Breaking Barriers with Caleb Thomas: A Male Photographer’s Take on Empowering Women

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp chats with Caleb Thomas, a male boudoir photographer, about his journey into empowerment photography and how he uses his work to challenge societal norms. Caleb shares how his boudoir photography, focused on body diversity, self-love, and reclaiming body agency, creates inclusive spaces for plus-size women, LGBTQ individuals, and people with disabilities. They also explore his experiences navigating power imbalances as a cishet male photographer, his TikTok success, and the challenges of social media censorship, as well as his advocacy for Oregon LGBTQ rights.

Caleb Thomas (he/him) is a boudoir photographer based in Bend, Oregon, specializing in empowering, creative boudoir sessions that help folks (particularly women) reclaim their agency, identity, and sensuality. Before being a full time photographer (as well as the de facto stay at home parent of his 5 year old) he worked in tourism marketing, manufacturing marketing, and, most interestingly, (considering his current line of work) was the Media Director for a Megachurch for 5 years. After deconstructing his faith over the course of a decade, Caleb left the church. Caleb lives in Bend, Oregon with his Pastry Chef wife, their 5 year old kiddo, as well as their pup & cat. 

Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

Discussed in this episode:

• Empowerment photography and the transformative impact of boudoir experiences: Caleb shares how boudoir photography empowers clients by helping them reclaim agency over their bodies, fostering self-love, and providing an experience that celebrates authenticity and confidence.
• The intersection of feminism and male boudoir photography: Caleb discusses navigating power dynamics as a male boudoir photographer and how his feminist approach centers clients’ comfort, challenging traditional gender norms.
• Body positivity and creating inclusive spaces for plus-size and LGBTQ clients: Caleb explains his commitment to creating a welcoming environment for clients of all body types and identities, helping them embrace and celebrate their bodies through photography.
• Caleb’s personal journey of evangelical deconstruction and how it influences his work: Caleb reflects on leaving behind his conservative religious upbringing and how that journey has shaped his feminist values and approach to photography.
• The challenges of growing a photography business on TikTok and battling social media censorship: Caleb shares how his TikTok success grew his business but also how social media platforms censor his empowering content while allowing more exploitative material to thrive.
• Advocacy for Oregon LGBTQ rights and supporting the Bend Pride Coalition: Caleb highlights his work with the Bend Pride Coalition, supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals in conservative areas and advocating for safer, more inclusive spaces.

Resources Mentioned:

• Babe City Boudoir
• “Ending the Pursuit of Perfection” TED Talk by Iskra Lawrence
• Bend Pride Coalition