10 of my favorite Jivamukti Yoga photographs
I recently finished creating this image of Sharon Gannon, founder of Jivamukti Yoga. It is one of my favorite portraits of her, combining elements of the past and present.
I took the photograph of her in February of 2013, when I had been working as the Jivamukti Yoga Web Editor for less than a year. Sharon told me she was planning to cut her hair, and wanted to create an image of her flowing locks. She laid on a white backdrop and spread out her hair while I climbed a ladder to photograph her from above. The results were fun, but got set aside as other work came in.
A couple months ago I was going through my archives and found them again. I immediately thought it would be fun to add an interesting background. At the time Sharon was getting ready for the June 23rd release of her book The Magic Ten and Beyond.
An out-of-body experience.
She had previously traveled to Egypt with her partner, Jivamukti co-founder David Life. During the trip she laid in a sarcophagus in the Kings Chamber of the Great Pyramid and had an out-of-body experience. Later in the trip a museum Egyptologist showed David and her a photograph of a cartouche with ten Egyptian hieroglyphs, which he thought would be of interest to them as spiritual seekers. The mystical symbols on the cartouche, along with Sharon's experience in the pyramid, inspired the sequencing of 10 spiritual practices that became her daily ritual, and the basis for the book.
Blending Egyptian hieroglyphs to the background of the image of Sharon seemed perfect for a portrait. It is also my goodbye gift. After six years I am leaving my employment with Jivamukti to pursue my own dreams. This image seems a fitting way to say goodbye; its creation began near the beginning, and ended near the end.
I am still a Jivamukti Yoga teacher, of course.
Sharon & David, thank you for the opportunities and mentorship. And to all of the people who came through Jivamukti NYC; for months, or for moments; and to all the teachers and customers I helped. Thank you for your presence and support! May you, and may all beings, everywhere, be happy and free.
#ThrowbackThursday Jivamukti Yoga Gallery
Below are 9 more photos that I have recently discovered in my archives. I hope you enjoy them.
