How One NYC Yoga Photographer’s Practice Transformed Both Her Art and Her Life

A New York City portrait photographer’s yoga alumni story on finding balance on and off the mat

When you first stepped on the mat, what did you think yoga was and how is that different from what you know now?

When I first got on the mat, I thought yoga was only about being flexible, something cool that only a select few people could do. But as I kept practicing, I realized it goes so much deeper than that. Yoga is about the mind and body together. When you’re on the mat, you become another person. Your body is moving, but not in a random way, in a way that actually makes sense to the body. It is also therapeutic mentally and physically. It’s like your body finally speaks its own language.

What has the Sonic community meant to you?

What I never expected when I first walked into Sonic was the people. As someone living and working in New York City, it can be hard to find your people. But Sonic gave me exactly that. I have met so many meaningful, genuine people through this community, people who welcomed me with open arms from day one. Over time those familiar faces became real friendships, deep ones. Some of the most meaningful people in my life today are people I met right there on the mat at Sonic. That is what makes Sonic special. It is not just a yoga studio. It is a community that holds you, challenges you, and grows with you.

Outside of the studio, where do you notice yoga showing up in your everyday life?

Okay, this one is actually funny. I noticed it on the subway. There were times I didn’t want to hold the handle, and I didn’t fall. That’s when I realized I have balance now! (Don’t try this if you haven’t practiced, by the way!) But beyond that, it shows up in the big moments too. When I’m supposed to be stressed, I just… take it easy. Yoga teaches you to work with your breath, one breath, one moment. And once your brain learns that, it remembers. That breath becomes your anchor. Living in New York City, that kind of grounding is everything. It has also helped my body so much. As a photographer who carries a lot of equipment, your body can feel stiff and worn down, but yoga has helped me bring back my mobility.

How has yoga influenced your photography?

As a NYC portrait photographer, when I photograph clients, I bring the same calm, grounded presence I was taught at Sonic. I help them find ease in their body, not just strike a pose. That presence, that patience, that ability to make someone feel safe and seen, that all comes from yoga. And one of the number one things people say to me after a session is how I made them feel at ease. That’s not just photography, that’s yoga. That’s presence. That’s what the mat taught me.

If you see me at the studio, say hello, let’s be friends! To see more of my work visit www.carolinealarcon.com or come say hello on Instagram at @caroline_alarcon_loor and let’s be friends there too!