Tuesday, November 16, 2010, 12:50 AM
"Life is a process of becoming, a combination of states we have to go through. Where people fail is that they wish to elect a state and remain in it. This is a kind of death. And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." 
- Anais Nin

I arrived at something like sort of like my nirvana the other day in Sydney when Chris and I stepped inside this very unassuming bookstore to discover an endless abyss of colorful and tattered old books. It was like they kept going forever. The books were stacked floor to ceiling and scattered all over the floor. It was a beautiful chaos. There was so much story living in one room. It was magical. It seemed endless, fantastic and wonderful. I could picture myself sitting there for hours picking up book after book filling my heart and mind with the knowledge, wisdom and possibility found within these dog eared pages. The thought crossed my mind that maybe I could become a sort of 'monk-woman' for a time and hangout in old library's and bookstores much like this one and just read for days at a time, fall asleep with a book in hand and a smile on my face. I seriously considered it for a moment standing in that beautiful mess ;) 

I thought about what makes a brilliant story. The blossoming. The transformation. The heartache. The fear. The Love. The giving. The overcoming. These pages were filled with story. In many ways that is where I am in my life....at the bloom, sometimes it is fantastically challenging, but it seems there isn't anything more rewarding than experiencing those beautiful transformative moments when you see parts of yourself you never knew existed and you stand surprised. I have always believed we are far more capable than we ever give ourselves credit, but in order to see those beautiful parts of us we have to experience and invite the transformation process. It's an uncomfortable place to be sometimes, but that is where real, adventurous life is lived.

I picked up a book the other day in Melbourne and on the first page was a quote that struck me, "the end of your comfort zone is the beginning of life." The bloom never happens in comfortable states of mind. It happens in the challenge and the overcoming, the moments of adversity. Our life can be a brilliant story, most times we just need to continue seeking 'the bloom,' or the process of becoming everything we were meant to be... 

In other news, I have 5 minutes of free wireless left. I'm parked in a camper lot in a 1966 cute as hell VW camper bus in New Zealand. Chris and I are in heaven here. oh, me, oh my.... I feel like we could bump into a neighborhood of hobbits taken straight from the scene of Lord of the Rings at any moment.... bliss.


Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (9)
jade says: Monday, November 22, 2010, 11:28 AM

your photos are beautiful. but the heart that you are showing in this post is beautiful as well. i am in a "blooming" process as well. i pray yours turns out positively!

Sharlene says: Saturday, November 20, 2010, 07:30 AM

I don't normally comment, just read along :) But this post is so opportune for me right now. It hits the spot of where I am at and to hear it from someone else, no matter how much you know it, is encouraging. Thank you :)

sarah schrader says: Thursday, November 18, 2010, 06:40 PM

shoot sarah. way to inspire me again! you rock :)

Dorothy says: Thursday, November 18, 2010, 05:34 PM

I really needed this. thanks sarah. I miss you guys!

Laura says: Wednesday, November 17, 2010, 01:10 PM

I would love to go into that bookstore and read all those books! Looks like heaven!

anda says: Wednesday, November 17, 2010, 10:33 AM

okay, this looks like the most amazing place on the planet. i'm in heaven simply looking at the photo.

Rich Park says: Tuesday, November 16, 2010, 03:28 PM

what an amazing little bookstore! your picture says it all - but it still sounds like something that you have to see for yourself to believe. thanks for sharing!

Leah says: Tuesday, November 16, 2010, 12:12 PM

So true, your writing also reminds me of a quote I found somewhere, but I no longer remember where, "There is no growth in a comfort zone, and no comfort in a growth zone."

I hope that you enjoy your time abroad -- since it isn't technically a vacation.

Annie says: Tuesday, November 16, 2010, 01:00 AM

Where is that?! I think I need to go there... :) You're such a beautiful writer :)

Monday, November 1, 2010, 06:39 AM
We arrived by ferry, when we stepped off the boat we were bombarded by locals trying to sell us the "best deal" on their hotel or car rental service. I looked all around me trying to find a way out of the hustle. We flagged down a taxi and threw our things in back with the exception of our camera equipment which was strapped to us at all times. The taxi driver cruised up the mighty cliff switchbacks and I watched out the window as the giant blue Aegean sea became even more vast as we cruised from the port to the top of the cliff. It was breathtaking in every sense of the word. Chris and I both sat in silence as we looked out of our respective windows in awe at the sight before us. It was a moment of abandonment, freedom and wanderlust. I wanted to take my camera out and shoot out the window, but I knew this was a moment just between God and I. It was was one of those rare moments where my camera wouldn't do the experience any kind of justice. So I just kept it for the small pockets of my heart.

When the driver dropped us at where we were staying I was a bit skeptical. He let us off on a small road in front of a very humble hotel front. Chris and I were doubting our internet find as we walked in to see the front desk. It was an old worn down office with old remnants of Greek history, it smelled musky and dust floated in the air. The man at the front desk offered to walk us to our "apartment" as he called it. As he lead us down the cobblestone pathway and we arrived at the top where the apartements were. As we looked over the cliff my heart started beating fast and my eyes were as big as a kid in a candy shop for the first time. There was a beautiful little community built right into the side of the cliff. It was stunning. The light danced around the stark white buildings that overlooked the ocean. It was incredible. So our "humble" hotel turned out to be an incredible historic home built into the cliff. We could open both of our doors and look out at the ocean. It was unlike anything I have ever experienced. Santorini was magnificent. breathtaking. romantic. charming. 

p.s.- Today is the first day of November, where did the summer go?! gone so fast.

Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (23)
Michelle O says: Sunday, November 14, 2010, 09:38 PM

Oh, Santorini!! I love it there! Now, did you have the courage (or insanity) to climb the donkey trail?! The line for the tram was way too long, so we thought we'd hike up the trail...I've never dodged so many crazy donkeys in my life and have never had to step over so much donkey poop! HORRIBLE...but I will never forget it. And the food there is fabulous...Ahhh! Good memories!

Stephanie Osborne says: Sunday, November 14, 2010, 09:03 PM

"I knew this was a moment just between God and I. It was was one of those rare moments where my camera wouldn't do the experience any kind of justice. So I just kept it for the small pockets of my heart." - I absolutely love this Sarah... Its funny I always have such a difficult time balancing wanting to have my camera at my eye and really EXPERIENCING what is happening around me. I can totally relate and this account of your travels puts it into words.

Miah Klein says: Wednesday, November 10, 2010, 03:06 PM

Oh to travel the world with a camera

Janel says: Wednesday, November 10, 2010, 05:31 AM

Gorgeous pics - as if I needed MORE encouragement to want to go to Greece, these photos just put me over the edge :)

Jenn Stark says: Wednesday, November 3, 2010, 09:45 AM

Amazing Sarah & Chris (both you and the photos......)

Michael Wachniak says: Tuesday, November 2, 2010, 11:34 AM

These images are so freakin' cool! It really takes me back to when Grit and I worked on cruise ships and travelled around. Now I want to travel again so bad! I also love how the two of you never look bad in photos... Chris looks like James Dean in these, and you ALWAYS look like some kind of celebrity.... truly both of you guys annoy me with your good looks and talent. Happy Tuesday! ;)

Julia says: Tuesday, November 2, 2010, 11:03 AM

Sarah, we just left Santorini a couple days ago! I could definitely relate to the way you described the feeling of awe when looking at the cliffs with little houses clustered on top. Yuriy and I were trying to figure out where you stayed... we recognized a few places in your photos like the used bookstore. We'll be posting our Santorini photos on our travel blog in the next week. So awesome to see your perspective of it.

Tracy Wallace says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 04:31 PM

never judge a book by its cover :) looks like a truly magnificent place

Annie says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 04:25 PM

I wanna go! I want you to come with me!.. haha! :) :) :) These are magic pictures, and I especially love the bookshelf up on the wall at the bookshop!

Katie Jane says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 12:20 PM

I love that phrase "pockets of my heart." That's exactly how I feel sometimes. Sometimes I want to take pictures of everything in sight, and sometimes I know to put the camera down and savor a moment for what it is.

Unbelievably gorgeous photos.

jamie delaine says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 11:59 AM

i want to go so so so so so so bad.

Karen Workun says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 10:57 AM

This has always been our dream place to visit...and these photos make us want to go even more!!! Lovely as always :)

Rich Park says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 10:42 AM

magical ... i hope my wife and i can go sometime. great photos!

Marissa Rodriguez says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 09:43 AM

I need to go there one day. For sure. Love every single shot!

Christina Dely says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 09:41 AM

I adore the clothesline shot!!! Stunning photos!

Greg Hoskins says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 09:01 AM

I want to go!! Beautiful work as always!

Carl says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 08:45 AM

I am so jealous.

Laura Biebl says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 08:14 AM

JEALOUS! That is my dream vaca spot. Beautiful pictures :)

tif says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 07:45 AM

Sigh..................

Joanne says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 07:45 AM

The photos are great but I especially like the presentation.
Great work!

Julie Wilhite says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 07:11 AM

STUNNING!

Alex says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 06:55 AM

Wow, stunning photos. Makes you feel like you're there too. I love when photographers are so passionate that on their holidays they can't help but continue to take photos and document the world around them.

Nancy says: Monday, November 1, 2010, 06:45 AM

Gorgeous, thank you for the inspiration. Have always wanted to go!

Monday, October 11, 2010, 08:24 AM
This is the island of Mykonos, Greece through my eyes :) 
white.
blue. 
charming.
clothes lines.
bright.
simple.
relaxed.
nutella.
island.
churches.
music.
scooters.
ocean.
flowers.
wind.
windmills.
fresh air.
sand. 
tan.
coridoors.
cobblestone streets.
tiny doorways.
kitty kitty.
strong cologne.
espresso.
body odor.
pelicans. 
james bond.
laughing.
reading.
soul search.
pools.
smiles.
wine.
hummus.
boats.
beautiful.



Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (18)
Suki says: Sunday, October 17, 2010, 02:51 AM

This reminds me so much of my vacation in Crete this summer.
Wonderful pictures and impressions, Sarah!

Suki says: Sunday, October 17, 2010, 02:48 AM

This reminds me so much of my vacation in Crete this summer.
Wonderful pictures and impressions, Sarah!

kay* at from india. with love. says: Saturday, October 16, 2010, 09:33 PM

oh wow! wow wow wow. i adore your wedding and lifestyle pictures but your travel pictures, how you see things, really just blows me away. it's like i'm there & i can really get the essence of the place. just amazing. makes me want to visit greece...

Gemma says: Wednesday, October 13, 2010, 04:13 PM

Oh I wanna go travel after seeing these shots.

lonniewebb says: Wednesday, October 13, 2010, 09:31 AM

love these!

forget.me.knot.weddings says: Tuesday, October 12, 2010, 03:08 PM

This images are stunning! One of my most favorite trips was the Greek isles and now I want to go back! I can just feel the sun through these photos!

Kristina says: Tuesday, October 12, 2010, 08:49 AM

Love your pictures as always. I have never been to Mykonos, but those pictures make me want to escape the foggy weather and directly go to sunny Mykonos!
Viele Gruesse, Kristina

Rich Park says: Tuesday, October 12, 2010, 06:30 AM

looks so relaxing. can't wait to go visit to see all this myself! wonderful shots!

Sarah Danaher says: Monday, October 11, 2010, 04:58 PM

Looks *perfectly* pleasant.

Annie says: Monday, October 11, 2010, 04:16 PM

Thank you for sharing these beautiful shots :)

Tracy Wallace says: Monday, October 11, 2010, 02:12 PM

Wonderful shots from your holiday. Love the white crispness of the buildings with the splash of color on the doors and windows.

Janel Erikson says: Monday, October 11, 2010, 10:48 AM

I'm a long-time follower, you are becoming one of my favorite photographers. Everything you do is magic, I can tell your heart is really in this stuff. Great, great shots!

Catherine Abegg says: Monday, October 11, 2010, 10:35 AM

Oh, how I love seeing Greece through your eyes!!!

Chrissy Deming says: Monday, October 11, 2010, 08:58 AM

Beautiful!!

anda says: Monday, October 11, 2010, 08:42 AM

Love. The last shot and the writing especially :)

Perry Azevedo says: Monday, October 11, 2010, 08:41 AM

Wonderful! I love the colors and the feel of this set. That's a crazy effect your getting on the picture of the guy laying on the beach.

Jared MacFarlane says: Monday, October 11, 2010, 08:34 AM

That dog sitting on the steps looks almost exactly like Milo.

kate says: Monday, October 11, 2010, 08:29 AM

beauty. i really love that last shot with the sheets.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 08:11 AM
While we were in Greece last week I set up some time to test with an agency in Athens. I absolutely loved Rebecca's look. Her freckles had me at hello. We went around The Plaka in Athens which is a fun little marketplace with all kinds of hidden gems.  We really went into this shoot with no agenda other than to shoot for ourselves, have a little fun and be inspired in a new city, and that is exactly what we did. 

I'll be honest, we were pretty exhausted by the time it came to shooting this test. We had just shot a fabulous four day destination wedding on the island of Mykonos Greece and had then been traveling around for a couple of days (I adore traveling but it can also be tiring). However, one thing I've discovered is the ironic thing about feeling exhausted is that we think the way to cure it is to sleep, do nothing & freeing ourselves from obligation. But really the cure to burn out is to shoot more. It's odd, but despite the feeling of being exhausted from shooting so much, something about shooting more makes me come alive again and re-ignites my inspiration and passion for it all. I know at this point in the game, after lots of busy busy seasons many photographers may be feeling a bit of burn-out sneak in. For me, the best way to cure burn out is to go out, shoot more and do some creative projects for myself. Although it may seem counterintitive to take on any more "projects" when your plate is spilling over, this is when we need personal projects and shoots the most. To see more from this shoot you can click the link below.



Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (36)
Nina Grace says: Tuesday, October 18, 2011, 07:57 PM

These shots are absolutely fabulous!!

Angela Waterberg says: Saturday, October 23, 2010, 11:11 PM

I second Kay's comment about the black and white image with the scarf. Incredible! Beautiful girl and beautiful session!

kay* at from india. with love. says: Saturday, October 16, 2010, 09:39 PM

these are all fantastic but i literally gasped when i saw the 6th to last shot - the black and white with the scarf on her head. unbelievable!

& yes, her freckles are pretty awesome.

Katie Kolenberg says: Tuesday, October 12, 2010, 02:37 PM

My goodness. I would FLIP OUT with all those amazing locations to shoot.... fantastic, beautiful work Sarah.

Pobke says: Monday, October 11, 2010, 03:54 AM

GORGEOUS. gosh. absolute perfection, friend!

Kaethe Richter says: Sunday, October 10, 2010, 09:58 AM

Wonderful work!

joe chong says: Friday, October 8, 2010, 07:15 PM

wonderful set !!! it tells the story itself !

Rich Park says: Thursday, October 7, 2010, 06:42 AM

great shots and natural poses! i definitely think shooting is an energizer - something about getting out there and experiencing more that's very refreshing.

Scott Stater says: Thursday, October 7, 2010, 05:31 AM

What a really fun session. So many unique locations, really cool. And the freckles are over the top :)

Lisa says: Thursday, October 7, 2010, 03:05 AM

I just adore your model shoots and these images are amazing! I especially love the shot with scarf and all those gorgeous rings. You guys just rock....like all the time! ; )

Marie says: Thursday, October 7, 2010, 12:11 AM

Those are beautiful photographs! :) Your blog is tremendous inspiration for me. I love your photos, your words, and your style!

Nashville Wedding Photographers says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 10:51 PM

HOLY CRAP!!!! Love it sooooo much! seriously love the poses and the skin tones! great eye once again. we have to learn about this "test" stuff you speak of and how we can do it here in Nashville. Rock on.

Laura says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 09:50 PM

Awesome photos!

alyda says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 08:04 PM

gorgeous work Sarah!!!! the black&white one with the scarf over her head phwoarrr :)

Tracy Wallace says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 03:20 PM

Shes got the hole LILO thing happening. I love her freckles too

Annie says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 02:51 PM

Simply adore this :) Love her freckles.

Lexi says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 02:31 PM

I LOVE this!! Maybe it's because my family is from Greece!!

Amanda says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 02:14 PM

I love your eyeballs. They capture the moments worth remembering, like in a dream.

johnna brynn says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 12:14 PM

thank you for the words of wisdom in this post! :)

Micah & Megan says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 10:35 AM

Nicely done, Sarah and Chris! Beautiful work.

Cortney says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 10:03 AM

Incredibly beautiful! Love the quality of light. You create such magical images.

Anda says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 09:44 AM

I love every single one! Agreed about burn-out and personal shoots. I'm going out on a personal shoot tonight!

carlie says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 09:18 AM

You bring so much movement and life to your imagery. You and your work are the antithesis of stagnant...the antithesis of burn out.

Jenn Stark says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 08:57 AM

These are stunning Sarah & Chris!! The one with the scarf over her head....hello amazingness!

Kris says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 08:55 AM

I love and love this!! You're spot on about her freckles, they add a wonderful uniqueness to the whole shoot! As always, I'm inspired by your shots, and by your words as well! Time to go have some fun!

Micah Emily says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 08:41 AM

really inspiring and fun! and I completely agree on when you feel burnt out to go shoot some more and be crazy outgoing creative with it for spunk and excitement. It gets me back into the game

Paige Butcher says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 08:34 AM

Oh, so delightful.

Lindsey Joy says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 08:29 AM

You make a really good point... curing burnout by doing the exact thing we think we shouldn't. I need to make time to shoot for myself more often. These images are naturally beautiful and so real. love.

Francis says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 08:29 AM

Your model.. she's awesome. Thanks again. For inspiring a lowly beginner.

Bianca Valentim says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 08:28 AM

ahhhhh!!!!!!!
i'm in love with these images!!!
she is really gorgeous and the locations are very exotic!
love it all!
you always inspires me Sarah! :)

michael says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 08:26 AM

These are amazing! Nicely done!

Briony says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 08:25 AM

all of your work is always inspiring but i especially love your personal shoots...they have a organic feel to them that just makes each shot a living moment. beautiful work. thank you for always sharing your knowledge and passion.

Brett Arthur says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 08:21 AM

So good! Love the environment and, of course, everything else about these. Nailed it, once again!

Amanda Daniels says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 08:21 AM

These photos are so gorgeous! Makes me wish I could be back in Europe right now.

Kai Yambao says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 08:20 AM

Beautiful!

Kristine Neeley says: Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 08:19 AM

Brilliant. I love it.