Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 07:35 AM
Today is a very special day :)

It is the day that my sweet man was born. My heart feels overtaken with love when I think about how much my husband means to me. He loves me unconditionally, he laughs at my stupid jokes, he pushes me to be a better woman than I could ever imagine, and even after seven years together he can still make my heart flutter. So today, I just wanted to do a post to honor him on his Birthday.... To my soul mate and my very best friend, I wouldn't be anywhere without you. Thank you for loving me even when it's hard and I am stubborn and difficult. Thank you for always listening and for sharing your nook with me. I love your nook. It's my favorite place in the world. I'm looking forward to celebrating many more birthdays together and opening cheesy homemade cards even when our eyes are so old they cannot see what is directly in front of them. 

This birthday Chris and I took a surprise trip to Palm Springs. We're spending a few days just being together and celebrating life.

Happy Birthday to you love!

and post script for any photo geeks out there that are curious these frames were shot with our Leica M6 and are straight out of camera... film = muy yummy.


Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (21)
forget.me.knot.weddings says: Tuesday, April 27, 2010, 08:13 PM

Sarah! We just missed you. My husband Chris's b-day was 4/15 and we went to the Ace to celebrate! I love all your shoots! Your work is so rad! I tried taking a photo at the bar and mine for sure did not come out as well as yours, haha!
megan

Abby {Super Burbs} says: Tuesday, April 27, 2010, 09:11 AM

This is so stunning! I am in LOVE with your work!

cameron clark| cameron + kelly studio says: Thursday, April 22, 2010, 07:51 PM

I want a Leica. 25 seems like forever ago and I'm only 33. live it up now before the mini me's come along.

Sacha says: Thursday, April 22, 2010, 05:40 PM

pitter patter for love that keeps growing - happy birthday Chris.

Kelly Beane says: Thursday, April 22, 2010, 10:46 AM

What a sweet post! Happy birthday Chris!

Linny says: Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 06:23 PM

Chris, may you have awesome abundantly and blessed Birthday!!!

fer juaristi says: Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 05:06 PM

happy bday dude, cheers from MX

Meredith Amadee says: Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 03:03 PM

Mmm love how photos turn out with rangefinders! These are perfect in b&w!

shannon sewell says: Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 01:55 PM

happy birthday sir... have a great one ;)

~S

Kara Mercer says: Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 11:27 AM

Happy Birthday, Chris!! I hope it is the best one yet!! You two take a breather and enjoy eachother in Palm Springs!!

Jill says: Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 10:49 AM

Happy Birthday, Chris. It's my birthday, too, today. Have a great time in Palm Springs.

diane says: Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 10:32 AM

happy birthday chris! hope you're having a fabulous day and i can't wait for you guys to visit us in may!

Calie says: Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 10:13 AM

GORGEOUS words Sarah!! You guys are such an inspiration!! May God keep your marriage and friendship with each other firmly in his hands forever!!! You are both so truly blessed to have each other!!

sean mclean says: Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 09:33 AM

so old and wise

anda says: Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 09:10 AM

happy birthday, chris! you are awesome.

Adele Cabanillas says: Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 08:56 AM

Happy Birthday Chris!! Hope you guys have a great time Palm Springs!! :)

ken says: Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 08:52 AM

happy birthday chris!

Jeff & Debra says: Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 08:47 AM

Happy Birthday to our #1 son. We love you both very much!

Jon says: Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 08:46 AM

You two are such an awesome couple. Happy Birthday Chris and such lovely words Sarah!

alexandra says: Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 08:34 AM

happy birthday to chris!!!

scott + cristen chester says: Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 08:21 AM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHRIS!!!

Monday, April 5, 2010, 07:26 AM
If there is one photographer who has set the bar insanely high in photographic community it is Tim Walker. His work consistently blows my mind. Walker is one who places a high value on the creative process and being true to himself. His sets are always beautifully extravagant and his images are full of whimsy and quirk. 

I've had his lovely coffee table book Tim Walker Pictures for about a year now. I have a slight obsession with collecting photography and travel coffee table books.... so much so that my stack is about to come toppling over... but I.CANT.STOP. Walker's book is by far one of my all time favorites. The pages within this book are true art. Although our images are very different, Walker is a constant source of inspiration for us. Here is a bit of his bio from his website: 

"Tim Walker's photographs have entranced the readers of Vogue, month by month, for over a decade. Extravagant staging and romantic motifs characterize his unmistakable style. 

Born in England in 1970, his interest in photography began at the Conde Nast library in London where he worked on the Cecil Beaton archive for a years work experience prior to University. Being placed third in The Independent newspaper photography awards led to a three year photography BA Hons degree at Exeter College of Art. 

On graduation in 1994 Walker worked as a freelance photography assistant in London before moving to New York City as a full time assistant to Richard Avedon. On returning to England he initially concentrated on portrait and documentary work for UK newspapers. At the age of 25 he shot his first fashion story for Vogue, and has photographed for the British, Italian, and American editions ever since. 

In the spring of 2008 his first major show was held at the Design Museum in London, which coincided with the publication of his first book 'Pictures.' "

I wanted to share this today because I find that many photographers have blinders on to the greatness that is out there in the photographic world. Many are too busy reading other wedding photographers photo blogs and checking flicker to stop and recognize the brilliance that resides outside the wedding photography community. And I would beg those who have not yet heard of Tim Walker to get out of the wedding bubble and explore other types/shapes and forms that photography takes on. It's so important to set the bar high in your creative life. Looking at people that are worlds and worlds beyond where we are creatively is healthy for any artist. Set your bar high. 

Oh. and also, please go pick up Walker's book. You wont regret it. 




Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (15)
marydougherty says: Thursday, April 8, 2010, 10:04 AM

so true! thanks for the words and pointing out the inspiration of Tim Walker - ps you do a great job yourself

Genevieve Renee says: Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 08:36 AM

Talk about perfect timing! Sarah the day before you sent out this post I was scouring my city with my boyfriend to find a photography book that would satisfy my eyes delight with some amazing inspiration. I couldn't find ANYTHING that 100% appealed to me. The very next day I log on to your blog and Here it is!!! THE perfect book. Thank you so much for sharing this with us! I ordered one and it's on it's way to me right now!!

Genevieve Renee says: Tuesday, April 6, 2010, 08:27 AM

Talk about perfect timing! Sarah the day before you sent out this post I was scouring my city with my boyfriend to find a photography book that would satisfy my eyes delight with some amazing inspiration. I couldn't find ANYTHING that 100% appealed to me. The very next day I log on to your blog and Here it is!!! THE perfect book. Thank you so much for sharing this with us! I ordered one and it's on it's way to me right now!!

Olivia Leigh says: Monday, April 5, 2010, 04:52 PM

Love tim walker. Wish I could live in all the vignettes he shoots! :)

Vizcara says: Monday, April 5, 2010, 01:15 PM

You so so nailed it... "Other photographers get lost in looking at blogs,wedding photographers,Flickr, etc" So so true... They forget to actually "study" the many elements that make a great image. The design the stylist lighting etc.. So many individuals focus on the "What camera what lens did you use" Which always I reply with the Eyes rolling.. I look at paintings music videos movies for a vibe or feeling of what I want inspire me with to make great images. Your tale here about this photographer and his book is spot on..

aimee says: Monday, April 5, 2010, 12:02 PM

preach it okie sister!
kudos to you in your shining moment and for spreading inspiration.

aimee says: Monday, April 5, 2010, 12:00 PM

preach it okie sister!
kudos to you in your shining moment and for spreading inspiration.

Hannah Taylor says: Monday, April 5, 2010, 09:17 AM

I've never heard of Tim Walker, so thanks for mentioning him. I am a fashion magazine addict and love editorial work, so thanks.

Michelle O says: Monday, April 5, 2010, 09:11 AM

Thank you for sharing! I've never seen his work and I am now completely in love with it! AMAZING!

Melina Wallisch says: Monday, April 5, 2010, 08:12 AM

i'm on it! thanks! i collect photo books too and 2 of my favorites are sante d'orazio - a private view and patrick demarchelier - the photographs.

Megan Eckers says: Monday, April 5, 2010, 08:06 AM

Hi Sarah! I've been checking out your blog off and on for a while now but am just commenting for the first time. This is an awesome post for two reasons. One, because that book looks absolutely delicious. And two, because you are so right about getting outside of the wedding photography community and seeing what else is out there. I am very new to photography as a whole and I can tell already how easy it is to get sucked in by the blogs and the competition and the this and that. I love how much you talk about the importance of finding inspiration all around you...and how personal projects and creation are essential to keep the juices flowing. Couldn't agree more. I really admire what you and your husband are doing here, keep up the amazing work!

Megan Eckers says: Monday, April 5, 2010, 08:01 AM

Hi Sarah! I've been checking out your blog off and on for a while now but am just commenting for the first time. This is an awesome post for two reasons. One, because that book looks absolutely delicious. And two, because you are so right about getting outside of the wedding photography community and seeing what else is out there. I am very new to photography as a whole and I can tell already how easy it is to get sucked in by the blogs and the competition and the this and that. I love how much you talk about the importance of finding inspiration all around you...and how personal projects and creation are essential to keep the juices flowing. Couldn't agree more. I really admire what you and your husband are doing here, keep up the amazing work!

Megan Eckers says: Monday, April 5, 2010, 08:00 AM

Hi Sarah! I've been checking out your blog off and on for a while now but am just commenting for the first time. This is an awesome post for two reasons. One, because that book looks absolutely delicious. And two, because you are so right about getting outside of the wedding photography community and seeing what else is out there. I am very new to photography as a whole and I can tell already how easy it is to get sucked in by the blogs and the competition and the this and that. I love how much you talk about the importance of finding inspiration all around you...and how personal projects and creation are essential to keep the juices flowing. Couldn't agree more. I really admire what you and your husband are doing here, keep up the amazing work!

anda says: Monday, April 5, 2010, 07:53 AM

tim walker is one of my faves, too. and my art coffee table obsession was out of control until all my books were stolen in college :( now i just use the library :)

Amanda says: Monday, April 5, 2010, 07:35 AM

Tim Walker is one of my favorites! I want his book sooo bad.

Thursday, March 25, 2010, 08:15 AM
I like to create my life around living in open spaces. Spaces where imagination soars rampant and I can embrace an unfettered hope for what could be. Living with the posture of possibility opens our hearts and minds to the unlimited potential that resides within each of us. That is the world I want to live in. The world of possibility.

I am an ENFP (if you have never taken your temperament test through Myers Briggs I highly recommend it, it will not only help you understand yourself but also others and why they do the things that they do... and it is insanely accurate). It is in my temperament to have my head in the clouds and to live in the world of possibility. I have always been a day dreamer. To me, there is no better way to live than through dreaming and turning those infinite possibilities into tangible realities. This practice is absolutely invigorating to me.

In this world, knowledge is gained by invention. Instead of life appearing as static and mundane, in the world of possibility, life and relationships in it appear as a wild and colorful tapestry. Something to take, hold, and suck the nectar out of. When we live in this state of openness we look at life with a sort of infinite magnitude. 

Many people are closed off to allowing themselves to dream of what is possible and I believe it is the reason why many people only tap into a very limited scope of their potential. We live in a society that that discourages this type of "head in the clouds" ideology. We live in a society that is scared. Scared to fail. Scared to dream. In the posture of possibility there is no such thing as failure... only learning for the future. This is the world I want to live in, the world of possibility. 

Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (27)
Emily Scott says: Tuesday, March 30, 2010, 03:25 PM

I am an ENFP and I am happy to hear you describe it to the world. And it is encouraging that you are making it with your own business- sometimes I have such a hard time getting things "done" and I get discouraged. But you give me permission to be me and make it work. Thanks for that.

Jessica Bottomly says: Monday, March 29, 2010, 11:26 AM

I am also an ENFP!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love your thoughts on it. The World of "What could be" and Dreaming is so much fun! Thanks for reminding me and encouraging me in this "settler" season of motherhood. :)

Sacha says: Sunday, March 28, 2010, 07:26 AM

I am an ENFP too! I remember times through my life, when I had taken off to travel, or to write a book, or even now that I take photos for a living, that people have said to me, "Oh, I wish I could do that" and I think to myself, and sometimes have had the courage to say, that the only difference was that I was doing it and they were dreaming it. Nothing else was different but their fear to risk losing whatever it was they were holding on to in order to do that thing they always imagined and dreamed. Thanks, as always, for sharing your thoughts. xx

Jenny J says: Friday, March 26, 2010, 10:44 PM

So funny you post this because I've been pouring over MBTI stuff lately. One of my best friends is an ENFP and her husband the INFP. We've always said they were the same person, save for the way they get energy from the world. I'm an ESFJ (which will be a "no duh" to anyone that has ever met me) and knowing how I make sense of the world and the information I use to make decisions has really helped me make better ones. Now if only I can get Robin to take it...

Melina Wallisch says: Friday, March 26, 2010, 05:46 PM

I'm a capricorn w/ pisces tendencies :-) not sure all the meaning, but I'm always learning...great picture BTW

jane button says: Friday, March 26, 2010, 12:32 PM

Ahhh! I took this test three years ago and I was the EXACT opposite - an ISTJ! I hope that doesn't make you rethink my potential mentoring session :)

Becka @Studio222 Photography says: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 09:22 PM

I'm an INFP :)

HannahTaylor says: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 08:31 PM

I love Myers-Briggs! I am an ENFJ. I love having a passion that connects so many people. When you accept who you are life is just more fun!

Natalie says: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 08:10 PM

Sarah, thanks for bringing a daily dose of inspiration, passion, and imagination to your blog and everything you do! (I'm an INFP.)

Natalie says: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 08:09 PM

Sarah, thanks for bringing a daily dose of inspiration, passion, and imagination to your blog and everything you do! (I'm an INFP.)

Natalie says: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 08:08 PM

Sarah, thanks for bringing a daily dose of inspiration, passion, and imagination to your blog and everything you do! (I'm an INFP.)

kelsee reeves says: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 05:31 PM

i'm an INFP who loves to do portrait photography.

sarahrhoads says: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 04:59 PM

@Patrick I think all of us are wired differently to add variety and color to the world. My husband, Chris, is an INFP, so he is an natural introvert and Chris kills it when it comes to coming up with creative concepts and executing them on shoots. I don't think a photographer has to fit a certain temperament type to be successful. I think it is a matter of seeing your Introversion as a strength rather than a weakness in your job... :)

Patrick says: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 02:40 PM

It seems to me that many photographers are extroverted. It makes sense though because portrait photographers need to be out-going enough to make people at ease when they're being photographed. I took the Myers-Briggs test at a career workshop in December and the results revealed that I'm a strong introvert. At the same time, I love photography and taking portraits of people but I'm not the most talkative but I think I instill a sense of calmness/easy-goiness (is that even a word?) :)

Do you think introverts can make good portrait photographers? =/

Jeanette LeBlanc says: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 01:33 PM

I am inspired every time I read your blog - both as a photographer and as a person. Inspired to take more risks, to unleash my imaginings, to allow my children more freedom to define their own reality....the list goes on.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Marc Javier says: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 01:15 PM

Sarah, I LOVE the dare-to-dream-up-an-atom attitude you exude and drill down on the blog. It gives your readers a nice, daily dose of hope and energy. Every time I've taken the MBTI, the outcome was either ISFP or INTJ. Hmmm...

Marc Javier says: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 01:08 PM

Sarah, I simply LOVE the dare-to-dream-up-an-atom attitude you exude and drill down on the blog. It gives your readers a nice, daily dose of hope and energy. Well done!

Janet McK says: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 12:26 PM

insanely accurate is right! I'm an ENTP. Knowing who I am gives me the freedom to not be someone I'm not :)

Kat Speyer says: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 10:34 AM

ENFPs represent! I totally feel you, Sarah. :)

Laura says: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 09:14 AM

I'm an INFX (I tied between the J and the P), but this was still extremely inspiring! Thanks Sarah. I always love reading your blog!

Michael Wachniak says: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 08:55 AM

This post is exactly what we all need to see :) Can you believe its been so long since I did my Myers Briggs that I don't even remember who I am? How INSANE is that? Off to remedy that now! :)

Kerry says: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 08:53 AM

I'm packing my bags and moving there :)

Katie Neal Photo says: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 08:37 AM

I'm an ENFP too! Wahooo!! You are amazing Sarah! So inspirational!

Joy Nudd (@joynudd) says: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 08:36 AM

This is crazy. I just tweeted: "Fill in the blank. My dream is to _______________________. " right before you posted your blog post/link. Its for a project i am working on and your post just took the words out of my mouth. Can I get permission from you if I can post your message on my new blog launch in a few (with credit of course!) Its exactly what I had in mind and I believe in it so much! thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Anda says: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 08:30 AM

whoop!! i'm an ENFP as well. i always thought i was introverted until i took this test (a few times) and always came-out an ENFP. then i read into the true difference b/t introversion and extroversion and realized that i am, indeed, actually extroverted. interesting.

sarahrhoads says: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 08:29 AM

@JasonWilliams I love every ENFP I have ever met :)

Jason Williams says: Thursday, March 25, 2010, 08:26 AM

Great motivation for the day Sarah....I may be a tad biased though...I am also an ENFP. :)

Monday, March 22, 2010, 09:41 AM
Although New York was a trip for business, when you do what you love you never work a day in your life.... so for us it felt like an "inspiration-cation" :). An inspiration-cation is a word that I came up with while walking around New York the other day that seemed to fit the bill. New York is a city full of inspiration and putting a few of our friends all in one place for a weekend makes it that much more inspiring, motivating and incredible. 

The Big Apple is the home to about eight million people of every race, color and creed... it is a city full of allure, hope and hustle. Every person I know in New York knows how to work extremely hard to get what they want. It is a city that doesn't settle for anything shy of exceptional. If you are mediocre you will flounder. There is something so attractive about that aspect of New York. And I have a great respect for those people that continue to thrive in this amazing city because most times it is a sure tell sign they have shed blood sweat and tears to get to where they are.

Everywhere we walked inspiration surrounded us. It was in the air there (and I might add it helped that the air was a nice 70 degrees and sunny the entire time we were there). The art on the sidewalks/the brick walls, the head to toe personal style on every person that walks by, the colors, the food! I could go on and on. It was so great to spend time with people that we love and that inspire us as well. I highly recommend an "inspiration-cation" to all.... and if you want one that is sure to inspire... go to New York. 



Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (13)
natasha says: Tuesday, March 23, 2010, 07:46 AM

heading to new york in september for my mom's 50h with a group of girls...so excited! can't wait to grab some shots...beautiful work as always

natasha says: Tuesday, March 23, 2010, 07:45 AM

heading to new york in september for my mom's 50h with a group of girls...so excited! can't wait to grab some shots...beautiful work as always

Melissa Blue says: Tuesday, March 23, 2010, 05:55 AM

Were all those shoes for sale? How weird! Great job as always!

Patrick says: Monday, March 22, 2010, 08:26 PM

Man, now I wanna go to NY! Nick Onken is awesome. Just got his new book in the mail this afternoon! How was the book release party?

kelsee Reeves says: Monday, March 22, 2010, 06:15 PM

going to nyc in may!!

MANDIIMAE says: Monday, March 22, 2010, 04:13 PM

the way you see the world is just beautiful.

Melina Wallisch says: Monday, March 22, 2010, 12:48 PM

where dreams are made...i love new york, such inspiring photos

Kayla says: Monday, March 22, 2010, 12:15 PM

I just posted some of our New York photos too. It's such a cool place, although we were there during a blizzard! Looks like the weather was a lot nicer for you! :-)

Josh Thomson says: Monday, March 22, 2010, 11:20 AM

Such great images here, Sarah! Thanks for sharing and i'm looking forward to checking out Nick Onken's book soon. It looks pretty sweet.

anda says: Monday, March 22, 2010, 10:50 AM

i know what you mean about nyc. all my college friends live there, pretty much (they were all art majors, so makes a lot of sense!). i love visiting.

HannahTaylor says: Monday, March 22, 2010, 10:33 AM

What haven't you heard already about your work? :) New York would be so much fun!

Rick Wenner says: Monday, March 22, 2010, 10:07 AM

Very cool images here Sarah. Glad you guys had a great trip here and you definitely lucked out with the weather for sure. Love that first shot!

Marc Javier says: Monday, March 22, 2010, 09:59 AM

Sarah!! Great, great photographs - inspiring and motivational as usual! I'm always astounded by the soul in your work. As well, I look forward to seeing what you'll post next. Wish we could've chatted more at WPPI - maybe next year ;)