Vega's Gorgeous Pregnancy Photos

There is a magic that happens to us as photographers when everything comes together at once in perfect synchronicity....the ethereal light converges with  perfect softness and vibrant color....and we are connected with the people we're photographing in that moment in time and space in complete perfection.

It's something that we aspire to everytime we shoot and feel incredibly blessed when we achieve. It's a sense of ecstasy that is captured in mere seconds but immortalized forever.

I had all of these feelings throughout my entire shoot with Vega....our lighting and venue were perfect and we worked together and understood each other perfectly. She was willing to trust my vision while also having an empowered and liberating sense of herself and her body. She has a femininity and electric magnetism that translates so well through the lens. It was an absolute joy to co-create this shoot together!

She was fearless and open to trying just about everything we both could come up during the time we had. One of my specialties and favorite types of photography is Goddess Photography in which I celebrate women of all shapes, sizes, and ages throughout the various stages of our lives. What more amazing way to celebrate Vega's "Goddess-ness"than to celebrate her body's ability to create life and to watch her transition from Woman to Mother.

I have to add that there has been more serendipity involved between Vega and me than this shoot. We met around twelve years ago through mutual friends and had such an unforgettable conversation I never forgot about her. It was the time before Facebook and social media and cell phones were just beginning to be used and we either lost contact info for each other or never asked for it. I never forgot her and always wondered if she still lived in Santa Barbara. There are many people we meet throughout our lives and never forget and Vega was one of them. Over the years I wondered where she was and if I would ever see her again.

Fast forward to a few months ago when I was shooting an event with Association For Women In Communication and there she was again....twelve years later. I was so excited to reconnect with her and was happy to know she hadn't forgotten me either. I didn't realize it at the time that she was pregnant and was overjoyed when she asked me to be her photographer for the final leg of her pregnancy.

Life has a funny way of connecting us at just the right moments. I so look forward to seeing Vega become the amazing Mother that I know she will be....and I definitely hope I have the opportunity to continue photographing her throughout her Motherhood.

Wishing her a sublime and beautiful birthing experience!

Life is truly magical.

*Please make sure to check out the slideshow I posted below of our shoot together. There's a comment thread below as well~

*If the music doesn't come on at first, please refresh your window/browser and click "play" again. Enjoy!

2013 Rockin' Santa Barbara Writers Conference

*Please feel free to leave your comments below the slideshow. Enjoy!

Owner: Monte Schulz
Director: Nicole Starczak
Director Of Volunteers: Grace Rachow
Rockin' Multi-Media Team: Rachel S. Thurston (r.s.thurston photography), Lisa Angle (Ninety Degrees Media), Ginger Swanson (video), and Jane St. Clair
Rockin' Volunteers: You all know who you are!!! Great volunteer pic in the slideshow below.

The third week of June has come to punctuate my year with the same special occasion that Summer Solstice, Halloween and my spring birthday all do. It's not summer or a complete turn around the sun without the Santa Barbara Writers Conference. I think I've lost count of the number of years I've been involved with the conference--at first as a fledgling student both bewildered and inspired and then over the years as a part of the staff and lead photographer for the conference).

It's difficult to explain exactly how special this week is or even why it has become such a magical part of the year. As writers, we all struggle with challenges of isolation, self-doubt, and self-criticism and during this gloriously full week we gather from around the country (and a few from abroad) to support and inspire each other. The six days of the conference are so gloriously filled that one could easily spend 17 hours immersed in all things literary...from 9 a.m. til 2 a.m. 
There are morning, afternoon, and evening workshops, afternoon panels, evening speakers, a wine and cheese event (one of my favorites even though tequila sadly hasn't yet been incorporated into the event), opening and closing night dinners, an annual Talent Show (which I've somehow inherited the leadership of ;-) and an agents and editors day in which writers can rub elbows with the pros and have the opportunity to actually pitch their manuscripts (Fannie Flagg of Fried Green Tomatoes At The Whistle Stop Cafe credits the start of her literary career to SBWC!).

Stephen Chbosky, author and director  of The Perks Of Being A Wallflower pictured with
SBWC Owner Monte Schulz and Director Nicole Starczack.

But my favorite moments of the conference are actually those moments in between. When you stick a couple hundred brilliantly talented, company-starved literati together for a week and fill them with literary inspiration, deprive them of sleep and provide a daily happy hour, you never know what kinds of magic will ensue. I have met several lifelong friends at the Conference over the past 10 plus years...some of whom I only get to see during this one precious week of the year.


For this week, we all put our lives on hold to reflect on our lifelong dedication to the craft of writing and the precious connection we have with one another. The Conference has grown into an invaluable community of men and women of all ages, shapes, colors, and sizes who have found their "tribe" of fellow misfits and miscreants at long last!


This past year was also one of reflection and sadness as the Co-Founder and Beloved Figurehead of the SB Writers Conference, Barnaby Conrad, passed away. In addition, his dear friend and internationally renowned author Ray Bradbury (a dear friend of SBWC and a huge inspiration to many of us in the literary world) also passed away this past year (and is also as deserving of his own slideshow if I had the photos for it).

Best-Selling Author Sue Grafton photographed along with Journalist and
Presenter Susan Gulbransen and SBWC Owner Monte Schulz

Many of us attended a beautiful tribute dedicated to Barnaby during the conference week to share stories about his life and celebrate all of the ways that Barnaby impacted each of us over the years. Because I was able to take so many amazing photos this year and at the Tribute, I thought that Barnaby's Tribute deserved to be a slideshow of its own. I'm hoping that his family and friends can share these photos and stories and help Barnaby's legacy live on through each of us. 

I want to give a huge shout out to Monte Schulz and Nicole Starczak for putting on the Best Conference yet this year (it is like a fine tequila anejo and seems to only get better with every year!) A big thank you to Grace Rachow and to all of our incredibly, hardworking team of volunteers who do everything in their power to make the Conference go smoothly and stress-free. Mahalo Nui to all of the Workshop Leaders for the inspiration and passion you bring into each of your workshops every year. Big Thanks to each of the panelist and speakers who delighted us with insight and humor this year and found room in their heart to share some tips with writers like us who are still in the trenches... A big thank you to Lorenzo and the Staff at The Hyatt for making all of us at SBWC feel like we have a second home there during the week of the Conference. And Big Thanks to all of the Attendees for continuing to support the SB Writers Conference!

I have deep gratitude for the "family" and community I have found in many of you through the Writers Conference. I've been working my butt off to edit these photos and put together a slideshow which hopefully is testament to what a magical week the third week in June is for all of us!

Our Fearless Workshop Leaders!

*I hope you have fun reliving these very special days...if the music doesn't come on at first, just refresh your browser and click "play" again. Also feel free to leave your comments after each of the slideshows. If you'd like me or anyone else to see the comments, please make sure to "tag" me and anyone else you want. Feel free to share this link with your friends as well!

"SBWC 2013 Rocks!" Slideshow

"Tribute To Barnaby Conrad" Slideshow

Association For Women In Communication's Annual "Women Of Achievement Awards"

“I've come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that's as unique as a fingerprint - and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you. ” 
― Oprah Winfrey

*MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE FABULOUS SLIDESHOW AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS BLOG. If you were at this event, there's a 90% chance you're in this slideshow! 

*Please feel free to leave your comments at the end of this thread. If you mention someone, make sure to "tag" them so they're aware of the post. 


There are moments (and I'm lucky enough to have them more often than not) when I feel truly blessed and grateful to be doing exactly what I'm doing: photographing, mingling with, and working with AMAZING women. On Wed. June 5th I had the sweet privilege of photographing a truly inspiring and uplifting event: The Association For Women In Communication's Annual "Women Of Achievement Awards." 




The Montecito Ballroom brimmed over with an amazing, multi-talented group of women and men who are movers and shakers here in Santa Barbara from Councilwoman Cathy Murillo to Founder of Women's Festivals of SB Patty DeDominic to CEOs, lawyers, chefs, and authors......all gathered to honor award-winning journalist and top-selling author Kathleen Sharp (Mr. and Mrs. Hollywood, Blood Medicine, and more) and Marsha Bailey, the Founder and CEO of Women's Economic Ventures, a SB-based non-profit which offers micro loans and self-employment training to male and female entrepreneurs (I'm a proud WEV Alumni and supremely grateful to Marsha and her hard-working staff for providing our community with an organization that has had such far reaching impact). 


After a beautiful and poetic tribute by AWC-SB Poet Laureate Perie Longo, both Sharp and Bailey treated us to individually unique speeches which touched upon humor, humility, and gratitude. Both women fittingly received standing ovations for their awards and what they have contributed to Santa Barbara.

It was one of MAGICAL days--between talking to poets, life coaches, visionaries, and designers--that filled me with that brilliant drive to go  DO REALLY, REALLY GOOD BIG STUFF IN THE WORLD WITH MY SUPERPOWER WOMAN POWERS! 

It was also a poignant reminder that it's not enough to simply do our best. It's important that we also take the time to reflect and celebrate each other's successes. 

As it turns out, there's enough abundance to spread all around. 

Our sisters' successes are also our own.

Here's to celebrating each and every one of these beautiful moments! 

BIG KUDOS TO THE PLANNING COMMITTEE: Lisa Angle, Kathleen Barry, Karen Feeney, Lynn K. Jones, Lois Phillips, and Cindy Faith Swain. Well done!!!

*Enjoy the slideshow! If the music doesn't come on when you click play, refresh your browser and click "play" again. 

*Prints are available by clicking on the gallery here: http://rsthurston.zenfolio.com/awcluncheon6/13

*If you're a staff member or speaker and would like to ask about access to some of these images, please send me an email at: rachel@rsthurston.com 

The Writer Magazine Article on 2013 Santa Barbara Writer's Conference

Super happy to see that an article on the Santa Barbara Writers Conference (as well as one of my photos!) made it into The Writer Magazine in an article by Hillary Casavant in this month's issue (June 2013). This is one of my favorite shots from last year's animated "First Book Panel" featuring SB local and longtime SBWC volunteer and author Melinda Palacio (Ocotillo Dreams) along with Ramona Ausubel (No One Is Here Except All Of Us), Toni Margarita Plummer (The Bolero of Andi Rowe), and Amy Franklin-Willis (The Lost Saints of Tennessee).  I've been involved with the SBWC for the past ten years and have been one of the lead photographers of this national event for the last three.

SBWC has become a truly invaluable and supportive community in my journey as a writer. I am forever grateful to all those who have worked their butts off to keep SBWC going (Monte Schulz, Nicole Starczak, Grace Rachow, and our kick-butt staff!) the past several years. I feel blessed to be a part of this incredible team!

Alpha's "Circle of Life" Annual Luncheon and 60th Anniversary with Dennis Miller

r.s.thurston photography
*Please feel free to leave comments after the slideshow

This is what I love about my job. I get to work with people who inspire and uplift me. And I get to be a part of amazing organizations like Alpha Resource Center who I might otherwise never have know about.

For those of you who only know of Alpha's Thrift Stores in town, you'll be surprised by how much this organization really does and the passion with which they operate in this world. In short, they exist to give support to families and their loved ones who have developmental disabilites. This was my second year photographing their Annual Circle of Life Luncheon and I am never any less moved or touched by the emotion and passion in that room!

From the beginning of the event when Gabe (an Alpha Participant) and his father Jerry Donovan sang and performed "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" to Dennis Miller's funny quips (he's been a passionate supporter of the organization for many years and has donated much of his personal time to Alpha) to another musical number featuring two more of Alpha's Participants and a few community members whose lives have been so indelibly touched by support from Alpha, it was hard not to be moved by the magic and love in the air. 

Since the event took place and while I was finishing up this slideshow, I discovered that a beloved Alpha Participant--Tom Sayovitz--passed away unexpectedly. I would like to dedicate this slideshow to him and to his family and friends at Alpha. My heart goes out to his family and friends and all those at Alpha who had grown close to Tom. 

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To watch the slideshow, scroll to the bottom of this entry and click on "play." If the music doesn't come on at first, just refresh your screen and start again. In order to watch it full-size, just click on lower right hand box icon. 

The Reynolds Family Reunion and Anniversary Celebration

❤ "When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses."  ~Joyce Brothers ❤

I was fortunate to have photographed an absolutely lovely and sweet-spirited family visiting from down South recently to celebrate their parents'--Joan and Chet's--anniversary. You never know what's going to happen when there are more than two people included in a photo shoot....so capturing thirteen family members (including 5 children) could conceivably be a challenge with so many personalities. 

I'm happy to say that I honestly couldn't have had a more delightful time with each and every one in the Reynolds Clan. The sky was crystal clear, the air had a sweet spring chill and the sun poured down through the branches of oak trees in a magical way. They were infinitely patient and stood happily smiling through multiple poses, always respectful and loving to each other. 

The whole morning with them made me so incredibly grateful to be doing what I love and to regularly have the opportunity to be a part of families and friends celebrating their relationship with each other. 

Thank you to the Reynolds Family for hiring me to be your photographer for a very special reunion and celebration! I'm sending a big congratulations to Joan and Chet for your anniversary as well~ You all are so very blessed to have such a beautiful family!

I hope I have the opportunity to photograph you all again for future celebrations!

Clara and Mark's Beautiful Beach Wedding

"Love must be as much a light, as it is a flame."  
~Henry David Thoreau

*Enjoy the slideshows at the bottom of this entry. You can make them full screen by clicking on lower right hand corner of the screen. 

Being a part of a wedding is always an intimate experience but being a part of a small beach ceremony even more so. This was such a delight to spend a few hours with Mark and Clara and a few of their closest friends. The day started out so crisply (even though the next day it rained and rained) and beautifully....and only got better from there. 

Not a cloud in the sky. A cool breeze coming off the Pacific....and the perfume of true love all around. I am so happy to have met you both and to have been included in such a beautiful celebration. Congratulations to you two! May every day be as filled with love as this one was!