Monday, July 12, 2010, 10:55 AM
One of my favorite authors, Seth Godin, defines art as "unique, new, and challenging to the status quo. It is not decoration. It is something that causes change." 

I love this definition of art. It forces me to ask myself the difficult question of how are my photos causing change? 

Getting to the heart of people has always been my passion. There is an art to drawing out that beautiful space of authenticity and freedom in people. For me, change can happen between the subjects we are working with, the people experiencing the imagery, or change can happen in me, as the artist. The ultimate goal is for an experience. When we experience, we change. When we experience, we grow. Which beckons the question of, how can I build experiences for each of the people we work with? When we can create experiences for people through taking photos we give them a gift that is more than just a pretty picture. 

Being a body who snaps a shutter and knows the technicalities of the camera is merely being a photographer. Having a WHY, a reason behind the shutter, is what differentiates a photographer from an artist. My why? I want people to experience love and freedom through our images... I want to create imagery that inspires people to love harder and live a life dancing in freedom, joy and passion. 

Just some thoughts I have been having recently on inviting people into an experience that I thought I would share... 

Happy Monday!


Thoughts
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Emma Case says: Thursday, July 15, 2010, 04:17 AM

Hey Sarah and Chris,

I wholeheartedly agree.

x

Alex says: Wednesday, July 14, 2010, 03:31 AM

Beautiful post!!! :) So inspiring as usual!

Melina Wallisch says: Tuesday, July 13, 2010, 10:55 AM

you ARE changing the world

Anda says: Monday, July 12, 2010, 02:36 PM

I wrote about Seth Godin and being an artist today TOO. Ahh, great minds...LOL.

Lora Ayers says: Monday, July 12, 2010, 01:38 PM

Very well said, and such a great desire to have. Thanks for sharing.

mandiimae says: Monday, July 12, 2010, 01:36 PM

i like the way you think. and i like when you share with us what you're thinking:) thank you!

kirsten says: Monday, July 12, 2010, 01:21 PM

I love that definition of art too. Wonderful things to think about, thanks Sarah!

Thursday, July 1, 2010, 08:40 AM
I've been thinking a lot about the attitude of scarcity versus the attitude of possibility recently. The attitude of scarcity is the notion that embraces the idea that resources, clients, knowledge are so scarce so we must "take and guard" what is "ours." It is viewpoint that sees the pie as small with limited pieces for people. It is an attitude that breeds competition rather than "co-opetition." This attitude keeps people from being excited about the success of others. Instead, we feel threatened by them, we feel jealousy creep in. The attitude of scarcity surrounds us in people and society every day. It is the outlook of the person that wakes up in the morning with the assumption that life is about merely staying alive and surviving in a world of very limited resources.  It is what keeps people from sharing an ultimately growing. This is an attitude and outlook rooted in the enemy... fear.

On the other side of that, I have encountered a handful of people in my life that embrace another kind of attitude... one that I admire and strive after...the attitude of possibility. This attitude embraces the idea that anything is possible. In this world of possibility, thought is not impeded by the concern of survival, but stands in the field of optimism with a posture of vast openness. These are the people that share their knowledge freely because instead of feeling threatened by the thought of scarcity they are excited by the thought of continued growth for both parties. This attitude recognizes that there is plenty of business to go around, setting them free to be happy for the success of their colleagues and counterparts.  The attitude of possibility doesn't see people with eyes that limit and measure them, but rather, sees them for all of the unique potential that each person posses'.  This is an attitude that recognizes that each of us is created with individual gifts and talents and that anyone is capable of ANYTHING they put their mind to. Instead of living in fear, this attitude is rooted in freedom, choice, and love. This is a perspective that recognizes that the pie is enormous and even if you take a piece, the pie is whole again. 

Everyday we make a choice about the attitude we will embrace by our thoughts, words and motives. For me, I will continue striving to live in love and not fear. I will choose to see the world for all of it's variety, glimmer, hope, engagement and forward movement. The seemingly small moments of our lives are ultimately what write our life stories. We have a choice about how they will be written. For me I will continue to dance in the vast and glowing fields of possibility....

For anyone who cares to explore this idea of possibility in more depth, I highly recommend a book I read back in January called The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander & Benjamin Zander. It was an inspiring read that offers great insight and perspective.

Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (29)
ellie says: Thursday, July 29, 2010, 02:06 PM

thank you, I will be picking up your book reccomendation.

Kristin says: Saturday, July 10, 2010, 03:31 PM

This is something I've been thinking about lately. Is there enough for everyone? Can everyone live the life they dream? And that negative feeling when others accomplish what I cannot and while I know it is counterproductive it is hard to quiet the negativity. thank you for the lovely thoughts and words, it reminds me of a much more loving and open perspective.

christin rose says: Sunday, July 4, 2010, 09:20 AM

one of my favorite posts yet. you are brilliant.

Jenn Best says: Saturday, July 3, 2010, 10:44 PM

Great reminder Sarah! I just read this book in April after the Jesh workshop and I too found it inspiring and aspirational - LOVE IT. Hope you're having a great summer so far :)

Laura says: Saturday, July 3, 2010, 09:28 PM

Love living in the world of possibility and always believing my dreams will come true. Thanks!

Laura says: Saturday, July 3, 2010, 09:28 PM

Love to live in the world of possibility and always beilieving my dreams will come true. Thanks!

Patrina says: Saturday, July 3, 2010, 05:01 PM

Sarah, you're beautiful in every way. Thank you for staying true to yourself. What a gift you are..

Nirav says: Saturday, July 3, 2010, 09:40 AM

Thank you for this Sarah. You have the amazing ability to captivate and inspire people through images and words. What you guys do it beyond beautiful. It touches my heart and changes the way I view the world for the better and I can't thank you enough.

Suki says: Saturday, July 3, 2010, 09:08 AM

Inspirational writing :)

Alex Beadon says: Saturday, July 3, 2010, 08:58 AM

I love your blog. Always so inspirational.

Mercedes says: Friday, July 2, 2010, 05:31 PM

I wish more people would have that attitude of possibility... at least where I'm at :/

Truc says: Friday, July 2, 2010, 03:33 PM

Thank you for this post. So true and inspiring.

mary says: Friday, July 2, 2010, 12:54 PM

you sure get a lot of girls to run around in their underwear! ;) would love to see a list of book recs... just finished some linchpin. genius :)

Patricia E says: Friday, July 2, 2010, 06:55 AM

Love this! Sometimes I tend to believe that there's more than enough for everyone but me. I know it's not truth or how God intended me to live- sometimes it's harder said than done but at least I move forward.

HannahTaylor says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 08:42 PM

I love your insight!! I know a lot of people probably say this, but I just feel like such a kindred spirit with you! I love living with the attitude of possibility and I think that it rubs people the wrong way. I have felt like people just look at me weird, like, "you think you can do that?" "You don't have a degree in that, we all have the "right" degree and you think you can just start doing the same thing." All I have to say is when you are born to do something you need to do it, whether it is photography, design, teaching, communicating, being a mom, accounting, the news, construction, it doesn't matter. That's the fun!

Tim G says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 08:00 PM

Excellent thoughts, thanks for this post!! This is a great perspective. I can testify first hand that you practice what you preach.. My wife and I are just starting out with photography, and Sarah and Chris have been a HUGE help, generously taking the time to answer questions for us, asking nothing back from us, even though we've offered. Thanks to you both so much. Your art really is inspiring. We are huge fans!!

Kevin Wrenn Photography says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 04:14 PM

What a beautiful post to read. You said it so eloquently. You and Chris are beautiful expressions of something grand and I love being a witness to what you both bring to the world. Thanks for continuing to share the gift of yourselves with me.

Is that you in the pic? If so I love it and kudos to Chris for capturing it!

caroline says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 03:37 PM

That was incredibly inspiring and insightful, Sarah. Thank you for that. I was in a design meeting this morning, shared this with a friend, and your post ended up getting read aloud to everyone. Not only does your art continue to challenge me, but your thoughts on life allow me to enjoy mine just that little bit more. Cheers.

Karen Knapper says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 01:38 PM

I cannot tell you how refreshing it is to read this. As I am a photographer just getting my start in this business, I am often shunned or ignored when I reach out to other professionals in this business, looking for guidance and mentors. It has been incredibly discouraging, so to know that there are others out there that are willing to share their knowledge and experience gives me hope. I may have to get there on my own, but you have inspired me to be diligent in helping those that come behind me.

Well done, Sarah.

Melanie Watson says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 12:22 PM

Lovely. It is often trying when surrounded by so many people that are of the scarcity mindset, but it is the possibility people that make the world wonderful. Keep exploring the possible friend. :)

Stephanie Cristalli says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 11:17 AM

And that attitude is one of the many reasons you are so successful!
Cheers.

Anna says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 11:15 AM

Oh Sarah, this could not have been more timely. Thank you so much for this... :)

Michelle Stone says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 10:55 AM

So well said! LOVE it!!! I'll definitely be checking out that book.

Melissa says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 10:40 AM

LOVE this - just what I needed to read this morning.

Sarah says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 09:54 AM

Long time lurker.... Very eloquently put. I've been reading your words for a while now and you always seem to know just how to say them to give me hope. Thank you.

Rachel says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 09:10 AM

That is correct! The Universe says there is ENOUGH of EVERYTHING for everyone! Share!

Beautiful Photo!

Katie says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 08:55 AM

Such a great reminder for my morning. Plus, I just love the picture!

Rachel says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 08:55 AM

That is correct! The Universe says there is ENOUGH of EVERYTHING for everyone! Share!

Beautiful Photo!

kirsten says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 08:50 AM

AMEN!

Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 08:37 AM
Today Chris and I have been married for three years! They have been the happiest three years of my life. Every day I wake up continually grateful and humbled that I get to be married to such a fantastically brilliant and truly beautiful person. When Chris and I got married, that meant forever. To us marriage means working through times that may not be easy. Talking things through when all you want to do is shut down... it means choosing to love one another with each passing moment. The absolute joy of being married to your soulmate cannot be put into words... being with him gives me wings.

When I'm with him I feel alive, understood, unstoppable, confident, clear headed, free, excited, hopeful, strong, bold, selfless, loving, passionate... he makes me better. He is my yin and I am his yang. We fill in each others gaps. Where I am weak he is strong. I feel so completely thankful for him. 

Every year we take a little overnight trip somewhere to celebrate or anny. For our first anniversary we went to Cannon Beach, OR and last year we went to Victoria, B.C. This year we are just going to hop in the car without a plan and see where we end up... kind of a "choose your own adventure" of sorts ;) It will be good for us to crawl out from behind our editing caves and go just be together and celebrate.

Thoughts
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Sarah Gattis says: Wednesday, July 7, 2010, 04:20 PM

A belated congrats on year three! You guys are awesome and your work is as amazing as ever!!! Keep goin' strong in love and life!!!

Jenn Best says: Saturday, July 3, 2010, 10:47 PM

HAPPY BELATED ANNIVERSARY!!!

Truc says: Friday, July 2, 2010, 03:04 PM

What a wonderful post. Congrats and happy anniversary!

laurie says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 10:56 PM

it may be hard to believe that things could be better than they are right now when they probably seem pretty perfect .... but it continually amazes me how the love between husband and wife can grow year after year! It truly is a beautiful thing. Happy anniversary to you two wonderful people!

galen says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 08:19 AM

choose your own adventures are the best. enjoy! and congratulations :)

Katja says: Thursday, July 1, 2010, 12:45 AM

How crazy! Yesterday we had our wedding anniversary too! 4 Years now... :-)

Amanda H says: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 09:17 PM

Cheers to the couple who makes me see that it's worth the wait. I LOVE YOU BOTH!!! -Bestie

josh solar says: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 06:38 PM

Congrats you two, from the bottom of my heart, CONGRATS. I love when 2 people find their soul mates and happily spend the rest of their lives together. 3 years is a great start on 50, and I can tell, even from the few interactions we've had, that you'll be just as happy 47 years from now as you are today, and that makes me smile. LOVE ALWAYS WINS.

Karlie Jones says: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 03:56 PM

Congrats to you both! So happy for you! Enjoy your adventure! :)

Julie says: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 11:39 AM

You guys are so awesome, congrats!!

kylie says: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 11:03 AM

I have had the urge lately to hit I-90, turn down some little unknown highway, and let it take me to whatever funny little Washington town I can find. I hope your guys stumble on something amazing! Happy 3 years!

Spencer says: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 10:55 AM

So pumped for you guys!! You two seem so great!!

WeddingXpert says: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 10:13 AM

I'm such a fan of your work. Congratulations on the anny, enjoy yourself!

Marilyn Sanchez says: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 10:06 AM

Many Congrats! To many, many, many more years together...and then some. :)

-M

josh mccullock says: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 09:54 AM

raising my glass to you both and wishing you many more years of happiness and combined bad-ass creativity, congrats Rhoads fam !!

jamie delaine says: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 09:37 AM

i just got home from victoria yesterday! enjoy your trip, rhoads.

Maureen Nikonov says: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 09:34 AM

Such a beautiful post. I love your reverence and passion for marriage because I couldn't agree more, it's amazing. And so are anniversaries...have a wonderful one! :)

Rebecca Hansen says: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 09:18 AM

Happy Anniversary guys! I hope you have a wonderful time :)

diane says: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 09:18 AM

congrats you two crazy kids! you guys fit each other like gloves and i hope your 3rd anni adventure takes you somewhere as beautiful as you two are.

Katie says: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 09:06 AM

Happy anniversary!!! I hope you have such a wonderful day! Seriously, marriage is the best, and nothing compares. :)

Kate Whitmore says: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 09:04 AM

Have fun celebrating Year Three & envisioning an amazing Year Four!

johnna brynn says: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 08:54 AM

Congratulations! and bountiful Blessings to your future!

Friday, June 25, 2010, 12:15 AM
Summer is here.
For me this means... 
Frolicking in fields,
Lots of allergies,
Eating fresh fruit, 
Working my tail off, 
happy hours,
with friends, 
reading, 
shooting,
shooting, 
shooting,
eating good eats,
new music, 
sunscreen,
floppy hats,
airplane rides,
new friends,
anniversary,
bbq's,
dreaming,
vino, 
learning to garden,
lemonaide, 
pushing myself,
growth,
inspiration,
sunshine,
weddings,
love, 

leaving on a jet plane today for D.C.... tata!

Hair/Makeup: Tiffany Lowry

more to come...


Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (10)
Truc says: Friday, July 2, 2010, 03:20 PM

Love this image! And I love summer too!

Rebecca Westby says: Wednesday, June 30, 2010, 02:46 PM

Love this one -- and love shooting with you two!

Lisa says: Saturday, June 26, 2010, 02:34 AM

It's freezing here but your photo and words have warmed me up : ) I LOVE this image!

Mary says: Friday, June 25, 2010, 09:53 AM

Have fun in DC! I can't wait to see the rest of this shoot. Looks like a perfect summery photo shoot.

Anda says: Friday, June 25, 2010, 06:51 AM

How on earth you have time to learn to garden, I do not know. Even with all that momentum. You amaze. Not just me. Everyone :)

Bianca Valentim says: Friday, June 25, 2010, 05:18 AM

summer is here!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!
beautiful image!!!!

Alex Beadon says: Friday, June 25, 2010, 02:38 AM

What a beautiful shot! I like your summer love list :)

anna says: Friday, June 25, 2010, 02:35 AM

love the styling in this shot!

Adam Pratt says: Friday, June 25, 2010, 01:14 AM

Was this your fun Wednesday shoot? Beautifully done....

Adam Pratt says: Friday, June 25, 2010, 01:13 AM

Was this your fun Wednesday shoot? Beautifully done....