At Ayla Quellhorst Photography studio, shibari is a beautiful option for your photoshoot. It’s a way to enhance an outfit or contrast the body’s natural curves. Clients should think of our shibari rope work as something more along the line of accessory, similar to body chains. It is not true to the kink sense of shibari, which is more so about having an authentic shibari experience. Below are our some frequently asked questions. Hopefully, these answers will provide you with some insight regarding what to expect before your first shibari session. Should you have any additional questions that are not answered here, please feel free to contact us. You can also view our shibari portfolio here. 

Shibari – Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION: Can I have someone with me during shibari, such as a spouce or friend?
ANSWER: Ayla is always in the studio while I am doing rope work. As with all our sessions, you can have one person with you. Sometimes, I’ll even show your guest how I am doing the tie.

QUESTION: How long does it take on average to do a rope design?
ANSWER: 10-15 minutes, depending on how intricate the design is.

QUESTION: For a plus size/curvy lady like me, does it still turn out good in photos, or does it look more like a Play Doh fun factory?
ANSWER: Wow, that was very descriptive. I have worked with women of all different body types and take the time to create a design that works with the body’s natural curves and emphasize the features you love. No Play Doh fun factories here.

QUESTION: What colors do you have?
ANSWER: 19 colors! Yes, you read that right. We have 19 colors to choose from. Several are even black light reactive. No matter what color you want, we’ve got you.

QUESTION: How much do the ropes restrict movement during my shoot?
ANSWER: Virtually none. Most of my designs allow you to have free movement of your arms and legs to allow for more posing. If you would like more restrictive design, you just have to let me know; just understand that it will limit the number of shots we can take.

QUESTION: Is the rope directly on the skin?
ANSWER: This is up to you! Many women choose to go nude or just wear underwear with the rope, so the rope really shows. Others choose to wear a full undergarment set or lingerie, so they have something between the rope and the skin. It is totally up to you what you wear (if anything) under it. Your comfort is key, but not having fabric under the rope does make it stand out and fit better.

QUESTION: Will it leave marks on my skin?
ANSWER: You may have minor red marks on your skin for a few minutes once the rope is removed, no different than the lines you see on your skin after removing a bra.

QUESTION: How many feet of rope are used?
ANSWER: Generally, 50 to 100 ft of rope, depending on the design that is being used.

QUESTION: How do you pick designs? How can I research designs?
ANSWER: The best thing you can do is allow me to create a design once I see you in person. While you are getting hair and makeup done and Ayla is shooting you, I am able to see how the curves in your body flow and how I can highlight them. I can also see what your flexibility is and create a design that shows your personality. If you want to research, you can do a Google search or search shibari hashtags on Instagram. However, know that you might come across some “interesting” things while you search.

QUESTION: Have you ever had any issues while doing a tie?
ANSWER: Since my work is not true “kink shibari”, but rather and accessory, it is extremely safe. We have never had an issue. We will ask questions throughout the process to make sure you feel safe and comfortable. Due to the intricacy of my ties, my biggest fear is that someone may need to use the restroom in the middle of the rope work!

QUESTION: Do you do suspension?
ANSWER: We are set up in the studio to do it. However, due to the safety aspect, we do not yet offer this. We are in the process of adding it. It is important to keep in mind that when you see suspension done in images online, those participating have done true shibari for years, including the one being tied. There are many sessions needed to learn how to be tied properly. It is not just the one creating the tie that must learn. Since most of our clients have no experience with shibari, we are developing a way to make it look like suspension without it being true shibari suspension.

QUESTION: Can you do shibari with couples? My significant other does rope work, can they do my tie for the session?
Answer: Yes, we can include your significant other in the shibari session if you have a couple’s add-on. Most of the time, this involves me doing a tie on one partner while the other person is posing as if they had created the tie. I can even tie you up together. Whatever you prefer. As far as your significant other doing the rope work for your session, our insurance simply does not allow us to have this as an option.

QUESTION: How many photos do you take with the rope ties on?
ANSWER: Due to the restriction rope creates, we are only able to get a handful of images with the rope. Typically, 20 photos or more. For more restricting designs, there are more creative posing options, but less of a variety in the number of poses. 

QUESTION: Do we get to keep the rope after the session? Can we bring our own rope?
ANSWER: We provide the rope for all sessions and we keep the rope afterwards. We have done extensive research on what rope works best for our sessions and what looks best on camera. We have every color you can think of, so there is no reason for you to bring your own. The rope we use is also washable, so just like out boudoir closet, we clean the rope after your session.

QUESTION: Have you ever thought about doing a video tutorial?
ANSWER: We do not do full video tutorials; however, our Women Only VIP Facebook group does have behind the scenes videos and pictures.

QUESTION: Do you offer rope work for other events?
ANSWER: I do offer rope work as an accessory to your outfit for other events! Contact us here, and I can work with you one-on-one to come up with a plan for your event. I am also at many events, such as Paradiso, where I can create a personal design to enhance your outfit.