It always seems overly ambitious to wake up before 4am for a sunrise photoshoot. But the truth is, is never ever disappoints. Truly. It doesn’t matter what season it is, anytime I wake up to witness the sun rising, it is always worth it.

My sunrise yoga session at Lake Michigan with Grace holds my statement true. We met at near my place and drove over to the lakefront together while it was still pure darkness. As arrived to the lakefront, we began to get a glimpse of some dark blue and purple hues in the sky. This particular morning was divine circumstances for capturing a sunrise: a bit cloudy, but not overcrowded with clouds or foggy. The weather was forecast to get pretty hot that day in August, but it hadn’t gotten too warm just yet without the sun. We couldn’t have asked for better weather.

Grace began to warm up and I captured her silhouette against the increasingly colorful sky. Once the sun made its way over the horizon, the entire view was kissed with this stunning golden glow. It was pure magic. I can only imagine what a magical moment it was for Grace, practicing her divine yoga practice, the clear blue water of Lake Michigan periodically rising just over her bare feet while the first rays the day beamed onto her skin. I can attest that I was a beautiful moment to witness.

Grace and I met back a few years ago working in a restaurant in Chicago and instantly connected. We worked together for several years and became good friends. She teaches yoga all around the city and found a yoga home at Om On The Range Yoga in the Lakeview neighborhood. She is an ultra-talented yoga instructor who has great attention to detail, is beyond thorough when it comes to bringing awareness to the body, and overall always leads a class with a beautiful structure that leaves you feeling strong, grounded, and free. If you ever end up in one of Grace’s yoga classes, you are in for a treat of sweaty goodness.

Grace also spent majority of her time throughout the pandemic lock down applying to grad schools for physical therapy and had just found out that she got accepted into her first choice programs!

When Grace reached out to me to book a yoga photography session, we were discussing a timeframe to set our session and eventually decided upon sunrise. The intention for her session was to capture this exciting moment in her life and to utilize the photos for promoting her yoga teaching. Having taken Grace’s yoga class several times prior, I wanted to be sure to capture her intention, focus, and passion for this craft.

Continue scrolling to witness a breathtaking sunrise and Grace’s beautiful spirit.