EDITORIAL CONFIDENCE PROJECT
for skinny boys, by skinny boys.
Tell Your Story.
A photo project for naturally skinny young men to be seen with confidence, tenderness, and freedom.
MANIFESTO
Your body
is not a before.
This is a space to be witnessed as you are. Not despite your frame—because of your spirit, your story, your light.
You are not too much.
You are enough.
You are already becoming.
This is for you.
THE JOURNEY
From concealment to revelation.
Concealment
Reflection
Recognition
Revelation
A gentle passage. A personal renaissance.
Always with tenderness. Always with you.
YOUR EXPERIENCE
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATIONS
We help traveling participants plan their visit with clear communication, local recommendations, and personalized coordination. Accommodation and travel details are discussed after acceptance.
Thoughtful lodging
Airport guidance
Local transport tips
Support while on assignment
You focus on being present.
We'll handle the rest.
THE PROCESS
4 STEPS TO YOUR STORY
01
Apply
Share a bit about you
and why this matters.
02
Connect
We review and reach out
for a warm conversation.
03
Create
We plan, shoot, and
create your portraits.
04
Share
Selected stories may
be shared and celebrated
with the project community.
VOICES OF PROJECTSKINNYBOY
What it means
to be seen.
“
I arrived feeling nervous, excited, and unsure of what to expect. But after meeting Nixon and settling into the studio, I quickly felt more comfortable and confident.
Seeing my first photos was incredible, I was completely amazed. I never expected Vogue to notice my work, so when they did, I broke down in tears of joy. I highly recommend Project Skinny Boy, and I can’t wait to return.
— Edward McLaughlin
Detroit, Michigan
“
Spending the weekend with Project Skinny Boy was one of the best experiences I’ve had all year. Despite a rough start--Greyhound lost my luggage and I arrived exhausted, I couldn’t let it ruin the trip.
Nixon welcomed me with clothes, a place to stay, and breakfast each morning. When we weren’t shooting, he showed me around the city, and the peaceful vibe made me feel completely at home.
I arrived lacking confidence, but every shoot felt more empowering than I expected. I left feeling like a new person. It was such a positive experience, and I can’t wait to return.
— DeMarco Durham
Detroit, Michigan
“
I had an amazing time with project skinny boy. This was my first professional shoot, and the experience was more than I expected, the atmosphere was welcoming, creative, and made me feel comfortable expressing myself.
I was nervous at first, but once the camera started clicking, I got into the zone and relaxed more with every shot. Thank you for such an amazing experience!
— Chris Culmer
Youngstown, Ohio
ABOUT DWAYNE NIXON
Dwayne Nixon is the photographer and founder of projectskinnyboy, based in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
He began projectskinnyboy in Harlem in 2017, during a period when he was very skinny himself. What began as a way to raise the self-esteem of skinny young men through photographs and life stories has grown into an ongoing archive of confidence, style, courage, and connection.
projectskinnyboy is made with care for young men who deserve to see themselves reflected with honesty and beauty.
Dwayne Nixon
CURATORIAL STATEMENT
Held in the light.
Project Skinny Boy is a living archive of softness, strength, and self-definition.
We create images that feel like windows - into possibility, memory, and becoming.
You are the muse. You are the meaning.
FOLLOW THE JOURNEY
@projectskinnyboy
APPLY TO PROJECTSKINNYBOY
Tell your story.
We invite heartfelt submissions from naturally skinny young men (19–26). Share who you are, what moves you, and why this project calls to you.
Your story matters here.
projectskinnyboy
for skinny boys, by skinny boys.
Privacy & Release
Your information is private and used only for Project Skinny Boy.
All participants sign a model release to protect and honor your story and likeness.
©2026 projectskinnyboy
All rights reserved.