When Arizona-based Photographer Chad Castigliano set out to help his wife's non-profit organization, Books To The Rescue Yavapai County, he had no idea that his photoshoot to raise funds and awareness would spread like wildfire. Fortunately for Chad, his good friend and model for the project was Wildland Firefighter Tim Wilson.
Not surprisingly, when the duo hit the Arizona woods with Tim's cheeky attitude, props, and a "dudeoir" style shoot in mind, they spent the first 10 minutes laughing hysterically. But what was a surprise was the viral-level attention and the reactions of people from around the world. Chad has received an overwhelming number of comments and emails with words of encouragement regarding body types, gender identity, and self-esteem issues. Seeing how comfortable Tim is with himself has challenged a lot of opinions on what it is to be beautiful, making him a sex symbol to many men and women who are truly crushing on him because of his confidence level.
We never thought of these photos as an inspirational thing, but looking back on it after seeing the comments and reading the messages, I can see why it has. It's because Tim is just this; he is self-confident and completely comfortable in his own skin. — Chad Castigliano
If you want to see more from this series and help support a good cause, head on over to Chad's Facebook Page.
Copyright 2015 | Images by Chad Castigliano and used with permission. | Chronicker Photography
[via BuzzFeed]
I think it's very funny, and I believe what you wrote, that they had a lot of fun that day.
To the *boohoo* guys: He's a wildland firefighter, show some respect! (And I can't think of many things that would be "manlier" than going into a burning area where the wind could cut off your way out anytime to protect nature & people from the fire)
It is hard for me to believe that there are people in this world that seem so devoid of joy that they can't find humor in this. Lighten up, not everything is a conspiracy to brainwash children.