How Self-Portraits Boost My Self-Esteem
If you've been following me on social media, or have seen some of my images through this website, you're probably wondering why I take my boudoir photos. There are a few reasons, some of which might catch you by surprise.
Body Dysmorphia
First, I have dealt with a handful of body issues, so doing a boudoir session for myself helps me accept my body for what it is and appreciate where I'm at in life. I grew up a pretty skinny person for most of my life, weighing less than I should for my height. I had a hard time feeling "good enough" compared to other teenagers/young adults my age that seemed to put on mass and muscle in their late teens and early twenties. When I graduated college, I decided to do something about my health, and my weight. I signed up for a personal trainer that taught me the right foods to eat, and what exercises to do regularly. I was seeing results in a short amount of time and finally feeling more comfortable in my skin. Throughout the process though, I went from toning to bulking to toning, etc. I fluctuated a lot in my weight and my aesthetic. Even though I look, and feel a lot better about my body than I did as a young adult, I still get in my head about certain things. I still feel "too skinny," or that my stomach "isn't flat enough." To combat that sense of body dysmorphia, I put myself in front of the camera on the days I'm feeling pretty good about my body.
It's a chance to boost my self-confidence even more and show myself, through photography, that I look good, just the way I am. Photographing male boudoir photos for myself is therapeutic, allowing me to put down my walls and appreciate my body. I begin to see and appreciate parts of my body that I don't always appreciate. For example, I recently did a boudoir session and noticed that my stomach is flat and more flattering than I think looking in the mirror. I also have learned to admire the muscles in my arms and traps. Shooting boudoir photos can boost my confidence and help me see my body in a positive light.
New Poses, New Lighting Techniques
In addition to feeling good about my body from doing a boudoir session, I also take time to experiment with posing and lighting, so I can bring something new to the table for my clients. As a professional boudoir photographer, I believe there is always room for growth and improvement. To avoid being redundant and putting my clients in the same poses, and using the same lighting techniques, when I take photos of myself, I get to explore other options. Sometimes it doesn't work out as planned, and other times it works out wonderfully. Regardless, I get to use that newfound information and transfer that into a male boudoir session for my client. This helps make each male boudoir session unique and special.
I Understand Being Vulnerable is Scary
Last but not least, I understand that being in front of the camera can be scary because I've done it! Putting myself in front of the camera now and then can remind me how it feels to be vulnerable. The only caveat is that when I take photos of myself, I am by myself and there is a sense of privacy and security in that. However, I have been in front of another photographer who took boudoir photos of me so I can emphasize what it means to be exposed in front of someone else. That is why I go to great lengths to make sure each client I work with feels comfortable throughout their photo session. We always start with clothes on, and then work our way, stripping away layers, when the client feels ready. There are moments when doing a male boudoir session, that I'm completely silent, seeing that my client is almost in their own world, enjoying the experience and feeling confident. Other times, I give words of affirmation to encourage the client to keep going, telling them that they look great and that we are getting excellent photos of them. Oftentimes, I show clients on the back of the camera some of the results and they are blown away, stating things like "Wow, I didn't think I could look like that." The excitement and happiness on their face help ease the nerves.
Male boudoir is an incredible way for men to feel empowered and confident in themselves. It's a chance to feel sexy, positive, and sensual in front of the camera. I'm just like any other man, needing a little boost in my self-esteem, and to feel confident in my body again, hence why I take my own boudoir photos from time to time. If you are curious to learn more about male boudoir photography sessions, check out my page here for more information. As always, if you have any questions or want to chat, send me a message on my contact page.
Recent Boudoir Photos
