Sneak peak BTS for the branded pictures for the opening of the new Pura Pilates Studio in Ahangama, Sri Lanka. Our vision, how we prepared for the shoot and the moments in between.

The Story behind Pura Pilates

Alessia's dream to start a Pilates studio began during her healing journey. She was exhausted by the constant pressure she put on herself to always be on the go, including in sports. She discovered Pilates while doing physical therapy for past sports injuries and quickly fell in love with how strong it made her feel.

That’s where her ethos as a Pilates and yoga teacher began: she believes you can be strong while still being soft.

She envisioned a space focused on helping people feel stronger by connecting with their bodies, not overwhelmed by loud music or the “go hard” mentality of a typical gym. A space where people are encouraged to slow down, build strength, and connect with others on a similar journey.

The Vision

The vision was to capture Pura Pilates in its true form. Calm, focused, and with movement. We wanted the images to feel natural and welcoming, just like stepping into a real class. We photographed the space both with clients in session and without anyone to give Pura flexibility across their website and social platforms. The goal was to create visuals that feel welcoming, while also clean and minimal for use across their plattforms.

How We Prepared: Timing, Light & the Vibe

We chose the early morning because that’s when the natural light hits the space just right, soft and golden, filtering in through the studio windows. It gave us that calm, grounded look that aligns perfectly with the Pura brand. I arrived early to capture the studio without people to get some clan shots showcasing the details and the overall vibe of the studio.

Alessia made it clear that they didn’t want staged perfection. To keep things authentic, we agreed to shoot during a real class. No extras. No overplanning.

I came in with my camera during a regular morning session and stayed just long enough to capture what we needed without disrupting the flow.

What I Loved About This Project

I’ve tried Reformer Pilates before and honestly, I underestimated how tough it can be. I’m all for encouraging people to move their bodies and stay strong in a way that feels good.

But what really made this project special was Alessia. You can feel the energy she’s poured into Pura. The attention to detail, the calm confidence, the love for what she does. Supporting young entrepreneurs like her, who are building something meaningful from the ground up, is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.

A big thanks to the team at Pura Pilates for trusting me with your vision.

Their socials

Pura Pilates

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Did you try reformer pilates before and did you find it hard?