Last weekend I did my first online shoot with the inspiring yogini Lena. And we went like that from Birmingham to Barcelona in no time!
Lena is a passionate yoga teacher based in Barcelona. Her classes are very gentle and easy flowing. Even though she teaches mainly in Spanish, I love joining them online. The calmness of her voice is very relaxing to listen to when practicing yoga. The environment every teacher creates by the way they teach and interact, even being online, matters most to the person experiencing it. You can find Lena on Instagram as @yoganidrasana and even join a live practice.
Our initial photo plans were canceled due to the Coronavirus situation. Lena and I had already scheduled a shoot in Barcelona for the end of April, so despite the whole madness the power of the internet actually made it happen, but just in a slightly different format. Furthermore, creativity on its own is a savior, despite stressful situations and limited resources. It has helped me many times before. I have days when I just want to throw my camera away and move to my village house, but I find a way and go back to creativity, sometimes defeated, miserable, and needy. But the creative force gives me back something every time. It’s like the relief when you slide down into the hot bubble bath and feel hugged by the warm water.
This online shoot was done via Facetime, with no camera tethering. I saw a few online shoots done around social media, but I wasn’t sure if it’s for me. However, we have some time so why not give it a try.
I’ve had a great session with Lena. Seeing how the sunlight interrupts our conversation with its mighty beauty, I truly felt Barcelona <3
The quality of the images does remind in a way of a film negative. I guess it has been long enough now that we‘ve developed a nostalgia for low-resolution webcam photographs. And let’s not forget the emotion. That those aren’t just someone’s low res photos randomly taken but are captured moments of a time when you arranged, prepared, and did something that looks like this. Yes, you can take images all by yourself, but the feeling won’t be the same. There is a special moment when you’re being photographed - you’ve been seen, you’ve been acknowledged, you’ve been recorded.
I’m still not sure if this is something I like doing more of, simply because I don’t feel helpful enough. I don’t like the fact that the model is responsible for most on the things “on set”. I believe they need to be most relaxed actually so they can have a great experience. On the other side, it is a challenge when you’re not aware of the actual space around the subject. I’m a touch person - I like the physical side of things. I prefer to go to the place and see it with my eyes so that I know how to position the model in the space.
As a whole, I’m happy I tried this lockdown type of photoshoot. Even though I’m still not sure it’s for me, I’m keen to try some more times while the quarantine lasts. Sometimes I need a second or third try of things to make my decision.
I hope you’re safe and sane!
