Another summer shoot with Community Sauna Baths, but this time at their Stratford site - the only one I'd never visited before. And wow... I loved it. It's tucked away between towering skyscrapers, apartment blocks and Westfield shopping centre. Most people probably don't even realise it's there.
What I loved most was its personality. Painted lockers, colourful murals, plants for sale and a cute little tea station make it feel very different to the other sites. With just three saunas it's perhaps the smallest of the Community Sauna spaces, but it's perfectly formed.
The brief was to capture a collection of natural and soulful lifestyle images documenting people enjoying the experience from start to finish. From arriving and showering (always shower before you plunge - CSB’s motto!), to warming up in the sauna, braving the icy cold plunges and unwinding afterwards, the focus was on the whole journey.
One of my favourite things about photographing Community Sauna is watching complete strangers become friends by the end of a session - it really is a perfect community space to bring people together. With its stepped chill-out area and welcoming communal spaces, Stratford made that especially easy to capture.
Thanks again for having me, Community Sauna. It's been so much fun photographing all four of your London sites this summer. Until next time…
LOOKING FOR A WELLNESS PHOTOGRAPHER TO CREATE SOULFUL IMAGERY FOR YOUR SAUNA, RETREAT, STUDIO OR WELLBEING BRAND?
I'd love to help! I specialise in natural, story-led and soulful photography that helps people get a real feel for your space before they even walk through the door.
