Slow Sounds Yoga Photography

As the photographer for Lauren’s Yin Yoga and Poppy’s Sound Bath Slow Sounds day retreat in West Lexham, my role was to capture the essence of this transformative experience through mindful and intentional imagery. This retreat is all about slowing down, connecting with oneself, and experiencing deep relaxation, and my goal is to reflect those themes in every shot I take.

The Slow Sounds retreat offers participants a serene day filled with gentle yin yoga sessions guided by Lauren and deeply immersive sound baths led by Poppy. The setting, West Lexham, is the perfect backdrop with its tranquil nature, rustic charm, and peaceful ambiance. My photography focuses on highlighting the natural surroundings, the calming energy of the participants, and the restorative practices being shared. Whether it’s the golden light filtering through the trees during a quiet moment of meditation or the subtle expressions of peace as participants sink deeper into relaxation, I aim to tell the story of this retreat in a way that truly resonates.

For Lauren’s yin yoga sessions, I captured the stillness, subtlety, and softness of the practice. Yin yoga is a meditative approach that involves holding poses for longer periods, allowing the body to gradually release tension and cultivate mindfulness. My photography highlights the gentle movements, serene expressions, and moments of surrender as participants explore their breath and body. The images emphasise the grounding nature of the practice—showing people connecting inward, supported by Lauren’s nurturing guidance. Close-up shots of hands gently resting on yoga mats, feet grounded in the earth, and the graceful alignment of poses are woven together to evoke a sense of calm and balance.

Having experienced first hand Lauren and Poppys sound baths at The Ashtree in Norwich, I knew what to expect and this provided me great insight into how I wanted to capture Poppy conducting the sound bath. The focus shifted to capturing the ethereal and healing vibrations created by instruments such as crystal bowls and chimes. Sound baths are immersive experiences where participants lie back and allow sound waves to wash over them, facilitating deep relaxation and energetic shifts. I captured the serene atmosphere of the space, as well as the peaceful expressions of those being immersed in sound. My intention is to convey the sense of stillness and profound peace that is so often experienced during sound healing. Soft, ambient lighting played a key role in creating images that feel warm and soothing, matching the energy of the sounds being produced.

In addition to photographing the individual sessions, I documented the interactions between participants and the sense of community that develops throughout the day. Retreats like Slow Sounds are often about more than just the activities; they’re also about connecting with like-minded people in a shared space of healing and growth. Group shots, candid moments of laughter, and people coming together over shared experiences are central themes in my photography.

The natural beauty of West Lexham provides endless opportunities to incorporate nature into the narrative of this retreat. From wide shots of the lush landscape to detailed images of the flowers and greenery that surround the practice areas, I used the environment to enhance the overall mood and message of slowing down and reconnecting with nature.

My approach to photographing Lauren and Poppy’s Slow Sounds retreat is focused on capturing the calming, restorative, and mindful qualities that define the experience. Through a mix of candid moments, thoughtful compositions, and attention to detail, I aim to create a visual story that not only reflects the essence of the retreat but also serves as a lasting reminder of the peace and healing participants experienced.