7 Tips for Taking Om-azing Yoga Photos

We’ve all seen them. Those beautiful, Instagram-worthy shots of someone in a yoga pose with a completely zen expression, and posted with a prolific quote from Rumi as the caption. But how the heck do you capture those moments? Phones aren’t allowed in the studio room and you don’t just randomly break out into Dancers Pose in the middle of walking the dog. (Or maybe you do?)

We’ve compiled some tips for capturing yoga photos you’ll be excited to post. After all, social media is a representation of our lives, and if yoga is a big part of your life, that’s something you want to share with your community.

1. Be Safe Out There

Some people will do just about anything to get the perfect shot. Make sure you aren’t putting yourself in danger or even trespassing.

Warm up your muscles by flowing through a couple Sun Salutations, and for the love of yoga, don’t attempt anything you’re not comfortable doing in class. For example, if you’ve never done a forearm stand before, doing it for the ‘gram can wait until you’ve had a little more practice. At the end of the day, no Instagram post is worth your personal safety.

2. Use the Buddy System

Having another yogi to capture your photo makes all the difference. This is a lot easier than setting your camera to a delay and trying to run into position (see above about safety). Plus, your friend can find the perfect angle to capture the shape of the pose.

3. Find the Light

When you're posing, make sure the light is behind whoever is taking the photo so that you don't get any weird shadows - especially on your face. Speaking of your face, you want to find lightness there too. Once in your pose, take a moment to breathe and settle in. This way your expression will be calm and comfortable or maybe even a smile! 

4. Location, Location, Location

One of the most beautiful things about yoga is that you can take your practice anywhere. That said, there are a couple places we’ve found to be good for photo opps:

• Local park or beach

• Home in your living room or backyard

• An outdoor yoga event

• The studio after class

5. Clear the Clutter in Your Mind - and in Your Shot!

Be present in the moment. You are practicing yoga after all! A cluttered mind will come through in your photo, as will a cluttered background. Try to move any unnecessary objects out of the shot so attention is on your asana (and not the pile of mail on your coffee table).

6. Don’t Over Criticize

It’s hard to look at photos of ourselves and not pick apart the things we’re insecure about. Make a concerted effort to talk positively about your photos. You were captured doing something you love, and that’s beautiful. 

7. Have Fun with Filters

Playing with colors and using cool effects on your photos adds to their whimsy. Some of our favorite photo filtering apps are A Color Story, VSCO and good ol’ Instagram. Just whatever you do, please don’t alter your own appearance! You are exactly the way you’re supposed to be (see above). Plus, #photoshopfails are not a good look.