Hey, I'm Laurence Boswell
This is Why I Photograph Male Boudoir
I grew up in a very conservative home, with a religion that shamed body sexuality. Sex was not a topic that I often talked about with my parents, and if it was brought up, it would be very surface level. In addition, any type of sexual acts, outside the realms of marriage, were deemed "lustful and sinful." If a woman wore a two piece bathing suit, or bikini, it was looked down upon because it would illicit men to have "bad thoughts." If you thought about anybody in a sexual way, you were expected to disregard those thoughts as soon as possible. If you thought about yourself in a sexual way, then you were deemed selfish.
In addition to all of this, I also grew up as a very skinny person. I weighed on average 130 pounds for most of high school and in college, which was very slim for my height. I hated the way I looked. I would look at other men who were bigger, stronger, had more muscle than me, and be jealous. All the commercials and advertisements on TV had buff men. If you weren't buff, then you were weak. Not to mention the pressures of American culture continuously telling men to "toughen up," and "not show emotion," was also degrading. I often felt trapped in a body that I did not like, and with a perspective of sexuality that was very shallow and close minded.
As time went on, and I discovered more about myself, and what I believe instead of what others wanted me to believe, I realized the beauty of human sexuality, and human bodies. I learned to love myself and my body for what it is, and that's why I want to help others learn the same. It doesn't matter what size you are, if you're skinny or buff, I want to break the toxic masculine walls down and create a safe space for anyone who wants to embrace their body and sexuality.
It's okay to appreciate your body, in fact, you should love your body. Men have been put into a lot of boxes over the years with the pressures of society, religion, and family culture. Male boudoir lets you step out of those boxes and create something for yourself. A safe space that you can express yourself, however you want to express yourself. It allows you to be appreciative of what you have, and to showcase that on camera. Whether you're wanting to portray a more sensual and sexy side of yourself, or a more down to earth loving side of yourself, it does not matter. Male boudoir is a chance for me to photograph your true self, no matter your size or sexual orientation. A chance to see yourself in a new light, from a new perspective. A chance to have a safe space to explore, express, and cherish who you are.