In the high-intensity world of sports photography, Madeleine Penfold brings a sense of calm and creativity through her unique background in yoga and mindfulness. Being a qualified yoga and mindfulness teacher, Penfold injects a serene touch of tranquility into the heart-thumping adrenaline of sports photography, casting the entire genre in a fresh light.

The essence of Penfold's approach extends beyond mere shutter clicks. A veteran with 500 hours of yoga teacher training, she found a unique perspective on photography, marrying it with her yoga and mindfulness training. This unusual amalgamation allows her to create a tranquil environment amidst the tumultuous world of sports and achieve a state of harmony. 

Though the path of a freelance photographer can often feel aimless, Penfold's self-discipline and meditation practices anchor this uncertain terrain. "A lack of direction and community in the beginning as a freelance photographer, it's like aiming in the dark," she explains. "There's no clear path. There's no structure." Rather than letting the ambiguity overwhelm her, Penfold leaned into the self-driven nature of her work, using mindfulness to center herself during hectic shoots.

This ability to remain present and unphased by the pressures of a photoshoot sets Penfold apart. She recounts being told that she "can bring the person out of the player, calm the most excitable of athletes, and bring the confidence out of the shier athletes." Top brands have noticed, choosing Penfold as the lead photographer on major international campaigns.

So how does Penfold maintain this unflappable poise and evoke such natural, expressive performances from her subjects? For her, it all comes back to mindfulness. "I used practices like meditation and mindfulness to anchor myself during busy periods," she explains. Rather than imposing her vision, she tunes into the energy of a photoshoot and meets the athletes where they are.

This intuition and empathy enable Penfold to connect authentically with talent in minutes. "Don't compare yourself or your work to others," she advises aspiring photographers. "You have to be incredibly passionate about what you do; this industry is hard and relentless; if you don't love it, you'll run out of energy." Finding purpose and meaning in one's work is critical to avoiding burnout. 

Penfold's passion for inclusivity and diversity has guided her photographic journey. She promotes these values while working with major sports brands and publications to reshape views of beauty and athleticism. For Penfold, it's about unearthing the unique essence behind each athlete. "Connect to your projects," she urges. "Find authentic clients."

Penfold has already dedicated over a decade to honing her craft. Though some may attribute her success to luck or chance, she sees it differently. It's easy to assume Penfold must have had a stroke of luck to achieve all she has, but she has already worked hard for a number of years to get where she is today.

Through Madeleine Penfold’s story, we glean valuable insights into sports photography, the power of mindfulness, and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. Her approach encapsulates the essence of mindfulness in action, showing us that the true power of a photograph lies not just in its composition but in its ability to capture the undiluted essence of its subject.