Grab a drink and a seat - IT’S STORY TIME!

Let’s set the scene. Its April 2018, I am packing for my first ever solo International trip to my first ever boudoir photography workshop in Canada. OOOF! The nerves were high ya’ll! But also SO. MUCH. EXCITEMENT! I was getting ready to meet 2 of my favorite boudoir photographers IN PERSON and learn from them to further my skill set. AHHHHH!!!! When Teri and Boon announced that they would be hosting a workshop together called Calm and Chaos - I just KNEW I had to do whatever it took to make sure I was there. Including flying internationally by myself for the first time ever!

There was another little issue that popped up leading up to the big weekend - Aunt Flo decided she wanted to join me for my trip. WELL FUCK! I expected the attendees would likely model for each other in the evenings after class to practice what we had learned that day since that’s generally what happens at boudoir retreats. The instructors had even rented a big airBNB for us to all stay in for the weekend together. What I HADN’T expected was to model for 7-8 photographers naked while ON MY PERIOD.

Now I knew that we were all professionals and that mentrual cycles are a natural part of life and something we would ALL encounter as boudoir photographers. But I was still a little nervous about it. I decided to be upfront from the get go before I started modeling to help ease my own anxiety on the subject. I generally use tampons for the most part, so I knew there might be a string that gets in the way, so figured I might as well mention it. Who I failed to mention it to was the male photographer in the mix. OPE.

Fast forward to the day I volunteered to model nude for a set. I’m leaned over the edge of a bed, ready for the perfect tush shot when I hear a soft male voice…”Can you…ummm…move your…thread?” Now I’m not going to lie - every female in that room, myself included, burst into a fit of laughter.

“OPE. Yea no problem.” I responded as I grabbed my tampon string and pulled it to the front, out of booty shot view. And the “embarrassing” moment was over just as soon as it happened. In all honestly, it wasn’t even as embarrassing as one would expect given there were several sets of eyes on my naked, string dangling body. Why? because these eyes see nude bodies FOR A LIVING, we are professional and are not weirded out by natural bodies.

So what should you do if you start your period before your boudoir session?!

I encourage all clients to take their monthly friend into consideration when booking a session date to avoid issues down the road. However, if you are anything like me - while my periods are light - the timing is unpredictable. She kind of does her own thing and shows up when she feels like it - kind of like that friend or relative that pops in unannounced and usually at the worse possible time.

Preferably, if you have manageable menstrual cycles as I do, you don’t need to do anything at all. You don’t even have to tell me if you don’t want to. If you use a tampon or menstrual cup, I might not even have a clue Aunt Flo is paying a visit while you are in front of my camera. We can literally proceed as normally planned.

If a string is visible, I will either politely ask you to move it out of the way or just ignore it and remove it in photoshop after the fact, depending on the pose and which I think will be easier and more comfortable for you. Believe me, I have edited my fair share of “threads” - from clients or my own self portraits. As a bleeding female myself, we are all good here, it’s not weird - just another day on the job.

Now let’s chat about some of possible concerns and options

I require ALL clients to wear a skin toned thong under ANY client closet pieces they choose to wear. I also have plastic hygienic liners available in the studio. Not only does this help keep things more sanitary in general, but it can help create an extra barrier in case we need it. (Don’t sweat - all garments are properly cleaned after every use.)
Each set only takes between 30-45 minutes to complete, giving you plenty of opportunities for a restroom break to check in on things. If you need an extra break in the middle of the set, that’s perfectly fine too! I only photograph one client per day so that neither of us ever feel rushed. Take your time and as many breaks as you need.
Another option if your flow is a little heavier and you are still concerned about leakage is THINX underwear! THINX makes some fantastic underwear options that you can wear during your period to prevent leakage. They are a great brand with a great message and surprisingly fashionable designs.
Ok…But what if YOUR Aunt Flo is the real bitchy type that makes things totally unmanageable?! - HELLO pads, cramps, migraines, and depleted energy! I do have a reschedule policy that allows 1 date reschedule without any additional fees. You are more than welcome to move your date to a time that DOESN’T fall during your cycle. I just ask that you please take this and my time into consideration and let me know AS SOON AS POSSIBLE so I can have the opportunity to fill your original date with another session. If an unmanageable cycle is a concern leading up to your session, it is best to be transparent in this case. The more I am informed, the better we can both be prepared if adjustments need to be made. Just let me know it is a concern and we can chat about the options.

As a final tip to close out this topic, it is a great practice to drink water, take ibuprofen, get lots of rest and relax in the days leading up to your shoot. Eat a light breakfast before you arrive and stay hydrated through out the day. All of these things are helpful regardless but ESPECIALLY important if you are going to be on your period during your session.

Here are a few images from that nude session in Canada - because no blog is complete without photos. ;)

Photo credit - Boon Ong Figuratif (circa 2018)