Phoenix Brand Photo Session for Elysha McMurtry Photography
Los Angeles Based Yoga Photographer: The Perfect Blend of Yoga + Photography
In the bustling an busy area of Southern California, we unveil the unique story of a successful and charming woman who seamlessly combines the worlds of yoga and photography. Meet Elysha McMurtry, a busy executive for a national brand of energy drink by day, and creatively skilled yoga teacher and photographer when the suit jacket is exchanged for buttery soft leggings. Her gorgeous lifestyle imagery and serene yoga poses will elevates her students and clients to new heights.
Elysha contacted me for fresh brand photos for her brand, Elysha McMurtry Photography, when she knew she'd be coming to Phoenix, AZ, for a week to celebrate her son’s graduation from Arizona State University. We chose to hold her brand session in my studio in Downtown Phoenix as it offered the serene backdrop perfect for capturing the meditative yoga vibe.
This brilliant convergence of yoga and photography is a match made in artistic heaven. For Elysha, these two passions were initially separate, but a transformative experience of the pandemic changed that. “My post pandemic refocused photography business is exclusively focused on capturing the beauty and grace of yoga professionals. With a passion for both yoga and photography, I combine my two loves to create stunning, authentic images that showcase the unique spirit and energy of each individual practitioner. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting out, my goal is to create images that inspire and empower, capturing the essence of each yogi's practice.”
Empowering yoga teachers with beautiful brand images.
With her pre-existing knowledge of photography, she infuses her artistic style with a sense of tranquility and mindfulness that captivates viewers. Elysha explains, “I've always been drawn to photography as a means of capturing and preserving memories, but it wasn't until I discovered yoga that I truly found my passion for capturing images that reflect the beauty and power of the human spirit. There's something truly magical about the practice of yoga, and I believe that each person's journey is a unique expression of their individual spirit and energy.
During her session with me, she expressed how much she loved her corporate day job. In fact, we used her session to create some new professional headshots in addition to her lifestyle brand photos. For the headshots she brought along some beautiful outfits. Ultimately we decided to go with a gorgeous lilac colored suit jacket that reflected her calm, professional demeanor.
So, with a highly successful daytime job, why did she she add on the business of yoga photography? “My ‘why’ is to capture that essence and share it with the world, to inspire others to see the beauty and grace within themselves and to feel empowered to share their own unique message and energy. Whether I'm capturing the flow of a yoga practice or the joy and energy of an event, my goal is always to create images that inspire and uplift, to help people connect with their true selves and with each other. I believe that my work is about more than just capturing images - it's about connecting with people on a deeper level and creating a sense of community and empowerment. That's what drives me every day, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with others through my photography.”
I loved my time with Elysha! As she said after our brand session, “I felt like I left the studio with a new friend!”
Client: Elysha McMurty
Photographer: AMY SCHAUMBERG of A.Marie Studio
Location: @CentralAveStudio
Hair & Makeup: Mary Nickerson of Makeup by Mary
