Behind the Session - Rachel (@yoga_girl)
Known worldwide as @yoga_girl on Instagram, Rachel Brathen is not only one of the most impressive yogis around, but she is easily one of the kindest, most inspiring and radiant people I have ever met.
As a prominent social media figure (with over 2 million followers on Instagram alone), being in front of the camera is nothing new for Rachel. She built her community by sharing colorful, bright images of her doing yoga in her home of Aruba. When it came time for our session together, it was deeply important to me to capture her in a unique way and to witness a softer side of Rachel, not just capture the athletic, limber ‘Yoga Girl’ (though, of course, we got in some handstand photos, too). The scenery was gorgeous, it was a gorgeous day, and Rachel (of course) was right at home by the water, although it wasn't quite as warm as the Caribbean waters of Aruba.
The more serious portraits of Rachel are some of my absolute favorite images of her. They show the magnitude of her power and softness all at once.
The images of Rachel in the forest are still some of my favorite images, to this day.
I love challenging myself and the people I create with to explore ways to safely step outside of our comfort zones and try something new.
As you can see, the result is almost always pure magick.
