This project was personal.

Some of my clients may find it surprising that in addition to being a photographer, I am also a registered yoga teacher.

I’ve been practicing yoga for over 20 years. In 2018, I wanted to deepen my own practice and knowledge base. I received my 200 hour RYT teacher training in May 2018 from Blue Yoga Nyla in North Little Rock, Arkansas. When I’m not on location working or editing, I’m on the mat myself and I teach at BYN four days a week.

Among the countless things I love about my yoga home, is that Blue Yoga Nyla strives to bring yoga to those who need it, regardless of their ability to pay or experience level. All of the morning classes, Monday through Friday, are Pay What You Can. Our studio also serves a large population of senior adults, many of which are on a fixed income. 

The senior adults who practice at the studio hold a very special place in Stacey Reynolds’ heart, BYN’s owner and founder. Many of the seniors who practice at the studio come on a weekly basis. A few have been practicing with Reynolds for over 20 years. Last summer, she decided to do a calendar focusing real seniors with their real practice. The money raised from sales is slated to offset the costs of the pay when you can Classes.

When I heard of her plans, I immediately stepped up to volunteer the as the photographer. 

In addition to the main calendar imagery, I photographed two of the senior-focused classes: a chair class and a floor class. 

The photos here are members of our senior community who practice at the studio faithfully. They are not models and they are not paid talent. They are real people who are full of life, young at heart and proof that with a consistent yoga practice, the aging process is not something to be feared, but embraced. Each of the men and women prove that with the right mindset, anything is possible.

If you want to learn more about Senior Yoga or any other classes offered at Blue Yoga Nyla, check out their website or e-mail the studio for more details.