Location: Curl Curl Beach, Sydney, Australia
Theme: Portraits for Lailla’s Yoga & Breathwork Business
About Lailla
I first met Lailla on another photography gig – as the event photographer for a yoga retreat she was running in Sydney.
On paper she is a yoga teacher, reiki master, breathwork practitioner and access bars practitioner. But if you asked me, I’d describe her simply as ‘human sunshine and spirit child.” She’s the type of person who brings lightness and joy into every room she enters, whether she’s having a great day or a hard one.
She’s one of my favourite Sydney yogis and someone I really look up to in the spiritual world. I was absolutely thrilled (obviously!) when she asked about doing a shoot.
Shoot Concept
Lailla wanted to do a portrait and headshot photo session for her yoga and breathwork business. She planned to use these photos on her business website and social media, and was looking for something that expressed the non-yoga aspects of her business – as well as plenty of portraits to capture her personality.
Location
We started the portrait session early in the morning at Curl Curl Beach, Sydney. Curl Curl is an amazing beach to shoot at for its variety and relative quietness. We were able to get photos on ocean rock cliffs, rolling sand dunes and on the beachfront – all within walking distance of each other. Compared to many other Sydney beaches, Curl Curl is nice and quiet so we didn’t have to worry about other people getting in our photos.
Props
I asked Lailla to bring along some of her favourite things from her yoga and breathwork practices – so she came armed with a feather, crystals, stunning jewellery and her beautiful drum.
The props made the headshots uniquely ‘her’, and the photos are a wonderful reflection of her spirit. This shoot had me falling in love with photography and storytelling all over again.
Favourite Thing
From the props to the location and the final photos – this shoot is so uniquely Lailla and I love how much it expresses her beautiful personality.
Aside from her all-around spiritual goddess vibe, I admire Lailla for her business edge and entrepreneurial mind. She’s obsessed with learning new things (yoga and otherwise) and constantly improving her crafts. I have a similar mindset with my photography, and it’s so empowering to see fellow Sydney women out there killing it with their businesses. It’s also amazing to be able to contribute the professional portraits and headshots that will take her business to the next level!
The photoshoot itself was so much fun for both of us. Lailla’s sunny personality shines through in the portraits and she quickly became very comfortable in front of the camera.
My takeaway from this shoot was to do whatever it takes to express yourself. For Lailla, that was portraits and yoga on the beach with her favourite props. For you, that might be a cosy spot at home, a horse riding adventure or a quiet bushwalk. Pick the theme that best expresses your unique self, and your personality will shine through in the photos.
