As a man, yoga is a practice I use to clean out the unnecessary and walk with mindfulness in our world. As an artist, yoga is a poetic human expression celebrating our sincere desire to be better human beings. I found Africa Yoga Project a few months ago and knew, without question, I wanted to be of service to this remarkable organization.
The following images are of my first few days as a resident artist for Africa Yoga Project, whose work is dedicated to healing and empowering individuals. If these pictures inspire you, pass them on. I want the world to know about Africa Yoga Project.
Jacob Parit Noomek: Maasai Village, Kenya (The Foothills of Kilimanjaro)
Anita Njeri: Nairobi, Kenya
James Thiru: Hindu Temple - Nairobi, Kenya
Mama Fatuma Orphanage - Nairobi, Kenya
Mama Fatuma Orphanage - Nairobi, Kenya
Mama Fatuma Orphanage - Nairobi, Kenya
Mama Fatuma Orphanage - Nairobi, Kenya
Mama Fatuma Orphanage - Nairobi, Kenya
Ghetto Green Children's Home - Nairobi, Kenya
Ghetto Green Children's Home - Nairobi, Kenya
Wellington Owiye: Huruma, Kenya
Isaac Mukwaya: Huruma, Kenya
Kangeme Social Hall - Nairobi, Kenya
Vasisthasana: Ghetto Green Children's Home - Nairobi, Kenya
Savasana: Ghetto Green Children's Home - Nairobi, Kenya
Irene Auma - Nairobi, Kenya
Kangeme Social Hall - Nairobi, Kenya
Langata Women's Prison - Nairobi, Kenya
David Maina: Uthiru Grounds - Nairobi, Kenya
David Maina: Uthiru Grounds - Nairobi, Kenya
Faith Muyiai Somoire: Amboseli, Kenya
Julius Kapaito Seleka: Amboseli Kenya
Jacob Parit Noomek: Maasai Village, Kenya (The Foothills of Kilimanjaro)
A dedicated yoga practitioner himself, Sturman's work has increasingly focused on capturing the timeless grace and embodied mindfulness of asana. His portraits, whether set in the lively streets of Manhattan, the expansiveness of Malibu's beaches and canyons, the timeless elegance of Walden's New England, or the bleakness of San Quentin Prison, remind us that there is beauty everywhere. In Sturman's own words "I often think of Rumi: 'I can't stop pointing to the beauty.' That feels right to me."
If you'd like to explore how to make strong yoga photos, click here.