My Journey with Male Body Positivity: How a Boudoir Session Helped Change How I View Myself
I never thought I would be the kind of guy to do a boudoir photoshoot. I never even thought I would be confident to be half-naked in front of a camera. As I began (about two years ago) exploring the world of boudoir photography on social media, specifically focusing on body positivity, I started to see the value and magic that can come from a male boudoir session. I then saw it first-hand in the summer of 2022 after having a test shoot for a friend and seeing their reaction to the images. Simultaneously, something internal changed over the past year or so, and I began seeing myself in a new light. I began to be kinder to myself, looking at myself with softer eyes. Instead of criticizing the parts of me that I didn’t find attractive, I began to see myself as whole and love the body that I was given (because we only have one).
*Note that all images in this post are from my session with Zach Panzeca (@TheMaleCollection).
You see, I've always had a fluffier build, even growing up (heck, I was even bullied for it), and I never fully saw myself as confident and attractive when I was younger. As I moved into adult life post-college, I still carried a little extra weight, even when doing endurance sports like triathlons and racing half-ironman events. Still, with all the crazy, physically demanding activities, I was still not fond of my body. I will say that none of the internal rhetoric that played in my head was highly negative or hurtful. I still, in general, was not as happy with my body as I had thoughts of, “Oh, if I lost X amount of lbs or had a flatter stomach, I would be a little bit happier.” Part of the mental change was finally having two amazing spouses who continually validated (and still do) that my body is beautiful just the way it is. Also, my spouses and I belong to an LGBTQ+ campground near Saugatuck, MI. Being in a queer space where all body types are celebrated helped me become a bit more confident in myself. But recently, I decided that I wanted to do better. Not just feel confident but actually love and appreciate my body. I started to focus on being healthier (begin getting back into the weight room, being more mindful of eating choices, always searching for movement, etc.), spending time looking in the mirror and seeing, valuing, and appreciating the person that is staring right back at me. Then be thankful for what my body has provided and has allowed me to do thus far.
I have been following Zach and The Male Collection for quite a while, and it was refreshing to see such strong, vulnerable, and confident representations of the average male figure (not the models with six-pack photoshopped abs on Instagram). And for someone who was starting their body positivity journey, it was refreshing and validating. So when the opportunity arose to do a boudoir shoot with The Male Collection after attending the fantastic workshop that Zach hosted, and on my 29th birthday, no less, I knew I had to jump on it.
Before the session, my nerves were a mess. Will I look good in the pictures? I don’t like myself in selfies; how will this be different? Did I pick the right outfits? The list of questions could go on for a while. But Zach is a master at his craft and instantly made me feel comfortable and confident. I'm pretty sure Zach, in a former life, would have been a professional cheerleader because his session was filled with so much hype and encouragement that there was not even a second to let self-doubt enter the room. I felt powerful and sexy in front of the camera, which was incredible. It took several days to come down from the high of this experience. What a fantastic way to spend your birthday, right?
I WAS BLOWN AWAY when I received the final photos, and my jaw dropped to the floor. For once, I saw fun, bold, empowering images of me and some downright sexy. I didn’t know I could look like that until I saw myself through someone else's lens. I almost did a double-take on an image because I forgot I was looking at myself in the gallery, not someone else. I can honestly look at these pictures and say, “I love the person in these pics, not just certain things about them, all aspects,”
The impact of this experience has been immense. It has changed the way I see myself. I feel more confident and self-assured and am proud of who I am and what I look like. It's amazing how one experience can change everything. Does this mean that there is nothing I want to change about my body or that I would stop trying to achieve my goals? Absolutely not! This mindset change has brought me more self-love and respect for my body and encouragement to live a healthier, positive, and balanced lifestyle. But I can now genuinely say I love my body, and that was something I could not say in years past.
I highly recommend doing a boudoir photoshoot. It's a powerful and transformative experience that can help you see yourself in a new light. Don't fear stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing your body. You might surprise yourself with how incredible you truly are.
If you are interested in taking this journey with Button Down Boudoir and scheduling your boudoir photoshoot, I would be more than delighted to start the conversation. Please go ahead and fill out the contact form or send a DM through social media.