Yogatown Yoga Instructor Photo Session – Paula

Over the last year, I’ve had the pleasure getting to know this beautiful lady who co-owns Yogatown on Preston and in Stittsville. If you haven’t been to the studio yet, DO IT. It’s fantastic. The space is wonderful, the teachers are top shelf, and the classes are so much fun. I’ve also started teaching some Community Classes there this month and next at 7:30am on Mondays and Fridays. I know it’s early…but what better way to start off the day!

Back in October, I had the opportunity to take photos of Paula. I have been toying with the idea of taking more yoga photos and wanted to build up my portfolio a bit more. What better person to take photos of than this gorgeous gal. Seriously. I often find myself in awe of her beauty…not only on the outside but her kindness, compassion, and overall presence is just so lovely. Check out some of the photos from our session…seems a lifetime ago now that there’s so much snow on the ground!

Are you a yoga instructor looking for some updated photos? Drop me a line at ashley@ashleynotley.com to chat!

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.

Ottawa Yoga Instructor – Elizabeth

Elizabeth won a session with me that I donated to a silent auction held at Upward Dog for Ethan, the son of one of my yoga teachers who was undergoing brain surgery. Elizabeth contacted me following the auction to set up a photo session with her to highlight her yoga teaching. I was super excited as I have been wanting to do some yoga photography for some time. Here are a few highlights from our session together! To see more of the beautiful Elizabeth, visit her website: http://www.yogarific.ca/

Corporate yoga, anyone?

Yoga Tune Up Ball Bliss! If you’ve never tried Tune Up, DO IT! It’s magic.

Are you a yoga instructor, looking to update your website photos? Contact me for a custom quote at ashley@ashleynotley.com

Yoga Instructor Mini Sessions – The Arboretum

Yogis! Struggling to find that perfect picture for your website, blog, and social media? Want something inspirational, storytelling, and fun? Lets make some magic together with these 30 min mini sessions!
You don’t need to be an instructor to take advantage of this offer! Just a dedicated yogi!

Here are the deets!

Where: The Arboretum
When: 30min time slot on October 2 OR October 5, 4-6pm
What: $150+tax gets you 15 digital images of your choosing in high resolution
Why: Cause it’s fun, I promise!
How: Send me an email (ashley@ashleynotley.com) with your preferred date and I will let you know which time slots are available. A 50% deposit is required to secure your session.

Still need convincing? Check out the beautiful Jenn Stow below!

 

Email me at ashley@ashleynotley.com to secure your spot today! Space is limited!

Just be you

This past weekend marked the end of a pretty remarkable personal journey. For the last six months, I have dedicated a large part of myself to everything yoga. 10 weekends worth of living and breathing yoga in all of its forms.

And while these weekends were both emotionally and physically draining, I could not be more grateful for the experience. Yoga has taught me more than just Warrior 2 and Downward Dog…it has taught me to just be. All my life, I have strived for perfection, been competitive in nature and driven to achieve, but for once in my life, I find myself able to be the perfect version of myself both on and off the mat. This version of myself might be different day to day depending on my mood or my level of energy and accepting that is my perfection. Yoga is so much more than just the physical which is what made me fall in love with it in the first place. It’s a time to pause, reflect, breathe and enjoy…and be you.

A big thank you to my amazing teachers Jenn Stow, Todd Lavictoire and Megan Campbell. Their encouragement and support was instrumental in our success and I am forever grateful!

And to my fellow yogis, I will miss you all dearly but I think a weeklong retreat next winter is a must!

Be the perfect version of yourself  – just be you. xo