Monday, July 8, 2024

Strike a Pose: Stay Limber with Yoga for Photographers

*Stock image from Canva                            Hey there, fellow photographers! Whether you’re capturing the joyous moments of a wedding day, family portraits, or a long day of event photography, you're in for a treat. If you haven’t yet experienced the aches and pains of carrying your gear or, heaven forbid, considered cutting your career short due to injuries and the physical demands of the job, lucky you! But don't worry—today, I want to share a secret weapon that keeps us nimble, injury-free, and ready to snag those perfect shots: Yoga!

The Demands of Photography

Let’s face it, photography is no walk in the park. It’s more like a marathon with sprints and hurdles! Whether you’re capturing the perfect candid shot at a wedding, snapping action-packed moments in sports dog photography, or covering a long day of event photography, our bodies go through a lot. From crouching down to get the right angle to balancing on tiptoes for that perfect overhead shot, let's not even talk about the hours spent carrying heavy camera gear. It's no wonder some of us end up with sore backs and achy joints by the end of the day.

Photography in all its forms requires a unique blend of endurance, agility, and mental fortitude. A typical shoot can last anywhere from several hours to a full day, often with hardly any breaks in between. During this time, photographers need to be constantly alert, moving swiftly and seamlessly to capture every critical moment, whether it’s the bride’s preparations, the winning goal, or the keynote speaker's address.

Why Yoga?

Yoga isn’t just about bending like a pretzel or chanting “Om” (although those parts are pretty fun too!). It’s a practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and mindfulness techniques to improve overall health. For photographers, yoga offers several key benefits:

Flexibility: Essential for getting into those awkward positions to snap the perfect shot. Flexibility ensures that you can bend, twist, and contort your body without strain, allowing you to get creative with your angles.

Strength: Particularly in the core and legs, which helps in carrying heavy gear and maintaining good posture. A strong core supports your lower back and reduces the risk of injury.

Balance: Crucial when you’re standing on one leg to get that elusive angle. Good balance helps prevent falls and improves your stability, which is especially useful when shooting on uneven surfaces.

Stress Relief: Weddings and events can be stressful! Yoga helps manage that stress, keeping you calm and focused. The breathing techniques and meditation aspects of yoga can significantly lower anxiety levels, making it easier to handle the high-pressure environment of a wedding day.

 A Photographer’s Yoga Routine

You don’t need to be a yoga guru to reap the benefits. Here’s a simple routine you can try to add to your daily schedule, ensuring you stay limber and injury free.

Cat Cow Stretch 

Start with this gentle warmup to loosen your spine. This stretch helps to alleviate back pain and improves spinal flexibility, which is crucial when you need to twist and turn during a shoot.

How to: Get on all fours with your hands under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Inhale, arch your back (Cow), exhale, round your spine (Cat). Repeat for a few breaths.

Downward Facing Dog (not as easy as it looks!)

This classic pose stretches your entire body and strengthens your arms and legs. It is perfect for stretching those super tight hamstrings, calves, and shoulders.

 How to: From all fours, lift your hips up and back, straightening your legs and forming an inverted V. Hold for a few breaths, pedaling your feet to deepen the stretch.

Warrior II

A powerful pose that builds strength and stability. Great for the legs, opens those very tight hips, and improves balance, making it easier to stay grounded during a busy day.

How to: Step one foot back, turning it out slightly. Bend your front knee over your ankle, arms outstretched parallel to the floor. Gaze over your front hand and hold.

Tree Pose

Enhance your balance and concentration with this grounding pose. This one really enhances your balance and stability, which is essential when you need to maneuver in tight spaces or on uneven ground, particularly with all that gear strapped to you!

How to: Stand on one leg, placing the sole of your other foot on your inner thigh (avoid the knee). Hands can be at your heart or overhead. Hold and breathe. 

Child’s Pose (my favorite)

A restorative pose to relax and stretch your back.  This one is perfect for relaxing the lower back and releasing any tension built up during a full day of shooting.  To be honest this one is my go-to for during or after my editing marathons editing too! 

How to: Kneel down, sit back on your heels, and stretch your arms forward, resting your forehead on the ground. Breathe deeply.

 Real Life Photography Day Yoga Hacks

You don’t always have time for a full routine on the day of a wedding, but there are a few quick yoga-inspired stretches you can do between shots to keep yourself limber.

 Wrist Stretch: Extend one arm forward, palm up, and gently pull back on your fingers with the other hand. This helps with the inevitable camera holding strain.

 Neck Rolls: Slowly roll your head from side to side, easing any tension in your neck.

 Hip Opener: Stand with feet wide apart, bend one knee and shift your weight to that side, stretching the inner thigh of the straight leg.

These quick stretches can make a significant difference in how you feel at the end of a long day.

So there you have it, folks. Yoga isn’t just for yogis; it’s a game changer for wedding photographers too. By incorporating these simple stretches and poses into your routine, you’ll not only improve your physical health but also enhance your mental focus and creativity.

Next time you’re prepping for a wedding, event or family shoot, remember to strike a pose – both with your camera and on the yoga mat. Your body (and your clients) will thank you!

 I’m not a yogi or a doctor, so please consult both if you have any health concerns before starting a new exercise routine.

submitted by Kim Yanick