Introduction:
Body positivity and self-acceptance are essential aspects of living a healthy and fulfilling life. In this blog post, we’ll explore a calendar of official and unofficial naked holidays in the United States, discussing their origins and offering creative photo shoot ideas inspired by each event that you can recreate in Las Cruces, New Mexico, or nearby areas. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but a fun way to make sure you take some time for yourself at least once a month.
January:
- National Hot Toddy Day (January 11th) – Imagine a cozy, candlelit cabin scene enjoying a warm beverage while wrapped in luxurious robes and towels, capturing the essence of winter relaxation and self-care. Ruidoso would be an excellent location for this shoot.
February:
- National Nude Recreation Week – First week of February (official recognition by American Association for Nude Recreation) – Plan an outdoor photo shoot at a nearby naturist resort or clothing-optional hot springs, showcasing the beauty of nature and body positivity during winter. The hot springs in Truth or Consequences would be a great place for this. If you like to hike the hot springs in the Santa Fe National Forest would also make a fantastic location to celebrate.
March:
- National Napping Day (First Monday after Daylight Saving Time begins) – Consider a playful indoor photo shoot lounging on plush mattresses and sofas in various stages of undress, highlighting the comfort and relaxation of post-nap bliss. No real reason to leave the comfort of your own home on this one.
April:
- National Gardening Exercise Day (April 14th) – Create a naked gardening-inspired photo shoot on public land or in your own backyard, capturing the joy and freedom that comes from connecting with nature while nurturing plants and flowers.
May:
- World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) – Las Cruces does not host an official WNBR event, but you can plan your own clothing-optional cycling photo shoot through scenic routes like the Organ Mountains or Mesilla Valley, emphasizing self-expression and environmental awareness. Go alone or get a group or your closest friends to bare it all for a short ride on a secluded road.
June:
- National Sunscreen Day (May 27th) – Consider a whimsical outdoor photo shoot on public land or your own backyard. You an your friends or significant other could be in various stages of undress applying sunscreen to one another, promoting the importance of skin protection while embracing body positivity.
July:
- Skinny Dipping Day (Last day of July) – Organize a playful photo shoot at a secluded swimming hole or natural body of water in the area. This is hard to find in Las Cruces, NM, but I know a few spots if your willing to make a day trip of it. Imagine splashing and laughing as you embrace the thrill of skinny dipping under the sun or moonlight.
August:
- National Relaxation Day (August 15th) – Create a serene indoor photo shoot inspired by spa settings, posing in various stages of undress enjoying soothing activities like meditation, yoga, and aromatherapy, highlighting the importance of relaxation and self-care.
September:
- National Yoga Awareness Month – Organize an outdoor photo shoot at a beautiful location on a nearby mountain secluded section of desert, capturing various yoga poses in your natural environment while embracing body positivity and mindfulness.
November:
- International Men’s Day (November 19th) – Consider staging an empowering outdoor photo shoot in a secluded area or a backyard, showcasing you and your bros proudly displaying their bodies while engaging in activities they love, like grilling, hiking, biking, or playing sports.
December:
- National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day (Third Friday in December) – Organize a humorous indoor photo shoot wearing outrageous holiday-themed sweaters and accessories while striking playful poses, emphasizing the joy of self-expression during the festive season.
By celebrating these naked holidays and embracing nudity in creative ways, we can promote body positivity, self-acceptance, and a deeper connection with ourselves and our surroundings. These photo shoot ideas offer a starting point for your own visual stories that celebrate the human form in all its diversity and beauty.
If you have an unconventional photo shoot idea, let me know! I’d be happy to discuss it with you.
Natural Exploration 