"Pure and honest, capturing the true essence of being - the soul." That's how Richard Pilnick decribes his own photo style. And that is exactly what his photos does, captures the soul, weather it is portraits of yogis or not. Learn more about the yoga photographer in this interview, and get the chance to book a photo session with him at Yoga Games in Gothenburg on April 22-24.
Why do you think you were drawn to the world of photography?
As a portrait photographer, people fascinate me, faces of this world have driven me to travel throughout Asia and the Far East in search of beauty, in the true sense of the word- beauty of the soul shining inside & out…
My father, an engineer who spent many years working away in Asia and the Far East, introduced me to photography at a very young age. He would document his trips with an old Pentax – this became a deep personal connection point between us and a joint passion to share and explore together. Now, I share my own experiences and the lives of others through the medium of photography, capturing the essence and beauty of the unique souls of this world.
What do you love about shooting yoga photos?
In 2014 my practice developed when I found Ashtanga, I became focused, understanding my path, my purpose. Watching the human body move, the muscles, the joints, the breath, for me is a meditation.
It was on a journey to Gokarna, India, where my Yoga photography began. The whole process was enlightening, working with large format cameras and film, capturing the essence of being is a form of practice. Through daily meditation, I see that everything we do, every action is a meditation, life is Yoga… Every picture I take is a moment, a breath, a connection – I now see that working traditionally with large format cameras and film as the ‘practice’ Photography is Yoga, and the beauty happens when one is out of the mind and body and connected with the subject. This practice also continues now when using other camera formats and digital photography.
What strikes you the most when working with yogis?
Devotion and dedication to a spiritual practice – working with Yogis & Yoginis witnessing different individuals abilities of the human body and mind, but that is only the surface, the Asana practice – when off the mat, away from the camera, it’s the connection with the individual, the inspiration of the yogis that strikes me, the conversations about the individuals journey, this is what gives the images the purity and humility.
How would you describe your photo art/style?
Pure and honest, capturing the true essence of being – the soul.
Who is your dream person to shoot and why?
The Dalai Lama, I would love to have a conversation with him, but to be honest, anyone who is on their journey, I’m inspired to shoot humble honest souls.
Why should yogis book a session with you at Yoga Games in Gothenburg?
I capture the true essence of the asana and the practice, through working with me one can gain a deeper understanding of their practice with the individual asana, the beautiful images remind them of their journey at that moment.
Book a session with Richard at Yoga Games Gothenburg
Take the chance to have your picture taken by Richard at Yoga Games in Gothenburg 22-24 April. You'll be able to book your own photo session during Saturday and Sunday. For booking, prices and inquiries please contact: [email protected]
About Richard
Richard works closely with the Ashtanga Yogi Dr. Ronald Steiner and he says this about Richard:
Working with Richard was an amazing experience. He is not only one of the very best photographers I ever met, but is also also an inspiring Yogi. Therefore doing the photos for my new Ashtanga Yoga book became a real yogic experience. His eyes are so sharp to see the perfect posture and the perfect moment of it. Were other photographers "klick" 10 times he hits the button once. But this one photo really says something about the Asana and the practice!
Find out more about Richard at his website and follow him on:
- Instagram: @yogaphotographer & @neverseenthelight
- Twitter: @richardpilnick!
Photo: Richard Pilnick
