Monday, April 4, 2011, 12:30 PM
Anyone who knows me well knows that I am a sucker for a good business book. Since we travel quite a bit, I end up logging most of my reading hours on a plane somewhere high in the sky. A couple years ago I read Malcolm Gladwell's book, Outliers and it rocked my world. His findings on the 10,000 hour rule have really stuck with me in those moments when I am tired & exhausted, I remember his words about punching the proverbial timecard toward being the best artist/photographer I can be. 

Gladwell says the best way to achieve an un-parralled success in any respective field is to spend 10,000 hours honing your skills. Gladwell says, "Ten thousand hours of practice is required to achieve the level of mastery associated with being a world-class expert - in anything. In study after study, of composers, basketball players, fiction writers, ice skaters, concert pianists....and what have you, this number comes up again and again. Of course, this doesn't address why some people get more out of their practice sessions than others do. But no one has found a case in which true world-class expertise was accomplished in less time. It seems that it takes the brain this long to assimilate all that it needs to know to achieve true mastery."

It's a simple lesson in hard work, blood, sweat and tears and the powerful payoff they have. Nothing great in life comes without cost and sacrifice. I've noticed that a lot of kids of our generation don't want to put the time in necessary to achieve the level of success at which they strive for. They want a quick workshop or online tutorial to be the answer to it all, and although those things can be beneficial tools, there is NOTHING that will trump time and hard work.

These past two weeks Chris and I have been shooting a commercial campaign where we were pulling 12-16 hour days on our feet shooting. Our shutters got more action than they have seen in a while and throughout the experience we kept looking at each other and saying "we're logging the hours" with smiles on our faces.

This is Chris and our good friend Whitney somewhere in the middle of Moab, Utah. I'm really awful about scanning in our film and finally got around to scanning and uploading this 360 film that Chris took. It was taken with a fun little lomography toy camera and I was really quite impressed with the results. 

Have an awesome Monday friends!


Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (22)
Dave Stark says: Friday, April 15, 2011, 04:55 AM

I read Outliers a few years ago and more than anything else the "10 000 rule" stuck in my head. This year I have made it one of my goals to take every opportunity I can to shoot so I can get closer to that number. Thank you for your inspiring post to remind me of that goal. :)

Philip Harper says: Thursday, April 14, 2011, 08:57 AM

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS! IT'S BRILLIANT. TOTALLY AND UTTERLY!

Stine Pedersen Photo says: Sunday, April 10, 2011, 03:43 PM

I love this picture! You made me wanna head down to Barns & Nobels and buy that book! Love your work Sarah!

annawithlove says: Tuesday, April 5, 2011, 08:23 PM

After pulling a 12 hour day this was the perfect read to end it.
THANK YOU
you are always such an inspiration.
x
annawithlove

jenhowell says: Tuesday, April 5, 2011, 04:24 PM

So in love with this!

Aileen Reilly says: Tuesday, April 5, 2011, 12:18 PM

I think this is one lesson that new photographers or new anybody often don't understand or take into account. All a new-to-the-industry sees are the successful photographers (who may be offering a workshop) and the newbie wants "the answers," the "shortcut" to the success. In reality, as you point out, what you don't see is the 10,000+ hours behind the curtain, the blood, sweat, and tears, the late-nights, the failures, etc... that have all led to THIS moment of the hard-earned success. What no one sees now are the ones coming, the ones who are working to find their personal vision, who are putting in the hours, mastering their technical skills and honing their business skills. Yep, these are the hours. ;) Great reminder. Thank you.

Tiffany Lowry says: Tuesday, April 5, 2011, 10:28 AM

Swoon!

Dan says: Tuesday, April 5, 2011, 10:15 AM

Loved that book!

10,000 hours was definitely a requirement, but so was opportunity. We can't leave out opportunity!

Each case study in his book talked about the unbelievable opportunities each person had/didn't have. In his own words...

"Our ability to exceed at what we do is powerfully bound up with where we are from..."

"People who have extraordinary success are those who have been given opportunities and who have had the strength and presence of mind to seize them."

Ultimately, lets not forget that hard work is 99.9% of success. It is also true that hard work creates incredible opportunities for us... Focus on the 10,000 hrs and your mind will become sharp enough to see the opportunities.

Prepare, practice, work, search, create and pray for eyes sharp enough to see opportunity!

italida says: Tuesday, April 5, 2011, 05:54 AM

wonderful!!!

chriStina e says: Monday, April 4, 2011, 05:23 PM

Interesting!

ajja says: Monday, April 4, 2011, 04:27 PM

such a cool picture, love the rows and rows of school buses. just keep shooting, just keep shooting....

Annie says: Monday, April 4, 2011, 04:20 PM

Love this film strip! I was once told by a photographer I was silly for wanting to develop film this way. He had NO idea! :)

Sean says: Monday, April 4, 2011, 03:51 PM

Love me some Gladwell and dig the film strip

Mark Andrew says: Monday, April 4, 2011, 03:41 PM

Outliers is one book that is a mainstay in my business library. My favorite thing now when traveling is loading up my iPad with biz and photography books to kill the down time.

Kaethe says: Monday, April 4, 2011, 02:55 PM

Gladwell is one of those authors who just sticks with you. Blink is a great book as well!!:)

anda says: Monday, April 4, 2011, 02:21 PM

and this is why you guys inspire me more than almost anyone. because you're two people around my age who value hard work the way i do. xo. can't wait to see more from this 2 week campaign!

Amanda VanVels says: Monday, April 4, 2011, 02:09 PM

this is just what i needed to hear! sometimes i get frustrated that i'm not an "amazing" photographer yet...but i have to stop and realize that i'm only 20 years old and have definitely not logged even close to 10,000 hours yet. thanks, sarah!

los mikhailos says: Monday, April 4, 2011, 01:33 PM

great post! Always a brilliant writer and motivator- thanks for the great monday pick-me-up - im sounding redundant- although i want you to know im greatful!

boom!

Rog says: Monday, April 4, 2011, 01:01 PM

Second best use of buses since evil kenevil and Andy Samberg.

Cortney Kelley says: Monday, April 4, 2011, 12:57 PM

I LOVE Malcolm Gladwell! If you haven't already read Blink and the Tipping Point, you will love them as well.

David Mendoza III says: Monday, April 4, 2011, 12:56 PM

Dude such a kick in the face to hear that number. Must needs to work at it more. Good word Sarah.

jeff awesome says: Monday, April 4, 2011, 12:50 PM

those guys are so hot right now

Thursday, February 17, 2011, 11:00 AM
Hey Gang- so we're super excited to be heading to Las Vegas for WPPI

We would LOVE to meet some of our amazing blog readers, so if you see us please stop and say hello! You guys are such a great support to us and we would love to give you a hug and a handshake and see the faces behind the names.

We are thrilled to be speaking at two different booths this year at the trade show and our schedule for that is as follows: 

**Monday February 21st 1:00pm we will be speaking at the Renaissance Albums booth (BOOTH #633) about Album's & Exceeding client expectations.

**Tuesday February 22nd at 2:30 we will be speaking at the ProDPI booth, (BOOTH #1219) on a totally different topic (you can wait and be surprised) so feel free to come to both and say hi! 

On Monday Night we will also be attending the killer party we are helping host, Airplanes & Blazers! If you haven't bought your tickets go run over and get a pair and lets get our dance & our Smileboothin' on together! This is a photo from last years' party! And yes, my husband is the guy in the green body suit... it's hot. See you in Vegas!


Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (4)
Jeffrey San Juan says: Wednesday, February 23, 2011, 09:31 PM

Yes, I got my picture with you! And BTW, we are going with the Renaissance Albums!

Jeffrey San Juan says: Wednesday, February 23, 2011, 09:31 PM

Yes, I got my picture with you! And BTW, we are going with the Renaissance Albums!

Katherine + Craig says: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 11:17 AM

We will be there! Hoping to say hi :) Safe travels.

Rich Park says: Thursday, February 17, 2011, 11:04 AM

wish that my wife and i could go to wppi this year, hope you have an amazing time!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011, 10:25 AM
The fabulous folks over at the Vagabond Blog invited us to do a guest interview focusing on our travels. We were so excited when our friend Kristy (wreckless girl) asked us to be a part of it. There is such a great group of people over at the Vagabond Blog. 

So run over and check out the fabulous little interview that they put together about us: 

And while you are there check out the other fabulous contributors to the blog. I always leave their blog inspired.

Happy Wednesday!


Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (9)
Cookie and Kate says: Wednesday, February 2, 2011, 06:10 PM

That orange-tipped dog just kills me. I think I subscribed to your blog after I saw that photo for the first time. I'm glad I did. :)

Christine says: Thursday, January 27, 2011, 05:54 PM

awesome. love the rhoadsies! and these shots are killer, as per always. can't wait to see you in a few weeks. :) xoxo

AnneMarie says: Thursday, January 27, 2011, 01:27 PM

Great article on the Vagabond blog and totally stunning photos!!!

Kristen Drufke Minneapolis Photographer says: Thursday, January 27, 2011, 01:08 PM

That shot from the plan is amazing! Whenever we go on trip my husband always gets the window seat so I'm stuck in the middle. What a perfect flight that must have been.

Stacey says: Wednesday, January 26, 2011, 05:06 PM

MUST know that yellow knit hat pattern! Adore that photo :-)

jen k. says: Wednesday, January 26, 2011, 04:05 PM

love!

i grew up going to canon beach every year and it was so special to our family! i think i need to take matt....

Annie says: Wednesday, January 26, 2011, 03:18 PM

Such an inspiring interview! Loved reading it and seeing all the photos. I saved it to look at whenever I need encouragement to dream :) And that last photo there always makes me laugh! :)

A. says: Wednesday, January 26, 2011, 02:57 PM

Amazing photos ( :

alej keigan says: Wednesday, January 26, 2011, 11:01 AM

i don't think i've ever seen a photo from a plane that i would put on my wall. gorgeous!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 08:48 AM
"No, life cannot be understood flat on a page. It has to be lived; a person has to get out of his head, has to fall in love, has to memorize poems, has to jump off bridges into rivers, has to stand in an empty desert and whisper sonnets under his breath... We get one story, you and I, and one story alone." - Donald Miller

New Zealand felt like cracking open a good book. We got a week to ourselves with nothing but the open road, a few maps, our thoughts and each other. This magical little island reminded me to look up at God and smile more. It reminded me that life is about so much more than being tapped into social media and my email that never stops 'bing'ing' at me. It reminded me to look over at my husband and give him more spontaneous big wet kisses. It was a place that put me back in touch with how minor I am in the big scheme of it all. How I am merely a tree in a forest of other wonderful beautiful big giant growing trees. Traveling always has a way of doing that. That is one of the major reasons why I need it so much in my life.

I also became very aware of the reality that apparently God made a few too many sheep amidst this whole "creating the world" thing and somehow they all ended up on the South Island of New Zealand. We're talking sh*t tons of sheep. straight up ridiculous amounts of sheep. I also learned how to say "Fish n' Chips" with a New Zealand accent. Just pretend you are an Aussie and then put a sock in your mouth and say Fish n' Chips and you've got a Kiwi accent. I learned that the people in New Zealand are some of the kindest in all the land; and that people are EXTRA nice to you in a vintage kombi. I also discovered my heaven is part New Zealand. yep. that's right, it is hands down the most beautiful place I have ever been in all my life. I am not a landscape photographer, I like people, so I do this resplendent little island no justice in the picturesque department, so I will just leave it at this.... you must go for yourself and experience what a touch of heaven on earth is like.

Also, please show a bit of extra grace on me in this set.. my hair is a wreck and I sort of always look like I have that "I just rolled out of bed look," I guess that's kind of charming, but only for about two seconds. Just think, if you hadn't showered in 4 days, wouldn't your hair be a wreck too? ;) 

Thoughts
Add a Comment View Comments (37)
Julia Manchik says: Friday, February 11, 2011, 03:01 AM

You look pretty darn hot for not showering 4 days.

I love your thoughts on feeling small when you travel. It's exactly what I'm feeling now.

Lil says: Monday, January 17, 2011, 11:56 AM

Sweet photos! Glad you enjoyed your visit...come again anytime.

julie harmsen says: Sunday, January 9, 2011, 04:53 PM

holy amazingness! the color of that water is incredible!

kate says: Sunday, January 9, 2011, 02:31 PM

Breathtaking! I'm adding New Zealand to list of must-visit islands (Iceland, Hawaii, etc.) I can't get over those crystal clear blue oceans!

molly says: Saturday, January 8, 2011, 12:27 PM

i hope you guys had so much fun! It's looks breathtaking. Matt has been and he was so jealous when he saw your photos, he's dying to go back there!

xo,
Molly

Kristin says: Thursday, January 6, 2011, 03:39 PM

I think you did the landscape a beautiful justice with these pictures!! absolutely breathtaking, I've wanted to travel to New Zealand for some time, nice to live vicariously through your images! I love the cows too, such peaceful lovely animals! Makes me crave a road trip!

Rachael Clegg says: Thursday, January 6, 2011, 02:57 PM

Loveeeee every single one, these pictures make me want to go!! Beautiful job

terrence gooden says: Thursday, January 6, 2011, 12:44 PM

I love the pictures and the fact that you get to travel and experience life "off of the page". This post was made even better by the Donald Miller quote. He's one of my favorite authors.

Ben Elsass says: Wednesday, January 5, 2011, 10:34 PM

My fiancee and I have been seriously considering going to New Zealand on our Honeymoon...your photos have pretty much sealed the deal. Absolutely gorgeous.

Jenna says: Wednesday, January 5, 2011, 08:50 AM

LOVE all of these pictures!! Makes me want to visit New Zealand now. :-)

Samantha Cullen says: Wednesday, January 5, 2011, 05:00 AM

Hey Sarah, I was luckily referred to you by another photographer Kyle Hepp.. I just wanted to say that you captured NZ beautifullly! I'm a kiwi living in Chile, and I love to see my country through eyes that obviously appreciate it as much as me! Congratulations :)

Paul says: Wednesday, January 5, 2011, 12:12 AM

So glad you guys had such a great time in the Combi in our corner of the planet. But thank you so much for sharing with the world what we already know, that we live in a special place.

Stunning pics

Peter Amend says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 11:29 PM

you don't have any idea how excited i was as this popped up on my CSS reader. i'm leaving for the South Island a week from today, and SO FREAKING EXCITED to travel the land, see the country, have some adventure, and meet some kiwis.

if you experienced any MUST GO spots or any experiences that you have to pass on, PLEASE let me know!

thanks sarah, and again - i love following the blog!!!

Peter Amend
www.PeterAmend.com
www.AmendPhoto.com

Meredith Amadee says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 10:14 PM

Wow, I cannot believe how gorgeous this place is and how beautifully you captured it! Definitely on my top places to visit list. Once again, I am revisiting your blog just to view your amazing photos! thank you!

AnneMarie says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 09:39 PM

Wow. There is such a serenity that shines through your photos. Beautiful!

Rich Park says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 08:00 PM

new zealand looks amazing! i want to jump into your pictures! awesome shots!!!!

Olivia Leigh says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 06:13 PM

I was going to say that first image was breathtaking, but then I scrollled through and saw even more breathtakingness! So incredible!

Mary says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 05:19 PM

I couldn't stop thinking about everything you told me about New Zealand the other morning. How it is the most beautiful place on earth. Once we parted ways we found a overlook of Seattle and the snow capped mountains and I breathed it in and felt overwhelmed knowing that there is so much more beauty than this. You captured New Zealand in a way that calms my desires and eagerly makes me want to pack my bags and buy a ticket. You experienced it in an amazing raw way and I am so happy you two got to do that! High fives to Chris for driving! This place really does look like heaven.

Kaethe Richter says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 03:28 PM

Looks amazing! Beautiful work. :)

Annie says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 03:07 PM

I think you captured NZ beautifully. And I laughed at the accent bit! It's so true! Fush n chups! :)

hayley clayton says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 01:50 PM

These are amazing!!! Thanks for sharing.
I'm going to NZ next month and I am so excited to take photos. It looks beautiful.

Kathryn Bradley says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 12:43 PM

What a gorgeous country! It's hard to believe that turquoise water is real. Great images!

Bran says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 10:34 AM

This just brightened up my day. I spent 4 months almost 2 years ago in New Zealand (2 months over christmas and 2 months in the spring) and it was the most wonderful place I've ever been. I recognize a lot of the places in your pictures.
It's my little heaven on earth as well. I can't wait to go back one day. Thank you for your beautiful photographs.

Sarah Danaher says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 10:12 AM

so many of those places I feel like saying, "yes. I was there, too." seriously— I think we were traveling NZ's south island at the same time. weird, eh?

stephanie h says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 10:00 AM

that van! so cool. i love the way you see life.

Johan says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 09:52 AM

Nice. Like the last one very much. Would be nice if you could make some desktop wallpapers from some of these. Best // Johan

Marissa Rodriguez says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 09:35 AM

Stunning, as usual! So random, but I have that little gray dress with the birds too! ha!

Amanda VanVels says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 09:27 AM

Sarah Rhoads, ya done good.

Katie says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 09:18 AM

Definitely need to get to New Zealand STAT!

Kevin Wrenn Photography says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 09:16 AM

I'm breath-taken! I think if i could have any vehicle in the world, it would be that EXACT van! And that turquoise water, OMG! great stuff you guys.

Megan says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 09:09 AM

These are breathtaking!!! What an amazing place!

lroah says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 09:04 AM

Gorgeous! I am booking our trip there this week - any recommendations on what absolutely NOT to miss? I would LOVE some insight!

Julian Beattie says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 09:03 AM

Rad! Come back soon, eh? :-)

anda says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 09:02 AM

wow -- i want/need to go there. and you look totally adorable! i'm so glad you still took photos of your surroundings even though you prefer photos with people in them :) :) so beautiful.

Nirav says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 08:59 AM

I'm coming next time haha. I'm small, compact, and can fit into your suitcase. These are gorgeous!

Rachel Peters Photography says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 08:58 AM

Captivating!

Candice {The Beautiful Mess} says: Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 08:56 AM

Beautiful images!