Fending Off the Fear - Kidney Forward

After my experience with the nude modeling gig, I had a new level of confidence and acceptance. I highly recommend it however I understand that everyone is not comfortable with just jumping into it or having a desire to do it at all. That is perfectly fine. Only do what you feel comfortable with but always love who you are.

As I previously mentioned, being naked was always my biggest fear including a kidney transplant. Little did I know that my body positivity would help me prepare for my transplant more than I would ever know.

I was in a rut. I was disappointed and a little depressed when things fell through with Jen. Nothing towards her at all...just overall frustration. With so many people needing kidneys and the process taking so long, I had to come up with a way to gain attention. I remembered working at Disney and occasionally seeing people in the parks wearing t-shirts saying "Kidney Needed - Please Call XXX-XXX-XXXX). This would not be enough especially living somewhere that does not have the exposure and imprints as a Disney theme park. While browsing online, I came across an article about the rising trend of "Dudoir" photoshoots.

What is a "dudeoir" photoshoot?

Photographers also have a term for photos of male clients – “dudeoir.” Photos can include men in as much, or little, clothing as they would like, and often mark life achievements or guys posing with their significant others. -Google

Our friend Kelly is an extraordinary talented photographer who has been photographing our family for years. We were interested in doing another family shoot and I asked her if she would be interested in also doing a dudeoir shoot? We set the date and I was excited and nervous as this was much different than the nude modeling I was doing. My thinking was to not only to continue my journey of body positivity but also use these pictures to gain attention promoting my need of a kidney. Will it work?

I was a little nervous in the beginning because it was much different than modeling in front of art students. This had more emotion to it. Instead of standing nude for students to learn about sketching muscle mass and curves of the human body, I had to show emotion and feelings. Once we started, I felt more and more comfortable.

Here are pics from the first shoot: