So Seattle was perfect. Upon my return to Madison I needed to rest for most the week … take in the things I learned and take them to heart. But now that moment of rest is over and I’m ready to move, move, move. I was so fortunate to spend my first full day in Seattle with Sarah and Chris Rhoads of Sarah Rhoads Photographers. Since stumbling upon their blog months ago, I have been fascinated by their brand, passion and big dreams. The way Sarah writes on her blog, almost daily, is really inspirational to me.

We met downtown and Sarah did a mini photo session with me … immediately putting me at ease with her laugh and free spirited nature. You can see some of the images she shot of me here. I adore what she captured — the multiple facets of my personality … and the chuck taylor shot is particularly me :)

We spent the remainder of the day in beautiful Queen Anne discussing my brand, portfolio and future goals (amongst many other things). I also got to eat pho for the first time ever! I kinda like a lot of things about Sarah and Chris, notably how intuitive they were about where I wanted my photography to go and where my true passion lies. They challenged me to set audacious goals and reinvent myself … that no dream is too big and that following the true passions of your heart will take you so far.

And that’s what I really love about Sarah and Chris. They move at hyper-speed, they set incredible goals for themselves, they don’t stop, don’t settle. They aren’t boxed-in to the “shoulds” of wedding photography, or photography in general. They are great leaders in the industry and I can’t wait to see everything they do. The day I spent with them really shifted my thinking … and I’m so ready to go full speed and live the life I want to live.

We went out on a lifestyle/engagement shoot in the afternoon and Sarah and Chris did an awesome job drawing upon Morgan and Dave’s love story (which included sticky notes). You can read more about the inspiration for the shoot here (and see the final images).

After the day was done (brain dump — holy cow! but soo good), they drove me by Kerry Park where Sarah and I hopped out to take-in the view and snap some photos (Mount Rainier was even out). Breathtaking. Sarah and I got to spend more time together the rest of the week (I’ll post about the Jesh deRox workshop in my Seattle Part II post), and I noticed that every time we were near this view point, she would stop to take in its beauty. How amazing is that? She is still inspired by her immediate surroundings … constantly inspired and constantly pushing herself. It really left an impression on me. It was a special day and a special week, for sure.

Here are some behind-the-scenes shots from the session with Morgan and Dave, as well as my shot from Kerry Park.