Joseph Wolfgang Ohlert’s portrait book “Bigger” is a beautiful celebration of big body types!

16th April 2026 Bryce Quartz

Joseph Wolfgang Ohlert’s photography book called Bigger is more than just your average photography book, it’s a portrait project that celebrates the beauty of bigger bodies and the stories of those who live in them.

In recent years, the media’s portrayal of “bigger men” has gradually evolved. However, many men, especially gay men, still experience insecurity and a lack of self-confidence because they rarely see themselves reflected in the media. The societal stigma surrounding body size and appearance can lead to depression and a destructive cycle of self-doubt.

Photographer Joseph Wolfgang Ohlert’s Bigger project challenges societal norms and invites us to celebrate the beauty of all body types. By showcasing the diversity of larger individuals, the project emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and self-love.

Joseph Wolfgang Ohlert (he/him) born in 1991, in Prien am Chiemsee, is a queer artist whose work bridges the cities of Munich and Berlin. Known for his intimate portraiture, Ohlert’s lens gravitates toward individuals from the worlds of art, fashion, and queer culture—capturing not just faces, but the stories etched within them.

The book features around 80 captivating portraits and offers a glimpse into the lives and experiences of men who have long been underrepresented in the media. With a natural and matter-of-fact approach, Ohlert skillfully captures the beauty and variety of bodies that deserve admiration and recognition.

Upon first opening the book, you may find yourself staring at all the stunning men in the photos, but as you read through it, you’ll find yourself on a journey through the lives of the very men you’re looking at. I found myself inspired and tearing up reading some of these stories.

This book will have you picking it up for so many reasons, especially for those of us who live with different body types of all sizes. Written in German and an English translated counterpart, the stories within are gravitating and personal, leaving us as the reader feeling reflective and connected.

Joseph has perfectly captivated the beauty of all bigger body types while connecting them to real life experiences, making this truly a must have book for everyone. I think people can learn a lot from picking this up and reading it, and hopefully change the perspective of what beauty is and can be in media and in real life.

Pick up a copy by clicking the website link below, and follow Joseph on Instagram too while you’re at it.