read that you were heading to Bangkok I couldn't wait to see how you would capture this amazing place. You haven't disapointed in any way. Looks a lot cleaner and more modern than when I was there 19 years ago, but the people, food, smells and landscape are just something that I hope never change. Wait until you head out to Chang Mai - it will blow your socks off. Enjoy every minute as much as I did; as much as I enjoy every image you post. Thank you, Abi x

arenda says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 09:42 AM

wow, great photos! i love people photography, too... though i'm always a little nervous to just jump in and take a picture. great work!

haley lamb says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 09:22 AM

wow....love everything about this post!

Kate Noelle says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 09:20 AM

I am SOOO excited you're in Thailand. I spend 2.5 months there in 2008 and I love that I get to see another photographer's perspective through their experiences and art. Have an AMAZING time! :)

Janet says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 09:10 AM

I always enjoy your blog, but I'm SUPER excited for these next few weeks of Thai goodness!

Mary says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 08:59 AM

what a beautiful adventure! So excited for you two to be there! I can totally relate to you about architecture photographs..never interested me. I seek out the emotion in people as well. Beautiful images! Can't wait to see more! Have fun you two!

Harvey says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 08:41 AM

Looks like you are having a good time, I feel jealous. I know that feeling you describe.

I'm impressed, not only by your photographs. But also by the person painting the yellow line, I wish I could paint a yellow line straight like that without making a huge mess. No tape or anything, looks perfect to me.


Thanks for sharing.

Julie h says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 08:38 AM

dare i ask what those turtles are for??? afternoon snack?
lovely photos! The elderly woman in the second photo makes my heart smile. :)

Jenice says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 08:37 AM

Beautiful work. I can't wait to see more. Have an amazing time!

Julie h says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 08:36 AM

dare i ask what those turtles are for??? afternoon snack?
lovely photos! The elderly woman in the second photo makes my heart smile. :)

Kara Wieler says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 08:31 AM

LOVE the yellow paint shot, and the umbrella in the intersection! Wow, didn't realize how badly I want to return to Thailand until I saw these photos. I would love to share this magical place with my husband!! You've captured it so well, the energy, the colors, the life.... I can practically smell the smells and hear the sounds! Can't wait to see what else you share with us!!!

Simon says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 08:21 AM

Really good photos, do you always ask permission? For instance the guy sleeping on the bench - I would be worried that someone might take offense!

Also the guy reading by the road side, great shot, but if I asked him to take his photo he then might pose and the photo wouldn't have the same mood, and if I didn't ask, again people might take offense!

Love to take photos like this but I am a bit of a wuss when it comes to photographing on the street!

Steve Gerrard says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 08:19 AM

Hope you're having a great time guys. Make sure you have dinner at Cabbages & Condoms in Bangkok :)

neal Carpenter says: Monday, November 30, 2009, 08:13 AM

Wow. Thailand is on my list. I'm even more sure that I must go. Have fun.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009, 09:05 AM
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." - John Kennedy

Today, like many others, thankfulness is rushing over me like a big giant Hawaiian wave. Although I am thankful for a whole big slew of things (more than I could ever attempt to list in this small space), most notably I am thankful for him. My husband. My partner in crime. My support system. My rock. My business partner. My "tech support." My best friend. My encourager. My biggest fan. My dreamer. My family. My leader. My soulmate. The guy who loves me even when it is challenging (and trust me... It is always relatively challenging!). I always say I couldn't do any of what is "Sarah Rhoads Photographers" without him and I mean it. When I met him my world took on a new life. I wouldn't be doing any of my photography professionally if it weren't for his belief in me and pushing me to be the best woman that I can be everyday... not to mention I was a complete "tech-tard" before I met Chris and he has taught me everything I know when it comes to anything computer related :). I am soo overwhelmingly thankful for him. words cannot begin to express.... 

Enjoy your thanksgiving everyone. Eat a lot and then eat some more and be sure to tell those you love how much you appreciate them in your life :)

What are you most thankful for today? 

Thoughts
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wrecklessgirl says: Sunday, November 29, 2009, 04:45 AM

Katja says: Friday, November 27, 2009, 12:27 AM

We don't celebrate thanksgiving in Germany like in the US, but it's a great idea to think about we are thankful for.
I'm extraordenary thankful for having the possibility to live my life like it is. With a wunderful husband, a great familiy and best friends ever.

Beata English says: Friday, November 27, 2009, 12:14 AM

hi Sarah, Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you had an amazing day! i love your post - beautiful!

P.s your new site and blog are so amazing!!

Melissa Oholendt says: Thursday, November 26, 2009, 10:06 PM

Funny, those husbands are crucial in the support system. Love this.

Jeff Holt says: Thursday, November 26, 2009, 08:40 PM

You know what? I'm pretty darn thankful for that guy too, not to mention the Sarah in Sarah Rhoads Photography. It's pretty hard to measure what the two of you have brought to my life in the last year and I know we've only started our journey. You two inspire me in countless ways and I'm beyond thankful to call you friends.

shannon sewell says: Thursday, November 26, 2009, 11:30 AM

we're grateful for him too... kinda fond of this whole sarah rhoads photography thing ;)

you guys are both people and friends that rise above... i just want to thank you for letting me be on the receiving end. much much love... have a fabulous day my dears ;)

xoxo ~S

Thursday, November 19, 2009, 11:18 AM
The first time I ever took a self portrait was a couple years ago at Life as an Artform. This is one I took about a month ago. Since the fifteenth century, artists have created self portraits of themselves. In every creative medium it seems a common practice that throughout the course of the artists' career they create a variety of self portraits over the course of time. Whether it is for an exploration of self, a projection of self, a means of therapy or just as a means to remember what they looked like and how they felt during a particular season. 

Many of the artistic "greats," Rembrandt, Van Gogh, & Picasso (to name a few) took a slew of self portraits through the course of their defining and successful careers. I can't help but  think that maybe they were onto something :). One of the very best examples of self-portraiture is the work of Frida Kahlo. Frida is often one of the main characters in her work and used this is a means of therapy in her attempt to work through personal afflictions.

All of these artists attempted to grasp their identities. Whether or not the images showed a clear representation or only what the artist wants us to see about them, this internal self-exploration is powerful and seems to be a therapeutic and beneficial practice for every creative. 

So this is me. in my self portrait and I thought I would share with you. **I also thought it would be quite interesting to collect a variety of peoples' self-portraits and put together a blog post of them. So if you have a self portrait you would like to submit it to be posted please send a high res version to consulting@sarahrhoads.com we'll say December 20th is the deadline and I'll post them before the new year.... a good way to start the new year. With a self-portrait of what we looked like the year before.** 

Thoughts
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shawnreeder says: Monday, November 23, 2009, 05:21 PM

Beautiful image Sarah!!

Harmony Loves says: Saturday, November 21, 2009, 12:17 PM

beautiful picture. i love the lights and the overall warm feeling :)

Harmony Loves says: Saturday, November 21, 2009, 12:16 PM

beautiful picture. i love the lights and the overall warm feeling :)

Alexandra says: Saturday, November 21, 2009, 02:30 AM

I'm loving the self portrait :) Very beautiful

Patrina says: Friday, November 20, 2009, 11:33 AM

Hello cutie! I love this post and have to agree with you. Self portraits are an excellent way (for me) to connect with myself and my art form. It's an honest look at self exploration. I'm in my second year of shooting a self portrait a week. So many benefits, and very challenging. Many blessings to you and Chris, and thank you again for your continued inspiration.

Suki says: Friday, November 20, 2009, 10:27 AM

I really like the idea of your selfportrait! Love your blog.

Suki says: Friday, November 20, 2009, 10:25 AM

I really like the idea of your selfportrait! Love your blog.

Carolyn says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 08:42 PM

Truly amazing!

naomi chokr says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 03:58 PM

im new to your blog. i love your style. im slowly learning about photography but not quite there yet. im happy i found your blog...i look forward to seeing your work and get inspiration from them

naomi chokr says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 03:58 PM

im new to your blog. i love your style. im slowly learning about photography but not quite there yet. im happy i found your blog...i look forward to seeing your work and get inspiration from them

naomi chokr says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 03:57 PM

im new to your blog. i love your style. im slowly learning about photography but not quite there yet. im happy i found your blog...i look forward to seeing your work and get inspiration from them

Chris Reichman says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 12:12 PM

Wow today's blog was meant for me. It couldn't have been more perfectly timed. thanks

mary says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 12:00 PM

yay to self portraits!! superb idea mrs. rhoads.

todd scott ballje says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 11:47 AM

im not sure if you are a better photographer, communicator or thinker. and that is a compliment. its inspiring that you that you take the time to think and ponder and formulate your philosophies. (please tell me that it takes time and you dont just wake up every day with a new great perspective) :)

so is thailand a vacay or a wedding?

Micah Dahlberg says: Thursday, November 19, 2009, 11:37 AM

Cool idea. I'll be sure to send one along. Just stumbled upon your work and am enjoying it and your posts thus far. Great words and great images. Just wanted to send a word of encouragement your way. Hope our photographic paths cross one of these days. Until then.