Page 56 - Demo

56 || FITNESS MAGAZINE || JULY 2015FMM: Where do you find your inspiration as a photographer?KY: I started practicing yoga twenty years ago, and it naturally began to infuse my work. The exploration of conscious movement and energetic awareness in my own practice inspired me to shoot those concepts, bringing new layers of sensitivity to my work. Soon after, I started shooting briefs for yoga teachers who wanted to communicate the essence of their ideas and teaching.FMM: You specialized in fitness photographydid you ever have an interest in other styles of photography?KY: I%u2019m blessed with having known exactly what I enjoy and how to merge this with what I do. From an early age I ran competitively and enjoyed many other sports before starting my yoga journey. I love that sports and fitness build community and empower people. They help people to see, achieve, and believe that everything is possible. The positive effect of people coming together to connect, trust, smile, and move energy through their bodies is powerfuI; I love it, so naturally it became integral to my work.FMM: How do you describe your style?KY: I want to inspire action through my images. I%u2019d like people to glimpse under the surface of what a fit and healthy life can offer, not only physically, but also spiritually, and with that I want people to feel inspired and motivated to go out and do something for themselves.FMM: What is your favorite camera/lens combination?KY: I shoot RAW with a Nikon DF, 28-70mm, 2.8ED & 50mm 1.8G LensesFMM: Do you prefer outdoor or studio shooting?KY: Both %u2013 I love the control and detail available in the studio, then also the unpredictable canvas the environment provides.FMM: You have a studio in North London; can you describe your typical photoshoot days?KY: Every day is different, with new clients and hence new briefs. At least 50% of my time is dedicated to business development, processing, administration, and marketing. To edit and process a shoot, I allow the same time as the shoot length, and I outsource my retouching to a specialist.FMM: What tips can you give our aspiring readers that want to pursue fitness photography?KY: I think the key to getting the best out of your work is to shoot what you have a knowledge of and passion for. My aim is to communicate a mood, a message, and also to fulfill the brief that%u2019s a given to make a living from my trade. I work with my clients in a bespoke manner, and I want to understand their vision and ideas so I can best translate them into images. I believe that shooting is about creating a space and mood that allows the subject to give me what I need from them, resulting in what we both want. It%u2019s an energetic exchange that lights me up. Whether shooting my own projects or for a brief there is no greater pleasure than seeing a concept come to life. FMM: What tips can you give our aspiring fitness models?KY: Do visual research before a shoot; find photographers who are testing to build your portfolio. Look to create strong relationships so you come to mind, and be collaborative and keen to go the extra mile. It%u2019s sometimes hard work on set with many repeats to get THAT image, so be patient and enthusiastic.FMM: Where do you hope to go from here?KY: I am living my dream and loving the adventure. I would like to travel further, see new places, faces, and let the journey take me where it will.