Dear Sarah and Chris,
It’s been two weeks since we left you with our brains filled with information and our hearts touched by your kindness. Matt and I are still gushing about that day. We deem it the “mind shift day.” 2010 is the year of big happenings and if you must know, you were part of my 101 in 1001. Yes, clearly written in ink on a journal page dated January 2, 2010, are the words: #43: book a consultation with Sarah Rhoads.
If I can be even more honest, we were not mentally nor emotionally prepared when you two walked into our hotel room. Minutes before, I was frantically trying to clean up and Matt was making sure all the equipment was in place. That said, the room was cleaned hours ago, and our equipment set out the night before. I knew that we were just nervous and were finding things to do so we could keep it together. I also knew that nervous was a good sign. Big changes never come easily nor without that somersault feeling in your stomach. I know because three years ago I packed my belongings into my Honda, drove through the Nevada desert, into Utah, up the Rocky Mountains, and landed in Colorado. I was beyond nervous. Hysterical at times even. Two months later, I met Matt and BAM! the universe fell into place.
So, we nervously (and happily) waited for you. When the knock finally came, we gave each other the deer-in-headlights look. I kinda panicked. “Oh my god, they’re here,” I mouthed to the room. And then you…you…danced into the room and I knew from that big grin on your face that it was going to be a great day.
Within two seconds the universe fell into place.
I think the most important thing I learned that day was not lighting or posing or workflow. Though all very important, the one thing I took from you two was to be kind to people. I am a people watcher, and that day I noticed little gestures of kindness towards us. Sarah craning her head back to listen to us speak in the car, Chris retrieving my notebook when I accidentally left it. Meeting you two was the affirmation I needed that kindness is the attraction. That you can be “rockstar” photographers but still have your egos in check. Thank you for your wealth of knowledge, for welcoming us into your home, and for your kindness.
Love,
Chatti
P.S. If ever you get a cat remember that a) a shelter cat makes the best companion, b) keep it inside, it’ll live longer, and c) if you don’t change the litter it will find a place to pee. Say, the bowl you left on the counter or worse, your bed.
P.P.S. Hi Stella!
P.P.P.S. I’ve enclosed some pictures of Rose and her Matt, the darling couple we shot with you. Can you tell her to please send her clothes and hair over to me. The eyeshadow too. I like it. = )


































by Chatti Woop Woop
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