How to plan your brand portrait photo session around your menstrual cycle
Magdalena Smolarska
Did you know that your productivity level in your business and life might be influenced by natural rhythms such as:
different stage of your menstrual cycle
moon cycle
seasonal changes
And there are many more but I think you get the point.
Your mood, emotions and also your productivity and creativity level might be impacted by all above, but specially by woman’s menstrual cycle.
A woman’s menstrual cycle is often seen as a taboo in western society.
Time and time again, we are encouraged to ignore, conceal and shut down an inherent part of our lives; our cycle.
I used to keep going “no matter what” that that’s all in the past.
I am on a journey to honour my cycle and my clients. I am no longer listening to the voice in my head saying “do more and be more!”.
As a female portrait photographer who left the corporate world, stressful 9 to 5 accounting job, I have found liberation in harnessing my cycle, and becoming my own boss.
This has meant that I can navigate life around my cycle, negotiating my own hours with clients, so that we can be our strongest and sparkliest selves for shooting.
For that reason, each month I take couple days of from photo shooting, filming, editing brand portrait images during my cycle and I suggest the same to my lovely clients to schedule brand photo session or filming around their cycle.
Do you honour your cycle or keep running your business as usual?
The cycle is often divided into four parts, which influences the way we think about our periods. Everybody has their favourite part of the cycle, and there is definitely joy to be found in every part.
Each phase is characterised by the different fluctuation of hormones. Assuming that a cycle is 28 days, we can distinguish each part as follows:
Menstrual phase / Evaluation & Fuel
The first phase is often called the Menstrual phase.This starts on day 1 of your cycle, as soon as you begin to bleed. During this phase, your hormones are at their lowest.
I tend to feel introspective and quiet during those days. Taking time to evaluate my past few weeks and days.
This can be a really good time to rest and recuperate, preparing for the rest of your cycle.
It’s OK to stay in bed all day, under blanket, sleeping, meditating, slowing down, hugging, crying, rescheduling, journaling or simply doing nothing, resting and allowing yourself to just BE.
It’s completely OK to do less and not feeling guilty when your body and mind is asking for it.
This is certainly not the best time to have your photo session or filming session! Your body need a rest.
Pre-Ovulation / Invitation & Development
The second phase is known as Pre-Ovulation, and is when oestrogen levels are at their highest (it starts when you stop bleeding).
This can make you feel really confident, adventurous, open-minded, and often you will be more likely to want to go out and socialise.
This is perfect time for invitation & development: envisioning, dreaming and taking first steps towards your project.
From manifesting, brainstorming to booking your upcoming photo session and arranging your props & outfits for the day of shooting.
Ovulation / Growth & Visibility time
The third phase is called Ovulation, and happens around day 12. During this phase, you will also be feeling confident and it’s a great time to get yourselves out there.
With the increase of testosterone, this is an excellent time for self-discovery and bravery, as you will be more likely to take risks.
During this phase, I find myself at the peak of my creativity and productivity flow. Hence many call it “growth stage”.
—Creative ideas and projects are flowing easily, Everything is possible.
—During those days I find myself feeling very outgoing, communicative and ready to be VISIBLE in life and on social media for my business!!!!
This is certainly the best time to schedule your brand portrait photo session as you feel ready, fabulous and unstoppable.
Premenstrual / Maintenance
The final phase is called the Premenstrualphase. This is when your progesterone is also at its highest.
This can be a wonderful opportunity to focus on self-improvement. However, it also has the potential to make people 'premenstrual’, meaning that it’s important to go easy on yourself.
I tend to feel vulnerable, tired and anxious during this period.
—If you decided to have a photo session during this period, make sure you approach it gentle as the inner-critic tend to overtake.
—Feelings of sadness and emptiness can often be typical symptoms during this time.
As you can see, each phase is characterised differently, and it is up to us to analyse and explore how to use your cycle to enhance the quality of your life.
As a professional photographer, it’s very important to me to work with my own cycle, and honour my client’s cycles.
Although honouring your own cycle can take time, the results can be incredibly freeing.
Listening to your body like this means that your body will work harmoniously with you, in a quest to reach your maximum potential.
Your are your first priority.
Do not forget that.
Magdalena
Professional Brand Portrait Photographer and Videographer based in Brighton and Hove, often found in London.