Ottawa Yoga Teacher Portrait Session at the Farm – Brittany Bryden

I don’t even know where to start with this girl…my heart is just so full! I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know this beautiful soul over the last year and I’m so happy to call her one of my friends. She’s the type of gal who brings you a Suzy Q doughnut when you’re sick, treats you to a delicious Whalesbone dinner, and who somehow reads your mind and your body and gives you exactly what you need in each and every yoga class. And that was all just this week!

Brittany has quickly become one my best friends and favourite yoga teachers. She is so passionate about what she does and it shows in each and every class. From her wicked playlists to her well thought out sequences, you leave feeling refreshed, more knowledgeable, and with a better appreciation of your body.

I had the pleasure of taking this gal’s photo, on the farm, where she lives with her man who is a farmer himself. You can just see how at home she is in the middle of the country. Take a peek at this beauty!

 

You can find Brittany on the schedule at Yogatown in Stittsville and Ottawa, and Pure Yoga Ottawa in Centretown and Westboro.

Ottawa Arboretum Yoga Teacher Mini Sessions

It’s no secret that I’m pretty much in love with yoga. Just over a year ago, I completed my 200hr yoga teacher training as a means of furthering my own practice and learning more about yoga, its benefits and the overall lifestyle of a yogi. What I love most about yoga is that anyone can do it. It doesn’t matter how old you are, what stage of life you are in, your weight, your physical ability…there’s something for everyone. And coming from a really (self-inflicted) competitive background in sports, education and overall need to be AWESOME, the idea that yoga can be whatever you need it to be, for YOU, is so humbling.

I have come to realize that being a yoga teacher has benefited my ability behind the camera in such a big way. As a teacher, I have learned to read bodies better – body language, positioning, relaxed vs. rigid postures, comfortability in ones skin. Just call me a body language therapist. In turn, I learn to read ones body in front of the camera. You’re comfortability, your love, your personality, and turn that into reading you in front of the camera as a couple. I play to your strengths – how your body folds itself into one another. How his smile softens you from the inside out. How when you look at her, you are instantly hooked – ain’t no camera gonna distract you now! I can tell when you’re nervous, anxious, or feel uncomfortable. And before we’ve even started, I can already sense what makes you feel most comfortable as a couple. And boom! We’re making portraits!

Until next time friends! xo

Ottawa Yoga Instructor and Personal Trainer – Jovette

Jovette asked me a while back if I could take some photos of her for her website. Looking to bring a new look and feel to her website, she wanted some fun photos that let her personality shine through while also adding a few basic yoga postures and personal training tips. Jovette is a yoga instructor at Yogatown, where I also work and teach. Her classes are always super spirited, fun, and inviting to everyone, no matter your level of expertise. Here are some of my faves from our session together!

Going with the flow

If you knew me back in the day, I was highly charged, easily stressed, and an all around bundle of nerves. I stressed over making the smallest of decisions, like what to do on a Friday night. University was a hurdle, constantly challenging me to find a little sliver of confidence in this crazy vast world. Trying to figure out who I was, where I fit in, and what to do with this beautiful gift of life.

I turned to yoga almost 8 years ago. I needed an outlet, something to calm my nerves and clear my mind. I was instantly hooked. Today, yoga is part of my every day. Whether I make it into class or not, I find the time to make it onto my mat and check in. Finding the time to turn off autopilot and tune into how I’m feeling. Not just on a physical level, but emotionally and mentally as well. Yoga has become a vital part of my well-being and I am so grateful to myself for having been brave enough to walk in to my first yoga class.

And while I still get the sweats when I’m sitting in traffic and think I’m going to be late, or when my computer makes a weird noise and starts to flicker, or when I’m down to my last batch of Pumpkin Chai tea, I’ve learned to better cope with these little anxieties.

A few months ago, the tables were turned and I got myself in front of the camera for a little yoga session! Many thanks to the beautiful Janine of Intuition Photography for these great shots!

Get on your mat.