How to Take Amazing Yoga Photos for Instagram (2023)

January 17, 2018 • 1 Comment

Last Updated: November 17, 2023

8 Yoga Photography Tips for an Amazing Yoga Photoshoot in 2023

Are you looking for tips on capturing the perfect yoga photos to share on social media? Look no further! I have compiled eight expert tips based on years of experience capturing the beauty of yoga through my lens. My firsthand knowledge will inspire you to create stunning images that truly embody the essence of yoga.

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How Do I Get the Best Yoga Images for Instagram?
How Do I Get Ready for My Shoot?
What Do I Wear and Bring to a Yoga Photoshoot?
What Are the Best Yoga Poses for Photoshoots?
How Do I Get Inspired for My Yoga Photoshoot Ideas?
Should I Bring Someone to My Yoga Shoot?
Experiment With Flash and Natural Lighting
How Do I Get My New Yoga Photos To Look Good on Social Media?

1. How Do I Get the Best Yoga Images for Instagram?

Book a yoga photo shoot with a professional yoga photographer! There's no need to stress about making sure you got the right selfie picture - you don't have to keep running back and forth to check if you set the timer correctly on your iPhone.

No more yoga selfies! Don't be afraid. Breathe, make shapes, and let the photographer guide you through your session as they capture your beautiful shapes.

Kendra Cherise Miller & her beautiful urban yoga lines in Downtown Denver.

2. How Do I Get Ready for My Shoot?

Make the most of your upcoming photo shoot by dedicating a few weeks to practicing your selected yoga poses.

Pro Tip: Hold your breath for a few seconds while holding your pose. Holding your breath will help to maintain your pose while the photographer takes a few pictures.

Wheel Pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana) in the MountainsMatching the shapes of the landscape.

3. What Do I Wear and Bring to a Yoga Photoshoot?

Choose a couple of outfits (3-5) and props that reflect your personality. Bring water and snacks to keep you hydrated and energized.

Pro Tip: Choose solid, neutral, or muted colors for your outfit. They blend well with any environment. Bright colors tend to reflect on the skin. Get creative and bring a dress and a pair of jeans.

Denver Yoga Photography of this Sunny Yoga GirlCount on this warm ray of sunshine to put a smile on your face! This fun yoga girl is rockin' Mika Yoga Wear for this yoga photo shoot in Denver, Colorado.

4. What Are the Best Yoga Poses for Photoshoots?

Try out any pose that makes you feel comfortable, and don't be afraid to challenge yourself with more difficult ones.

Favorite photogenic yoga poses:

One-Legged Wheel Pose (Eka Pada Urdhva Dhanurasana)
Dancer Pose (Natarajasana)
King Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)
King Cobra Pose (Raja Bhujangasana)

King Cobra Pose (Raja Bhujangasana) in the mountains

5. How Do I Get Inspired for My Yoga Photoshoot Ideas?

Immerse yourself in the world of yoga by following your favorite yogis on social media. Create a collection of their captivating images to use as inspiration for your upcoming yoga photoshoots.

Pro Tip: Remember to bring your list of yoga poses to ensure a smooth photoshoot.

Illuminating Denver Yoga Photography | Mika Yoga WearA breathtaking, magical & powerful capture of this tattooed yoga girl in her Mika Yoga Wear. A fun & beautiful yoga photography shoot!

6. Should I Bring Someone to My Yoga Shoot?

Having a yoga friend with you during your photo session can be a great source of support.

Bonus: They're great at helping with various props and yoga poses.

Blonde yoga girl doing a Dancer Pose (Natarajasana) in a mountain field under the sunshine. Yoga Girl Doing a Dancer Pose (Natarajasana)Beautiful yoga photography of a Dancer Pose (Natarajasana) on the stunning Colorado landscape.

7. Experiment With Flash and Natural Lighting

Natural light: Creates a soft and serene atmosphere, emphasizing the connection between the practitioner and their surroundings. Take photos during the golden hour. That is the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset. The gentle, golden light makes it an excellent time to take pictures, improving the color and mood of your images.

Off-camera flash: Helps to accentuate the contours and details of the body, showcasing the strength and precision of each yoga pose. Consider experimenting with highlights to emphasize the shapes formed by the body while performing poses.

Combination (Natural & Flash): The fusion of these two lighting sources creates a soft, organic glow that highlights the fluidity and mindfulness of the pose, while flash lighting accentuates the intricate details and contours of the yogi.

8. How Do I Get My New Yoga Photos To Look Good on Social Media?

Ask your photographer to resize and format images for social media or use the following chart to crop your photos for Instagram.

Instagram Post Size - Quick Reference:

Horizontal Posts (16:9) - 1080px X 566px
Vertical Posts (4:5) - 1080px X 1350px
Square Posts (1:1) - 1080px X 1080px
Instagram Stories (9:16) - 1080px X 1920px

I use 3000px instead of 1080px for my clients. It's convenient to have one set of images you can use on any platform and send to get printed and framed. However, I do keep Instagram Story Posts at 1080x1920.

Pro Tip: Be sure there is enough space around portrait shots to accommodate Instagram's crop.

Now You're Ready To Take Yoga Photos

You are progressing towards taking mesmerizing photographs that mirror the enchanting images seen in popular yoga magazines like Yoga Journal and the trendy and distinctive apparel aesthetics showcased by industry giants like Lululemon and Alo Yoga. Now go and have fun!

Check Out These Yoga Photos for Inspiration

I'd love to share my handpicked selection of breathtaking yoga images that will inspire your upcoming photoshoot. So sit back, relax, and let these stunning visuals transport you to a state of inner peace and tranquility. Namaste!

Mala beads and Anjali Mudra