When I am asked by my lovely clients: “what’s your availability for a portrait photoshoot in the next few weeks in Sussex” I pause…

As a professional female portrait photographer based in Brighton I ask them: “where are you in your menstrual cycle?”

There is a beautiful correlation between our menstrual cycle and how confident, radiant and outgoing we might be feeling on the day of the photoshoot.

Tapping into our hormonal cycle, circadian and ultradian rhythms, stress cycle, plus seasonal cycles is a powerful journey for women in all stages of life, and I am on a mission to take you on this journey.

How to plan your portrait photoshoot around your menstrual cycle?

Meet Beth, Hormone Health Coach based in Brighton & Hove, Sussex, UK, who is on a mission to help women naturally alleviate PMS and PMDD symptoms.

During our half day indoor and outdoor personal brand portrait photo-session we had plenty of time to explore the topic of hormonal imbalance and the power of honouring the menstrual cycle in our life.

Beth helps women to fall in love with their menstrual cycle by listening to their mind and body during the cycle and tapping into a holistic approach to nutrition, body movement, exercise and more.

And that’s what we captured during the brand portrait photoshoot. A mixture of lifestyle portraits, relaxed headshots and many beautiful brand images of Beth in action: cooking, exercising, journaling, resting, reconnecting with body and mind.

And here is what I’ve learned from Beth:

• The best time to have a professional headshot or portrait brand photoshoot is when you’re ovulating.

There are days when you feel like you have superpowers, anything is possible, you’re unstoppable.

On these days you’re feeling courageous, it’s easy to press “record”, go live, or go out and socialise.

It’s no surprise that this is the best time to use your voice: presentation, networking, photoshoot.

Additionally, at this time your estrogen levels peak and your skin looks sensational. I have observed that during this time, moisture levels are high, pores appear smaller and the increase in collagen and elastin is working wonders (hello, radiance!).

• The worst time is when you’re on your period.

This is time is all about going inwards.

You might feel emotionally vulnerable hence it’s difficult during this time to engage and concentrate. You might feel like hiding from everyone as all you really need is time alone.

Why the right timing of the photoshoot is important if you’re a female entrepreneur:

Since I left the corporate world in my early thirties, 9 to 5 (sometimes till 8pm) accounting job, I started my journey of honouring my menstrual cycle and living live in line with seasonal changes.

Why? Because we are cyclical beings!

Each month I take couple of days off from shooting, filming, editing, even social media, during my period and I suggest the same to my lovely clients.

When you are planning to become more visible, keep your cycle and energy level in mind.

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