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Liformers are a bunch of dedicated, joyful go-getters who inspire us daily
with their creativity, honesty, and love of yoga. Our ‘Meet the Liformer’
series gives you the chance to get to know them a little better, find out how
they practice, and catch their enthusiasm.
Alessandro Sigismondi is a photographer and filmmaker who specialises in wellness content. He’s been the person behind the lens on Liforme photoshoots since 2018, creatively capturing our yoga mats in stunning detail in Tulum, Dubai, Stockholm, and India, among other amazing locations, including his native Italy.
Where are you from/where do you live?
I was born in Torino, Italy, in 1974. After years of traveling and living abroad,
I’ve returned to my roots and currently reside in Turin with my wife and son.
How did yoga come into your life?
Yoga entered my life through my wife, Paula, a yoga teacher. In 2012, we
moved to India with our one-year-old son to study yoga. While I initially
intended to become a yoga teacher, I soon realized my true calling was
capturing the essence of yoga through photography and film.
What does your practice look like now?
My practice is a blend of movement and mindfulness. While I may not be on
the mat every day, I find yoga in daily life, through breath, presence, and the
way I engage with the world.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I was always drawn to storytelling and creativity. Initially, I aspired to be a
journalist, which led me to study Communication Sciences. Over time, this
evolved into a passion for visual storytelling.
Who are some photographers you admire?
I admire photographers who capture authenticity and emotion. Names like
Steve McCurry and Sebastião Salgado come to mind for their ability to tell
compelling human stories through imagery.
What’s your favourite part of your work?
Connecting with people and capturing their true essence. There's a profound
joy in creating visuals that resonate deeply and authentically.
How do you approach telling a story through photography and video,
especially when working with such expressive subjects as yogis?
I strive to create a comfortable space where subjects can be themselves. By
understanding their journey and intentions, I can capture moments that reflect
their inner world and the spirit of their practice.
Do you have a particular philosophy or mindset you bring to your
shoots to capture the spirit of yoga?
Presence and empathy are key. I approach each shoot with an open heart,
aiming to honor the individual's journey and the authenticity of their practice.
What inspires your visual style? Has it evolved through your travels or
through your encounters with different yogic traditions?
Absolutely. Traveling and experiencing diverse cultures and yogic traditions
have deeply influenced my aesthetic. Each encounter adds a new layer to my
understanding and visual storytelling.
You’ve photographed yogis all around the world—how has experiencing
yoga in different cultures influenced your own perspective, personally
or artistically?
Witnessing the universality of yoga across cultures has reinforced the idea
that while practices may differ, the essence remains the same. This
realization has enriched both my personal journey and artistic expression.
Is there a specific country or shoot that left a lasting impression on
you? What made it so powerful?
India, particularly Mysore, holds a special place in my heart. It's where I
transitioned from the corporate world to a life dedicated to yoga and visual
storytelling. The energy and authenticity there are unparalleled.
Have there been moments where cultural barriers actually led to more
creative or profound outcomes in your work?
Yes, navigating cultural differences often pushes me to find universal themes
and emotions, leading to deeper connections and more impactful visuals.
Has working so closely with yoga and yogis affected your own lifestyle
or personal journey?
Absolutely. Being immersed in the yoga community has taught me the value
of presence, authenticity, and continuous growth.
What have you learned from the yogis you’ve photographed, not just in
their movement, but in their energy or presence?
I've learned the importance of intention and the power of subtlety. Often, it's
the quiet moments that speak the loudest.
Have you ever found yourself in a moment behind the lens where you
felt completely aligned - mind, body, and spirit - with the subject?
Yes, those moments are rare but profound. They remind me why I do what I
do and the transformative power of genuine connection.
What’s one of the most challenging shots you’ve ever captured and how
did you make it happen?
Capturing movement in challenging environments, like low light or crowded spaces, tests my adaptability. Patience and presence are crucial in these
situations.
Is there a moment you caught on camera that still gives you chills when
you look back at it?
Yes, photographing a yogi in deep meditation amidst the chaos of a bustling
city. The contrast and serenity were striking.
Do you ever feel like a silent witness to transformation, especially in
those raw, intimate yoga moments?
Often. It's a privilege to observe and capture these personal journeys without
intrusion.
What does a ‘typical’ day look like when you’re on a shoot in a remote
or exotic location?
Working in the early mornings to capture the best light, connecting with
locals, scouting locations, and adapting to the environment. Flexibility is key.
How do you stay grounded while constantly being on the move?
Maintaining personal rituals, staying connected with loved ones, and carving
out moments of stillness help me stay centred.
What personal rituals or tools do you use to stay creatively inspired
while traveling?
Walking in nature, meditation, and immersing myself in local cultures and arts
keep my creativity flowing.
What do you hope people feel or take away when they see your work?
A sense of connection, inspiration, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty
and authenticity of the human experience.
If you could tell your younger self one thing about this journey you’re
on now, what would it be?
Trust your instincts and embrace the unknown. The most fulfilling paths are
often the least predictable.
What’s one powerful lesson you've learned from photographing yoga
that you think everyone could benefit from?
Authenticity resonates. Being true to oneself is more impactful than striving
for perfection.
What are you reading?
I'm currently reading The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. It’s
less a book and more a mindset. A reminder that creativity isn’t something we
do, it’s something we live. Rubin’s way of practicing presence through music production resonates deeply with how I approach photography and storytelling.
What’s your motto?
Create with intention, connect with authenticity.
You’ve decided to cash in your frequent flier miles for a vacation. Where
are you heading?
A secluded beach in Indonesia—nature, simplicity, and space to breathe.
What’s in your smoothie?
Unsweetened, home-made almond milk, avocado, chia seeds, banana, a
couple of dates, a scoop of whey protein, and a pinch of Himalayan salt.
Clean, creamy, and low on sugar: just how I like it.
What’s your favourite Liforme Mat? Why?
Aesthetically, I love the Liforme White Magic, but I always tend to use the
Liforme Classic Grey Mat.
Ask yourself one question.
What drives you to keep creating?
Now answer it.
The endless potential to inspire, connect, and evoke emotion through visual
storytelling.
Any closing words or quotes?
Trust the universe but work hard to gain its trust.
That’s the balance I try to live by. Surrender and effort, intuition and
discipline, all part of the creative path.
