Dr. Riva Z. Robinson, a functional medicine doctor, an author and a bikini champion!
Dr. Riva Z. Robinson and I heard about each other through Dr. Lance, a chiropractor based in San Francisco. Dr. Lance once interviewed me for his YouTube Channel and he mentioned about Dr. Riva that I need to meet her! We kept missing each other last year but finally, we got to meet during this pandemic AND we got to work together underwater!
I’ve worked with bodybuilders in the past so I knew what to expect. SHE CAN SINK, no problem! She looked so calm and serene underwater. I’m so glad to hear that she enjoyed this beautiful escape during this difficult time and her busy schedule. I also got to interview her and I want to share her story with you guys.
• How did you feel before the photo shoot?
Before the shoot, I was a tiny bit nervous, but mostly excited! I had seen some of your work and fallen in love with it! I couldn’t wait to experience it for myself. I love being underwater – I scuba dive and I love being in or near the ocean.
• How was the experience with underwater portrait session?
At first it was a lot to think about – posing myself/ my dress/the fabric strategically, smiling and not making fish faces, and not getting water up my nose, but I got the hang of it pretty quickly. I think it might have been easier in a deeper pool to get a little bit more creative with posing and staying suspended in the water. Since my body is very dense, I sink to the bottom pretty quickly.
• How was your mood after you finished?
I felt so inspired and empowered after the shoot! It’s such a unique experience to be able to shoot underwater and bring all of your artistic expression to life. Especially after getting a glimpse of the photos, I was wowed by the emotion that came to life.
• What does WATER mean to you?
Water feels like home to me. My family is from Trinidad and Tobago, so I’m always drawn to the peace, power, and beauty of water. It was extremely powerful to see a different side of myself come to life and appreciate how beautiful and unique I am. So I definitely think this is helpful in overcoming the effects of trauma that have left me feeling unworthy.
• How did you sleep the night of the photo shoot comparing to the usual days?
I slept fine, no different than any other night. I did wake up very excited though!
• How was Erena working with you?
I loved that Erena gave me some direction, but didn’t over-direct me. She was very fun and easy-going and an absolute joy to be around. She has such a positive and encouraging spirit, so I felt completely at ease the whole time.
• Would you recommend underwater transformation to other survivors or anyone?
I would absolutely recommend Erena to anyone, and I already have! I think we as woman struggle with accepting ourselves for various reasons, whether it’s trauma from relationships, cancer, or whatever life throws at us, and it’s so important for us to reclaim the power of our bodies. It was such a beautiful process of being able to let go, be present, and allow my inner truth to come forth, and I absolutely love how the images captured all of that! I was blown away by my own self, and that’s such a powerful way to experience self-love.
Dr. Riva Z. Robinsonis a Functional Medicine Physician and Holistic Nutrition Coach based in San Francisco, California. She is a Founder of the holistic medical practice RIVA Wellness. Her mission is to empower people in transforming their health, so they can get more out of life.
Thank you so much Dr. Riva for working with me. It was an incredible experience and I can’t wait to see you again underwater in the future!
Please find out about Dr.Riva Z. Robinson from here!
? If you are interested in underwater portrait shoot, please contact me for more details.
