Male Boudoir Does Not Equal Porn
If you're thinking to yourself, "Is male boudoir just another word for porn?" you probably don't understand the intentions of a male boudoir session, and the purpose behind it. It can be confusing to some who have never heard of male boudoir or who've only seen half-naked men, with bodies like gods, showing off and calling it male boudoir. Male boudoir is for everyone and involves more than just sexy photos of oneself. Let's explore the four different reasons why male boudoir is not pornography.
1) Male Boudoir is not just about the thirst trap.
As an American society, we thrive off the thirst traps. It's everywhere: television, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Tik Tok, you name it. Thirst traps tend to get more attention, and let's be honest, anyone likes looking at a chiseled body and rock-hard abs. It can be motivating for some, depressing for others, or just a nice photo that sparks the endorphins in your brain. Regardless, male boudoir is not just about the thirst trap. Male boudoir is seeing a side of yourself that you might not have seen before. Maybe you don't think you're that sexy, or good-looking. Maybe you're a little self-conscious about your weight, whether that be too skinny or too big. Maybe you have been training for months and months and finally do want to show off that six-pack that you've worked so hard to achieve. Whatever the reason, male boudoir can help you appreciate your body at whatever stage you're at in life. As an experienced male boudoir photographer, I've seen and worked with many body types. The one thing that every client has said after a session is how comfortable they felt, and how much fun they had. I've had several clients comment, "I never knew I could look so good." Although everyone appreciates a good thirst trap photo, male boudoir extends beyond that and digs deeper into appreciating your body. And appreciating your body should not be labeled as pornographic. It's called self-love.
2) Male Boudoir can include nudity but doesn't have to.
The purpose and intent behind male boudoir is to showcase a man's body in an intimate, sensual, and sometimes sexy way. The goal for a male boudoir photography session is for a man to discover parts of their body that they didn't appreciate before, or to connect themselves to their sexual side. This can happen in many forms, from being partially dressed to being fully nude. Either way, it's always the client's choice on how far they want to take their session, and how exposed they want to present themselves in front of the camera. The objective as a male boudoir photographer is to make every guy comfortable in front of the camera, no matter their physique or what they look like. In the words of Moria Rose, from Schitt's Creek, "Take a thousand naked pictures of yourself now. You may currently think, 'Oh, I'm too spooky.', or, 'Nobody wants to see [this body]....' But believe me, one day you will look at [the] photos, with much kinder eyes and say, 'Dear God, I was a beautiful thing!'" So whether you want to strip down to just your underwear, or go fully nude, it does not matter because the session is all about you, and accepting yourself the way you are. There's nothing pornographic about that.
3) Male Boudoir is all about body positivity and feeling comfortable in your skin.
It's okay to appreciate your body and 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 where you can express yourself freely. 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. A chance to empower you and start feeling better about your body and getting comfortable in your skin. Male boudoir is about healing, whereas pornography is about exposing and entertaining others. That's why male boudoir and pornography are not one in the same.
4) Sexy photos of yourself doesn't mean you are selling yourself or your body sexually.
The porn industry consists of individuals who are using their bodies in a sexual/erotic way and selling content for others to enjoy. It's about fulfilling someone else's sexual fantasy. Oftentimes pornographic material is scripted and made up of actors playing a role. A male boudoir session is not acting, and not playing a role. It is a chance for you to expose yourself in a way that is authentic to you. Oftentimes clients sign up for a male boudoir session just to capture sexy pictures of themselves and to cherish them for a lifetime, showing only select individuals. If you come across nay-sayers or individuals who think that taking sensual and sexy photos of yourself is pornographic, then ignore them. They don't understand the healing power and purpose behind the shoot to begin with.
There are many reasons why men opt-in for a male boudoir session. It can be healing for those who have experienced body shame, or intense trauma. It can be a great way to celebrate physical progress and hard work at the gym. Or it can simply be an opportunity to finally explore the sensual and sexual side of yourself that you haven't before. Whatever the reason, male boudoir is about empowering you and seeing yourself in a new light. It is not about being pornographic, it's about self-love and acceptance. If you're ready to embark on your journey and want to sign up for a male boudoir session, then contact me here, and let's chat!
