Yoga Photography Preparation Tips

Yoga Photography Preparation Tips

1. Choose Comfortable, Fitting Clothing

• Yoga Wear: Wear clothing that allows a full range of motion and complements your body during yoga poses. Look for leggings and fitted tops that won’t shift or ride up during movement.

• Solid Colours or Simple Patterns: Opt for solid colours or subtle patterns to keep the focus on your practice, rather than on your clothing. Earthy tones or calming colours often work well in yoga photography.

• Avoid Excessive Logos: Refrain from wearing clothing with large, distracting logos. Minimalist designs keep the focus on you and your practice.

• Outfits: I recommend taking 2 to 3 outfits to allow for various looks and a diverse portfolio of photos.

2. Hydrate and Rest

• Drink Water: Hydrate the day before and the morning of the shoot to ensure your skin looks fresh and your body feels energised.

• Rest: Get a good night’s sleep before the shoot so you’re well-rested, your energy is high, and your body feels balanced.

3. Warm Up Your Body

• Preparation: Arriving 10–15 minutes before your shoot gives you time to warm up, settle in, and get into the right mindset for the session.

• Stretch Beforehand: Take time to stretch and warm up your body before the shoot to ensure you’re not stiff or tense when performing your poses.

4. Be Mindful of Your Skin and Hair

• Skin Care: Keep your skincare routine simple—focus on moisturising to ensure your skin looks fresh and radiant.

• Hair: Opt for a comfortable hairstyle that suits your personal style. A sleek ponytail, loose waves, or even a simple top knot can work well for a yoga shoot, depending on the vibe you’re going for.

5. Practice Poses in Front of a Mirror

• Alignment: Pay attention to your body alignment in your favourite poses. Adjusting your posture can make a huge difference in the shot. I will guide when needed.

• Smooth Transitions: Yoga photography often focuses on movement, so practice flowing smoothly and gracefully between poses to create a dynamic feel in your photos.

• Facial Expression: Remember that your facial expression matters. Whether it’s a serene, focused look or a gentle smile, practice expressions that match the feeling of your practice.

• Planned Poses: Come prepared to your yoga photoshoot with a short list of your favourite poses you’d like to be photographed in. I would recommend 10-15 poses. The moodboard will also help.

• Simple Poses: Keep it simple; not all yoga poses require big bends or flashy moves. Simple poses can be less intimidating to your target audience.

6. Prepare Your Yoga Props (if applicable)

• Props: If you use props like blocks, straps, or blankets in your practice, please bring them along. Props can add interest and depth to your photos while showcasing your practice.

• Mat: Bring your favourite yoga mat, especially if it holds personal significance or has a visually appealing design.

8. Wear Light, Natural Makeup (if desired)

• Minimal Makeup: If you choose to wear makeup, go for a light, natural look. The goal is to enhance your features without distracting from your practice and overall energy.

• Consider Sweat: Yoga sessions can get intense, so keep makeup simple to avoid it smudging or feeling heavy. A little waterproof mascara, tinted lip balm, and light foundation can go a long way.

9. Be Ready for Movement

• Energy Flow: When moving through poses, think about creating lines with your body. Reaching up or extending out will add elegance and dimension to your photos.

• Stay Open: Be open to trying new poses or angles. Sometimes, the best shots come from spontaneous moments.

10. Take your time

• Take Breaks: If you’re holding a pose for a while, take a break when needed to reset and avoid feeling too fatigued.

• Focus on Breathing: Breathing is integral to yoga and will help you stay grounded during the shoot. Focus on your breath as you move through poses to create a calm, centred energy in your photos.

One last tip..

Have fun!