Interviews with Portrait Photography
Capturing personalities through the lens of a camera is nothing short of inspiring
Cat Eye Creations specializes in the art of photography, we love participating in weddings, special events and marketing projects but we especially have fun with portraits. Portrait sessions allow us to get to know people on a very personal level, capturing personalities through the lens of the camera.
Follow us on a journey into the lives of several talented and interesting local residents of the Riviera Maya in a special series of Interviews with Portrait Photography.
Cat Eye Creations talks with Yoga instructor Ellen de Jonge
We recently had the opportunity to photograph and talk with Ellen de Jonge, a local Playa del Carmen resident and Yoga instructor. Ellen is originally from Amsterdam, the Netherlands and she has been part of the ex pat community in the area since 2001.
The seaside photo shoot was not only beautiful, it was inspirational as we learned about what drew Ellen to live and work in our community. Her personality and passion for Yoga was fun to capture for our first ever Interview with Portraits in this series.
Ellen, when did you first know that you wanted Yoga to be a part of your life?
The first Yoga class I participated in was at the Hotel Alhambra here in Playa del Carmen. I had been struggling at that time in my life but right from the start of the class, I felt something truly special was happening. I felt like the weight I’d been carrying on my shoulders had starting to lift. My immediate thoughts were that if I could feel so good after only one class then I needed to know more, to understand the science. I wanted to share that experience with others and so my journey began!
Ellen’s Educational Journey
Ellen began her first teacher training in 2001 with Arielle Thomas Newman in Playa del Carmen. She certified in Power Vinyasa, levels 1 and 2 with Baron Baptise. Having studied with many great teachers over the years including Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Eric Schiffman, Dharma Mitra and Brian Kest. She continues her practice today with the Para Yoga founder Rod Stryker.
In addition to her own ongoing education and weekly class schedule. Ellen also teaches workshops and offers teacher training throughout the year.
Lets get Candid
What is your favorite thing about yoga?
One of my favorite things about Yoga, although there are so many things about Yoga I could call my favorite. It instantly makes me feel good. That moment where I tune in, listen to my breath and start my practice. That is the moment where I start to see all, hear all and have the feeling I can heal all. As a result I try to teach with that in mind. All is inside of you.
What do find most challenging about your job?
The most challenging thing is to keep the class approachable for all levels of yogi’s. I try to send a profound message in a light and easy manner. In addition to that I wish for all students to walk out of my class feeling good and that Yoga did her job.
What do you think makes you different from other Yoga teachers?
That is a very difficult question to answer…..I think something that makes me different from other teachers is that I try to use humor and lightness in my classes.
What is your favorite word?
My favorite word is grateful.
What is your least favorite word?
Hate.
How do you spend your free time here in the Riviera Maya?
I enjoy the beach, taking long walks, laughing and sharing good lunches in the company of my friends. Most of all I love the small but oh so important things in life like taking the time to read a good book, eat sushi and of course, indulging in some good dark chocolate from time to time.
Honestly, who doesn’t like a good piece of dark chocolate!?
photography by: kat carroll
If you are interested in taking classes or to be a part of Ellen’s Teacher Training April 30th -Jun 15th, 2017 you can contact her at yoga@ellendejonge.com or check out her website www.ellendejonge.com
Thanks for reading!
Cat Eye Creations Photography
3 Responses to “Interviews with Portrait Photography”
Love it!!!
A beautiful article about a beautiful person. Ellen is my teacher and my life is better for it.
Very proud of my sister !!!
Thanks for the interview Kat !!!