California poppy-8 Many of you know I do yoga at least a couple of times a week, sometimes more. I did yoga for 20+ odd years before it became trendy.  My high school basketball coach actually introduced me to it. I wish I had kept it up even when the aerobics instructors jumped on the bandwagon (I couldn't stand that - couldn't find a teacher I liked) because it was after I quit practicing yoga regularly that I ruptured two discs in my back.  As an active person who has always loved sports, that was a bit more than a setback. It was a wake-up call. If I don't keep my core strong, I could do it again. And I definitely don't want to do that again.

So, when a yoga studio conveniently opened up across the street from my house, I signed up. That was more than a year ago and I have been going fairly regularly a couple of times a week. Besides the general health benefits, I realized yoga has significantly improved my strength and balance.

What does this have to do with photography? Well, I don't like to use a tripod if I don't have to. That's a pretty weird thing for someone who loves to shoot macro images, because holding extremely still is much harder than using a tripod. But, thanks to yoga I can squat in deep knee bends for long periods of time, maintain my balance, and control my breath to be still when necessary. That's why I am able to get shots like these, even when there's a breeze, without using a tripod. (If you have ever shot macro photography you know what I mean - the slightest breeze will send you reeling.)

euphorbia-4 White poppy-1

 Why am I talking about this?  I was thinking about yoga today after I watched this ridiculous video. No, I don't breakdance when I do yoga. But I do get stronger.