this was a really cool session for me, the couple basically said, 'take us on a sarah rhoads adventure,' giving me total freedom to do whatever the heck I wanted. It's always so refreshing to feel the rush of creative energy when working with a couple like this. They were so vulnerable and honest with me and I was able to just go out on a limb and try things that usually might have more reservations about trying for silly fears of the couple not digging them etc. I was reminded of the importance of taking risks to further my growth as an artist, bc chances are the client will love the photo's as much as me, I have to remember they hired me bc. they connected with some kind of creative energy that they felt when they saw my work. any cc always welcome. for realz.
side discussion, how do you cultivate that creative energy with your clients? You know when it's there and the magic is happening and there are def. times when you are blatantly aware of how that creative energy is not vibing as well... how do you get there and stay there? for me today, I learned it is conquering fears.
Anyway I'm rambling... here is a couple but check out more of the set on the BLOG

Hey Sarah,

These are wonderful. Vintage is back! For me, "creativity is not something I can just turn off"....hahahha thats what Gwen Stefani said in the HP commerical. Seriously, I have a lot of fidelity to my talent. I believe in my instincts and when I am working with clients I am always sure to remind myself that this work is about telling THEIR story. Sometimes egos can get big....especially when a room full of people have seen your work and now they are meeting you for the first time and showering you with compliments. I think its all about staying true to your creative ambitions. For me, listening to the moments is key. Keep of the great work

Sarah these are really awesome! I love when people are willing to be creative with you. I'm off to a maternity session soon, I hope my result is as good as yours. Thanks for sharing.

Parris, hi there! thanks for the input!
I think there is a difference between creativity and the "creative energy" that I am getting at here. Obviously as artists our creative talent is most likely such a great part of us that that as Gwen Stephani says we can't just turn it off. However, capturing and keeping that "creative energy" going throughout a shoot is something that is shared by you and your couples. I suppose what I am getting at here is, what keeps us as artists from getting to that place of shared creative energy on all of our shoots? How do we keep that creative energy alive throughout the duration of the shoot?
For me this is at the heart of what we do, if I don't have that creative energy on my shoots most times I am just systamatically going through the motions of doing the "go to" things that I know "work;" and that sucks.... Captivating and cultivating that creative energy keeps us fresh and alive as artits. So how do we as artists go about doing that....? would love to hear how others keep that alive within their own craft.

Hey Sarah,
First of all, I really like #1 alot. Love the vintagy feel of it. (it is a bit blurry but mayve that's what flatters the look--)

In regards to juicing up creativity, when a shoot is coming up for me, I think about the subject and who they are. I also listen to music that inspires me and connects to the vibe of the subject as well and alot of times, images come to my mind as I listen. Kind of a mental "music video" of the subject in relation to the music. I know sounds so whatever but yeah that's one way I get inspired. I also like to go and visit the locations I will take pictures prior to the shoot to get and idea on angles, lighting and cool places I want to try different things. I initially like to take easy normal portrait shots at the beginning of the photoshoot, but later go into the "crazy" locations and wierd places once the subject relaxes and gets warmed up.
haha not sure if this is making any sense, kinda early in the morning still...

I think a huge part of keeping your creative energy flowing is practice. I know far too many photographers and artists that only create art when they are being paid. I can't stress enough how this mindset perverts the creative energies. Additionally, I think listening is key. Its sounds like you second guess yourself or you question whether you can outdo yourself after a great shoot? I live with the fear of maxing out my creative reserves and the truth is, sometimes I do bomb. I don't think this has ever happened when working for a client, however, I have tons of personal projects that may never see the light of day.

Another key thing you are addressing is something most creative people dread....organziation. Systems, methods, analytics, etc. Truthfully, I could afford to be much more organized. Although I do not like the idea of having the "safe" shots, there are techniques that i have learned which help me get the creative results I seek. Most of all, I listen. I poke my eyes up from the viewfinder once in awhile and I look around. I perk my ears up at the environment and I listen. There is so much out there to inspire and uplift us as artists. I think self-awareness, focus, and drive are some tools that help ensure we make the most of our creative energies.

nice treatment on these sarah! =) love that one with the guy on the bike in your blog. =)

and yeah, conquering fears and taking it a step further than what you think you can do it very much it!

wish you the best

That last sentence brings it home for me. I agree, self-awareness, staying focused and self-motivation and drive are some of the spices in the recipe for creative energy. I love the way you put all of those thoughts together so perfectly.

One thing that really stuck with me after I attended the workshop, Life as an Artform, is how little jesh looks through the viewfinder in his camera. I think you are exactly right, when we can look up from our cameras and connect with our subjects something magic happens there.... creative energy happens.

All of us have fears. Fear just holds us back from achieving the true greatness that lies within all of us. I am convinced me just like many others are only tapping into but a small piece of the beautiful artists’ and creative 'genius' within each of us. why? bc. of fear, insecurities, second guessing oneself.

So I too agree, self awareness, focus and drive get us to a place of greatness but truly overcoming the fears that are within each of us allows us to really dance in creative freedom and allows that creative energy to ebb and flow from us.

A 'deep amen' from the choir for your words Parris.