Muze is a photographer and model based in Toronto. She will soon bless us with new material, as well a having her own page in an upcoming Photographers section.
1) Tell us how you became involved in the BDSM lifestyle.
I became involved in the fetish scene when I was 21. My girlfriend at the time took me to my first North Bound Leather fetish party and I fell in love with the people who attended. I couldn't believe that I found a community where I finally fit in and was accepted.
2) Were you already passionate about photography or did it develop over time after you became a fetish enthusiast?
I have been passionate about photography since I was a kid. I always wanted to take pictures with my father's camera, but it wasn't until he bought me my first one when I was 16 that my passion for the art really took flight. Of course this was also during the time that I was dabbling in certain fetishes still finding out what I truly liked. My passion for fetish photography didn't start to grow until a few years ago, but I found a lot of what's out there to be very pornographic so I wanted to develop and show the more sensual and fun side to fetish.
3) Do you get the same degree of satisfaction from being before or behind the camera? Does your creativity work differently in either cases?
I get more satisfaction being behind the camera because it allows me to be more creative and I love seeing my visions come to life. When I model I'm there to help bring someone else's vision to reality and because I can't see what's going on behind the lens, it's harder for me to get in that groove.
4) What in your view is the biggest misconception form the general public towards the BDSM scene?
The biggest misconception I find is that we are twisted sick people because of what we are into. I find however that when you actually take time to explain things to others that are not into the scene that their perception changes and they grow to respect you on a totally different level. There is a lot more to the fetish community than just beating people. We do have feelings and live normal lives outside the community just like everyone else. We just have different ways of showing our affection for our partners.
5) Are there any models and photographers these days that you keep an eye on for inspiration?
There are a couple of models and photographers that I keep an eye out for when it comes to inspiration. Bianca Beauchamp and Dita Von Tesse are two of my favourite models. I have been following their careers for years now, but when it come to photography I don't concentrate on one particular photographer. I would love to do a shoot with Michel Laloux one on one though. I love the pictures he takes of my Master and I when we do our performances and would love the opportunity to model for him in studio.
6) What kind of satisfaction to you get when performing before a live audience?
I get a lot out of performing in front of a live audience mainly because I am an exhibitionist. I love the rush I get from being there on stage with everyone watching us do what we love. Even on nights when we don't do a live show, my Master and I always do our scene on stage for everyone to watch if they want.
7) Is there a dream project that you haven’t yet fullfilled? Can you share a bit…?
There are a few dream projects that I would love to do, but funding always plays a huge factor in production. One of those dream projects is in the works and will hopefully be premiering during Montreal's Fetish Weekend 2009, but we will have to see what the future brings there. I would love to tell you all about it, but I do not reveal my ideas before they come to reality because I don't want anyone else to steal them. I've had that happen in the past and it really ticks me off when people mooch off of other peoples ideas.
8) Will we have the pleasure in welcoming you back in Montreal soon?
I really hope so. There's a lot going on in the fetish community here in Toronto, but I would really like to be back in Montreal again before June and who knows we may even perform again.
Photos in this set by:
Drew Pinfold, Nico Gareri & Michel Laloux