East London Yoga Shoot: Connecting From A Different Perspective

When I walked into my first practice in 2012, I had no idea how much of a game changer yoga would turn out to be. My initial aim was to build strength and flexibility. Little did I know it would also transform my lifestyle, my entire way of thinking, and the way I now try to root my body and being in the present moment. Yoga has also induced a greater desire to connect with and appreciate the little things as well as the big. I now see things from a different perspective, with more patience and understanding. For me it’s all about dropping judgment and expectation, and instead moving internally and externally with compassion and acceptance. I try daily to extend this beyond the studio, out into the world around me and to the people I meet. And hardest of all – to myself.

Every job I do is special in it’s own way. However to help promote something so close to my heart made this yoga shoot extremely poignant; I was over the moon when instructor Alex Cheyney first approached me. Taking the time to chat through her objectives, I came to understand she wanted photos for her website that would appeal to yogis of all levels. It was important to her to not scare off anyone with poses that looked too advanced.

Shooting in the beautiful Light Yoga Space studio and surrounds in De Beauvoir, East London, I wanted to reflect a stripped back, simplistic feel using the abundance of natural light we were blessed with. I also wanted to capture a sense of lightness and calm, and avoid anything moody or too serious. This was relatively easy to do since we were amidst an array of lush green plants, huge windows, and white wash brick walls – not to mention the resident studio kitty and canine! It really was every yoga photographer’s dream setting.

We focused on a pre-agreed list of poses and detail shots Alex and I created before the shoot, accompanied by a lot of fun and giggles along the way.

I absolutely love the results, and hope that my work might inspire people to give yoga a go. Learning how to use my breath and connect with my body allows me to access a state of relaxation, mental clarity, and ultimately feel more balanced. It’s is an invaluable tool that helps me through life’s daily challenges and I’ve never felt stronger and more flexible, mentally and physically, in all my life. I have the biggest admiration for all instructors out there including some of my best friends, and look forward to doing more yoga shoots like this to help spread more light, love, and peace into our world.