While there may be wrong—or, rather, less than ideal—reasons to commit to body modification sometimes, there isn’t really a “right” reason. For some people, it can be an intensely personal, serious and spiritual act, while for others it’s more a means for generating some lightheartedness—both are valid and important aspects of what we try to cover here. We’ve always loved publishing Babasom‘s submissions because, as we’ve said in the past, they genuinely brighten our day (and, likewise, he genuinely seems to enjoy brightening the days of others), but they also feature a man who is pushing his body in a very real way—even if huge septum piercings aren’t as “cutting-edge” as maybe they once were. “I have helped it bloom,” he says of his “metal flower” above. Don’t ever change, Babasom.

Look, we know Babasom gets featured frequently around here (lots more), but really, few contributors so consistently conjure up the mix of awe and belly laughter that his photos so often elicit. What I mean is—and I say this with nary a hint of hyperbole—if you don’t like his photos, then you are a hater of freedom. There, I said it. And it’s on the Internet, so it has to be true. Plus, he’s modest. Of the above photo, he says, “It was really tough to do this and take the picture at the same time.” That seems like a gross understatement. We love this man.

See more in “Big Septums“ (Nose Piercing)