Hi there, I am Kendra Lust and if you do not know me, let me introduce myself. I am an active adult performer who started my career in 2012 at 33 years old. Born and raised in the Midwest and completely clueless about how to succeed in the adult film world, sexuality was something I studied in nursing school. But to actually perform sex on film was extremely nerve-wracking for me at first.
After a few months of seeking work, I finally was booked by a company to shoot. So, I hurried to my beat-up laptop and booked a flight to L.A. After landing, I thought about how amazing it was to be near Hollywood, with all of its glitz and glamor. I realized this whole entertainment career venture was really happening!
Yes, it is work, but how can you not have fun doing what we do?
Sounds so exciting, right?
Even though all of the back-and-forth with companies via email and on social media had finally paid off, reality began to sink in. Where do I stay? Who do I call for advice about what to do on set? What do I pack in my shoot bag? Should I douche or not?
Since there were no complaints by any of my sex partners in the past, I wondered if my natural abilities would be enough. I literally knew no one when I first came out, so that made the entire process even more scary for me.
Have you heard of trial by fire? Well, if you haven't, just know that it isn't a good thing.
Fortunately, from the days of showing up and hoping they liked my performance enough that I would get called back, to now, I’ve learned so much over the years. But where do I even begin?
In all honesty, there is so much advice I would love to share with all of the newbies in the adult industry. Mind you, I am still learning and truly believe that to grow personally and professionally, you should be open-minded and never assume anything.
So, here are just a few basic things I wish someone would have told me when I first started.
Have a Positive Attitude on Set
Do not bring the argument with your boyfriend or personal problems to set. Yes, this is porn, however, you are expected to be professional and that means not bringing your dirty laundry to work ... literally and figuratively!
Be on Time
I cannot stress this enough. When you worked other jobs, whether it was at a store, restaurant, school, etc. you had to be on time; same goes for adult. Time is money and people do not want to lose money. Shoot locations are rented by the hour most of the time and there are makeup artists, production assistants, etc., waiting on you, so do not be that girl or guy please. Get the directions the day before. I would always plan an additional 45 to 60 minutes because traffic is nuts.
Stay Close to the Shoot Location if Possible
When the scene is booked, ask the director or production assistant where the shoot may take place. This is not always possible, however, if the shoot is in L.A., stay in the Valley or ask the director for recommendations.
Do Not Ask the Director How Long the Day/Shoot is Going to Be
This is disrespectful and just says you do not want to be there; it’s unprofessional.
Good Hygiene is a Must
Please shower the morning of your shoot. Bring a toiletry bag with a toothbrush and other items to freshen yourself up with throughout the course of the day; sometimes, the sex doesn’t happen until the end of a shoot, so you want to stay fresh, clean and confident! Your colleagues will appreciate that. Side note: It’s always good to bring a razor ... who likes a stray hair? Not me! Haha.
Douching Has Its Benefits and Drawbacks
It is a personal preference; I do not like to douche, because it disrupts my vaginal pH and believe me ... that is not fun! I use a showerhead wand or just water in the douche bottle as a courtesy to the talent I am working with; I also try to eat a lot of fruit a couple days before my shoot. It helps you taste better down there.
Basic Things to Pack in Your Shoot Bag
Always bring your own water or drink to keep you hydrated, snacks to munch on if there is no food or lunch, your own douche bottle, towels (better to be safe than sorry) and if you’re a lady, matching bra and panty sets, black heels and extra stockings in case you run one.
Ask Questions About the Sex
Ask the person you’re working with if they have things they like or do not like, as well as dos and don’ts. I do not like to be surprised with a random finger in my butthole or slapped without being prepared, and neither do most people.
Ask the director after the scene if there are things you could have done better. Constructive criticism is a good thing; do not take it personally, learn from it and be better for it.
I had one director, Brad Armstrong, tell me my girl/girl scenes were terrible. You know what? He was right! It may have taken me years to get good at it, but it helped to hear it from him, haha. He is one of my favorite directors to this day.
Have Fun
Yes, it is work, but how can you not have fun doing what we do? It sure beats a 9-to-5 and is truly more satisfying.