Sunday, September 26, 2010, 09:42 PM
The alarm buzzed on the bedside table this morning for our 7am wake up call to catch our flight home from Greece. We rolled up and around, packed our suitcases and left just enough time to grab a freddoccino coffee (greek coffee drinks are amazing btw) before hopping in a cab to head to the airport. When we pulled the blinds up expecting the morning light to fill our room, we were a little shocked to see complete darkness- which caused us to double check the time via googling "time & date in Athens, Greece" only to discover our 7am alarm was actually a 4am wake up call. Awesome! :) Definitely one of our finer moments! hah! 

I suppose I will look at it as a blessing since I now have some time to gather my thoughts on this wonderful experience in Greece.
These are a few of my favorite things....
- No one keeps a watch, time is of no consequence here... it was terribly refreshing
- In Greece they have no room in their lives for unnecessary rules- I love that, I personally think we live in a world with way too many silly rules in the U.S.
- There are kitties EVERYWHERE! And everyone in the community just takes care of them... they leave food out and the cats follow you home. Being a total sucker for most any animal, Chris and I loved that part about Greece.
- I loved the subtle simplicities, the clothing hanging on a wire to dry...the old men playing backgammon in the streets.
- And oh my the food and drink here! The yummy espresso, the wine, the crepes (especially the nutella ones!) and this place is a cheese lovers (me!) paradise. Let's just put it this way... we didn't miss a meal.
- The people here are dark, olive; everything I am not :) I loved that.
- Freddoccino coffees.
- slouchy pants. 
....
I could go on and on. Greece has been delightful, cannot wait to share some images from the wedding we shot out here. But for now I'll leave you with one frame from our test shoot yesterday in Athens with Rebecca. Farewell beautiful Greece!

Thoughts
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Truc says: Friday, October 1, 2010, 11:10 AM

Greece sounds amazing. I'd love to go someday.

Chelsea Patricia says: Wednesday, September 29, 2010, 01:51 PM

Ahhhh! Now I need to go to Greece. Period.

Amanda VanVels says: Monday, September 27, 2010, 10:19 AM

Can't wait to see all of your pictures! Glad you enjoyed it!

Rich Park says: Monday, September 27, 2010, 07:53 AM

wow, greece sounds like an amazing place to visit! can't wait to check it out myself! hope you guys have a safe flight back!

Sarah Danaher says: Monday, September 27, 2010, 07:34 AM

It's DEFINITELY on my places to visit list. =)

Robin says: Monday, September 27, 2010, 05:01 AM

Greece is one of the places I'd love to go, can't wait to see.

Alex says: Monday, September 27, 2010, 12:10 AM

I love Greece, too, and I love this photo :) Can't wait to see more!

Annie says: Sunday, September 26, 2010, 10:30 PM

Oh my - I want to go. I've always loved photographing clothes hanging on a wire - I'm glad I'm not the only one who finds it so simply sweet :)

Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 09:07 AM
I am taken with Greece... not for it's awe inspiring beauty or it's breathtaking sunsets, or the way the light bounces and dances through the white buildings; but rather for the way this place has awakened something in me. There are moments in life when I feel like we are keenly aware of something growing in us, I'm grateful for those rare moments of grace when God gives us his eyes and shows us that there is something stirring within. Most times growth feels just like that potted cactus that sits on my shelf that I water once a week. I seriously doubt it's getting any bigger, sometimes I wonder if watering it is more for me than the plant. But I suppose that is kind of how most growth is.... slow and steady like an old man with lines that have taken a lifetime to carve their way into his face. 

But then there are moments where you feel growth jolt you forward, like you are getting closer to the person you were meant to become. It's those beautiful nuggets of truth that stick to our hearts like un-floured dough. Those moments when we discover something about the person we have wanted to be all along. 

As I meander through the colorful corners of the cobblestone streets in Greece and bend down to pet the alley cats that find their way through my ankles, I am given the beautiful ease of understanding that life is not about doing....much to my goal-oriented disappointment :)  Those people who already understand this have all kinds of time to get a lot less done and enjoy those rich and imperfect sacred moments that life gives us. As I sip my espresso and look around me I am aware of so many small simplicities that make life radically sacred. Life is to be explored, rested in, danced in, enjoyed & taken in. Life is not a list. It is not a set of obligations or goals, and I must remember to leave more room in my life for the holy (and un-holy) moments to unfold. I must make more time to watch, embrace, smile, love and be thankful.

Greece has given me this beautiful gift of understanding.. It has also given me the gift of Nutella crepes which have made me all gooey around the middle. I have had one every morning since I arrived. I probably should be thinking about the way it is making my handles more "lovely" but this friends, is one of those moments when I smile, taste and take it all in :)


Thoughts
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April says: Wednesday, December 1, 2010, 03:10 PM

I couldnt help but shed a tear upon reading your post. I guess it touched me so much because I live in Greece and I realized how many things I take for granted.
You are amazingly talented not only in capturing life but in bringing life and emotions into your words.
Keep inspiring. =)

Bekah Mae says: Tuesday, October 5, 2010, 12:18 PM

This post made me cry. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with the interwebs today.

Truc says: Friday, October 1, 2010, 11:12 AM

Very inspiring post, Sarah! And the images are just beautiful.

Natalie Brooke says: Sunday, September 26, 2010, 01:30 PM

Delightful!

Jason Williams says: Friday, September 24, 2010, 09:32 AM

Inspiring. Romantic. Humble. Insightful.

Great words penned Sarah. Thanks for that today.

jeff says: Friday, September 24, 2010, 07:29 AM

sarah

your pictures are great, as usual. but your third paragraph really hits me. i have recently had this "enlightenment" myself and am glad you have put it in words so elegantly. life is truly about "taking it all in" and enjoying moments that may never come again, not hurrying to the next stage or planning it all away. it really is quite simple, and has given me perspective and a new calmness. thank you!

Kaethe Richter says: Friday, September 24, 2010, 06:15 AM

Wonderful post. I can't wait to see the pictures from the wedding-- I'm sure they will be stunners!

Cherri says: Thursday, September 23, 2010, 03:18 PM

I love your post and your pictures are beautiful! Enjoy the nutella crepes!

mary wyar says: Thursday, September 23, 2010, 06:41 AM

that blue sky is unreal. amazing. cheers to this being your "job"!

Gloria says: Wednesday, September 22, 2010, 08:08 PM

now I must put this on my list of places to visit...hopefully sooner rather than later!

Gemma says: Wednesday, September 22, 2010, 06:04 PM

Love this post.
Enjoy. Savour. Eat Crepes!

Tera says: Wednesday, September 22, 2010, 02:53 PM

Don't you love the fresh perspective that travel can provide? I fell in love with Nutella crepes in NYC. So delicious!

Chelsea Patricia says: Wednesday, September 22, 2010, 10:07 AM

These are BEAUTIFUL!
Is there a way I can purchase some prints of these for my house? :)

Megan Eckers says: Wednesday, September 22, 2010, 09:02 AM

You have such a beautiful soul.

Alex says: Wednesday, September 22, 2010, 05:57 AM

Beautiful words! And I've been to Greece once and absolutely adored it, it was such a great holiday!

Meg says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 10:53 PM

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Greece! Thanks for sharing.

Rich Park says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 08:26 PM

think this is such an amazing post both in your writing and in your pictures! it's such a blessing to be able to get away from the familiar and soak in fresh and new sights/sounds/tastes. Glad God is helping you to see in new and awe inspiring ways through your trip!

Anda says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 07:29 PM

Sarah!!! I adore and love you!! Beautiful and beautiful.

Noelle says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 07:24 PM

Your images are magical.

Annie says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 04:20 PM

You have a beautiful gift with words. As much as with photography :) I can't wait to go to Greece - I always knew it was special! :) :) :)

Amanda VanVels says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 04:14 PM

this is such a beautiful post, sarah. it makes me happy because i completely understand what you're talking about, but i could never put it in words like you have.

Tif says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 03:54 PM

Pretty,calm,joy

Darby says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 01:56 PM

This is a beautifully written post, Sarah. You are so right...life is not just a to-do list and sometimes it's so hard to remember that! Greece looks like the most amazing place. I have always wanted to go there. Hopefully Reece and I see it someday :-)

Briony says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 01:49 PM

These are just lovely. Greece is in my top 5 places to explore....thank you for sharing.

Tonhya Kae says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 12:10 PM

beautifully written and so so true. thank you for the lovely reminder.

Dorothy says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 11:19 AM

life is not a list... I like that a lot

ali says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 11:12 AM

seriously sarah... love it. every word i read gave me chills and then the photos just brought your words to life. beautiful sentiments, beautiful photographs. as always!

Rachel Nickel says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 11:01 AM

Nutella Crepe induced love handles are worth it.

Jenn Stark says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 10:56 AM

So beautifully said and captured :)

Eileen says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 10:40 AM

Sarah,
You are such a profound writer. I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog as well as seeing the uber gorgeous photos that you produce!!! You are such an all around artist!!! Greece looks inspiring from your pov. Love it!!!!

Cate says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 10:34 AM

Sarah, beautiful blog entry...as always, I love your photos. Simply lovely. Thank you.

Sarah Danaher says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 10:34 AM

It's lovely, Sarah. Absolutely lovely.

Becca ragland says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 10:18 AM

Sarah, this is such a beautiful set of wise words! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and talent:)

julie harmsen says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 10:16 AM

those words are truths sister. gorgeous frames :)

Sally says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 10:13 AM

I love Greece!!! Enjoy your visit, and thanks for the reminder - my mind rarely wanders from the eternal "to-do" list... it's good to remember to slow down! :)

shannon leith says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 10:11 AM

sacred moments in the daily. i love this post. especially the first picture: so full and rich.

Anna Amouzigh says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 10:10 AM

Ahhhh...these are my roots....these beautiful shots give me comfort and also send a shooting pain through my heart. I miss the smell, I miss the air, I miss the sun...everything is different in Greece.

Have you seen the black side of the island yet? For those reading, The black side has black sand, other side has white. Ancient volcano issues...and you can even dive and see the houses that sank into the water when the volcano errupted! Sad, but interesting now that it's become a part of history.

Enjoy our beautiful Greece! Oh, and Nutella crepes...TDF!

Tytia says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 10:04 AM

Just lovely. You are a beautiful photographer and a beautiful writer.

Jen Goulet says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 09:41 AM

Lovely Sarah! Makes me think about Mary vs. Martha. (I don't know if you heard last weeks sermon or not).

Millie Holloman says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 09:27 AM

WELL SAID! What I've been thinking about all week long, trying to slow down and make time for these moments! Enjoy them as they happen!

Mary Marantz says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 09:20 AM

Love this! And so what I'm feeling right at this moment!

jamie delaine says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 09:16 AM

oh how i relate to this. beautiful, sarah.

Jonathan Encarnacion says: Tuesday, September 21, 2010, 09:16 AM

AMAZE!

Tuesday, September 14, 2010, 11:36 AM
This year I have seen the greatest sunsets and sunrises of my life peeking out my little 12 inch by 6 inch plane windows. The view doesn't get much better from up here. Up here it is still, with no distractions. I am truly to be present with my thoughts, my books, my ambitions and my fears. I'm able to think clearly with more conviction, and up there my dreams somehow always become more vast. Being in the sky and looking down always puts things into perspective which beckons a posture of openness. Up there I feel full of excitement and anticipation. I secretly love my time on a plane... 

We have spent a lot of time looking out those little windows this year and I am better for it. Right now I am probably catching the sunrise of a lifetime from way up there and my heart is smiling. Today we are on our way to Greece to shoot Kayko & Doug's three day wedding experience on the island of Mykonos. We will also be staying for a little bit to experience a bit of Greece in Santorini, a few other islands, and Athens for a little R&R for ourselves while my wonderful intern and assistant hold down the fort. It will be a great way to end my year as a twenty-five year old. When I come home on September 28th it will be my birthday...of which I have many thoughts on, but I suppose I will divulge those in another post on or around my birthday. It's been a wild year deserving of some reflection. 

As this pertains to our clients or anyone else who sends us nice little electronic messages or calls us :) we will be with limited access to email and with no phone service so please be patient with us, we will get back with you upon our arrival back to the office.

And as this pertains to us ;), if any of you wonderful people have been to Greece and have any recommendations for us we would love to hear them. As of right now, I plan on being perfectly content with eating my feta cheeses, olives and gyros. I'm a sucker for Greek food.


Thoughts
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Rachel says: Saturday, September 18, 2010, 07:45 AM

Have an amazing time, and become present with all that surrounds you. You are so incredibly blessed to be living the life you are living and to realize this is even more incredible. XO

Mary Frances says: Thursday, September 16, 2010, 08:21 PM

I crave that feeling as well being up in the calmness of the sky..there is nothing like it. Sometimes I just want to get a ticket and fly somewhere to sort my thoughts, dreams and aspirations.I always feel like I learn new things about myself and figure things out when I am on a plane and when I step off in the real world that I can conquer anything. You two have the most amazing trip! I can't wait to hear about your adventures and experience when you return! I am planning a backpack trip to Greece next year so it will be nice to hear what you guys take away from it! Love you two!!

Lisa says: Wednesday, September 15, 2010, 06:53 PM


Oooooh, Santorini is the best! You should totally hire a quad bike or a scooter and cruise around the island together. You'll feel like a free spirit! Have fun!

Rich Park says: Wednesday, September 15, 2010, 02:07 PM

what an amazing way to celebrate a birthday! hope you enjoy your greek food and come back refreshed for the fall! (oh yeah, amazing picture of the sky!)

Marissa Rodriguez says: Wednesday, September 15, 2010, 11:03 AM

I feel the exact same way when I'm flying :) but I've never been able to explain it the way you did. I hope you guys have an amazing trip! Awesome photo!

Jackie Lovato says: Wednesday, September 15, 2010, 09:41 AM

wow, Sarah. you're 25. so much depth. so much vision. so much sweetness and ripeness from such a young fruit. may you continue to grow and develop tenfold as your years continue. watch out, world.

Sarah says: Wednesday, September 15, 2010, 08:23 AM

On Santorini, I highly recommend spending time in Oia. Fira is nice, but much busier. Oia is on the top tip of the island and is just beautiful to browse and walk around in. Speaking of sunsets- in the evening, everyone gathers at the very top point at the end of the island in Oia to see the sunset. You have to get there early to get a spot, and I would bet that might beat out any other sunset as the best you've ever seen. The ocean slowly swallows the sun. We were married in Oia and honeymooned there for two weeks. Best experience ever.

kathleen says: Wednesday, September 15, 2010, 08:12 AM

you're only 25? amazing! i love your work. have a wonderful trip!

Annie says: Wednesday, September 15, 2010, 12:50 AM

What an amazing privilege and opportunity for you to go to Greece. It's up there on my list! This is a beautiful image, and I agree, no matter how short a flight I take, if I look out the window, I always begin to think a little deeper, see a little clearer, and dream a little bigger. Hope you have an amazing time, I can't wait to see your photos from the trip. Have fun! :)

Toni says: Wednesday, September 15, 2010, 12:50 AM

You guys are the best...by far my favorite photographers! :)

Dorothy says: Tuesday, September 14, 2010, 11:57 PM

I love you guys! :)

Wednesday, September 8, 2010, 08:12 AM
During our all day mentor session with Wendy, we arranged for a shoot so that Wendy could see us in action. We had a couple lined up for us to shoot, however, they got caught up in some serious traffic so we ended up working with these three fantastic boys, Tristen, Tanek who were brothers & their wonderful friend Sammy. I'm so glad it worked out the way it did, these kids were rad. 

I love capturing people in their element, enjoying the things that make them come alive. So when Tristen, Tanek & Sammy showed up at Kamaole Beach in Kihei, Hawaii with their boards and their cute little freckled faces I was in heaven.

It's not often that I shoot teenage boys. I loved the challenge. It was one of those 'coming of age' moments when I was well aware that I am no longer a fifteen year old. As I fumbled over my words trying to come up with "cool" things to talk about with them I just kept thinking, 'I used to be so with it, what happened to me?' And then alas, I remembered the sad and true realization that I'm nearly a decade older then them and I am slowly morphing into "cool dad". "Cool Dad" is the dad who thinks he's totally with it but really is totally out of touch, we've all seen friends and family fall victim to "cool dad" see video reference :) 

Needless to say, this was a super fun shoot. And I appreciate that these boys reminded me of where I came from a decade earlier. And it seems that they also reminded me of where I will be in another decade.... hanging out with "cool dad," so it seems :)

Thoughts
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Rosina says: Monday, October 25, 2010, 02:33 PM

Holy moly. You guys are UH-mazing. I've been a long time admirer but first time to comment. I just have to tell you this is probably one of the BEST lifestyle sessions I've ever seen. I just study each image and my mouth was opened the whole time. Seriously awesome.

Truc says: Friday, October 1, 2010, 11:26 AM

I love your non-wedding posts just as much as your wedding posts! These are awesome!

gee says: Wednesday, September 15, 2010, 05:20 PM

these photos are awesome sarah! I can totally tell that your creative juices were flowing because it's not something you're used to shooting. I'm seeing a lot of new composition in this shoot...maybe cause you're shooting 3 subjects instead of the usual 2 :P
i can totally get the mood.
good job!

bongopix says: Tuesday, September 14, 2010, 11:25 AM

Wow, unbelievable! You can really adapt to a different kind of subject very easily.

Rachel says: Friday, September 10, 2010, 05:02 PM

So AWESOME! Love these shots
!

Paige Butcher says: Friday, September 10, 2010, 06:52 AM

Ahhh. So SO gorgeous. That's all I can say. Gorgeous.

Jordanne Fallon says: Friday, September 10, 2010, 06:19 AM

I love these! As I was scrolling through, I realized, wait, I need to read the story behind this, because this is unlike anything I've seen you do before. Awesome shots.

Christian says: Thursday, September 9, 2010, 11:56 AM

Great gallery! There are some really awesome shots!

Rich Park says: Thursday, September 9, 2010, 07:57 AM

your post makes me wonder what you said to them! haha, whatever you did... it worked! the pictures look great!

Agata Majewska says: Thursday, September 9, 2010, 03:55 AM

I love your pictures. They are full of positive emotions, passions. I draw inspiration from them, but I know that a lot of learning still ahead of me.I look forward to the next material. Greetings

Dennis Bullock says: Wednesday, September 8, 2010, 04:31 PM

Oh man these are so cool!

wendy laurel says: Wednesday, September 8, 2010, 11:42 AM

Fantastic as I already knew from watching you edit. I love the selection and sequence of them on the blog. And to think this was a superfast impromtu shoot. Watch for mine up on my blog tomorrow.

lroah says: Wednesday, September 8, 2010, 10:10 AM

I simply must have you photograph our family next year. Are you ever in LA? Please let me know if you are, or we will come up to you at some point. You guys rock.

Dorothy says: Wednesday, September 8, 2010, 10:01 AM

hehehe ;)

these photos rule.

suzanne says: Wednesday, September 8, 2010, 10:00 AM

Seriously awesome, really. And when I was looking at these photos I was thinking... GAWSH I wouldn’t know how to act around these guys!!! Then I read your blog and I felt better... seems I’m not the only one who isn’t a cool young thing anymore!!!

suzanne says: Wednesday, September 8, 2010, 09:59 AM

Seriously awesome, really. And when I was looking at these photos I was thinking... GAWSH I wouldn’t know how to act around these guys!!! Then I read your blog and I felt better... seems I’m not the only one who isn’t a cool young thing anymore!!!

ali says: Wednesday, September 8, 2010, 09:43 AM

awesome!!!

alana rucynski says: Wednesday, September 8, 2010, 09:35 AM

I love these shots! You so captured the feelings of unknowing and excited trepidation from these three.
Beautiful boys.
am I biased? You Bet.
But I know from almost 15 years of shooting these faces ...
Mahalo Nui Loa!
Alana
AKA Tristan & Tanek's Mom

Sarah Danaher says: Wednesday, September 8, 2010, 09:25 AM

Pretty sure this is one of your best sessions ever.

Adam Pratt says: Wednesday, September 8, 2010, 08:46 AM

If you have time while you're still on Maui I have a few suggestions:

Get down to La Perouse Bay at the southern tip. It's only 10 miles from Kihei. Beautiful all the time, especially at sunrise. Cindy and I like to do a 20-mile out-and-back run form Kihei to the bay and back. The lava fields are especially cool.

Eat a loco moco. Actually, split one with Chris.

Eat dinner at Maui Tacos. I like a wet burrito with fish or shark.

Drive to Hanna and take the southern road back. It will take all day and it's worth it.

There's lots more to see and do, but those are a few of our favs. BTW, sweet photo shoot!

-Adam

Ryan Klos says: Wednesday, September 8, 2010, 08:29 AM

These are absolutely stunning. Looks like they should be in a magazine. An I totally get you with the "cool dad" thing. Scary realization when we're not as hip as we thought :D

Becka @Studio222 says: Wednesday, September 8, 2010, 08:21 AM

HAHA! I feel the same way when we hang out with our nephews. They are 9, 15, and 16 and I always feel so lame. I didn't used to be lame. But now I am, I guess. Oh man. HAHA.

Eric Yerke says: Wednesday, September 8, 2010, 08:18 AM

Amazing energy of youth in these photos. Seems to have been a successful collaboration. You are too good