Monday, October 10, 2016

Up Close & Personal : Laura Richards: The Sensual Eye

"The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless."


 Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Photos Courtesy of staff photographer: Rachel Avro

This next erotic model and  photographer has quite the Sensual Eye. Laura Richards is creative in her own right. When I come across her Erotic Group Shots, I can easily see myself being in them and easily  aroused by PLENTY of them. I can imagine what the masses of men out there are thinking as well. I didn't plug  much into some of the responses Laura gave as she gave quite an  excellent interview. Here's what Laura had to share with me.

Alexandria Topaz: What brought you to Second Life?

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): It was purely by accident. I discovered Second Life one day and thought it sounded like fun. So I downloaded it, tried it and thought it was ok. Then I discovered the pink ball....been here ever since, 7 years after.

Alexandria Topaz: I went through a similar story where a friend from face book invited me to come in and instead of showing me the ropes we both lost one another in that i was exploring way too much than he was. It was a good thing.

Alexandria Topaz: How long have you been in the "Porn Industry"?

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): I don't know if I am actually IN the porn industry. If so, I am on the very edge of it. If that is the case, I have been involved for about five years now.

Alexandria Topaz: With the creativity you present with that sensual erotic eye you'd create a hell of a lot of good Porn!. 

Alexandria Topaz: How many film projects have you produced? Please include links to your top 3 favorite, if you can narrow it down to only 3, and describe why they are in your top 3.

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): I have not produced any film projects. Its not that I don't want to. Its that the skills needed are so far beyond me. I have the utmost respect for those who work that particular magic.

Alexandria Topaz:  Why thank you, I appreciate that. 

Photos Courtesy of staff photographer: Rachel Avro

Alexandria Topaz: How did you learn to take photos or make movies?

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): Slowly, carefully and with a dogged determination. I don't show ANYONE those early shots because they are far too embarrassing. I experimented, tried out weird ideas, some of which worked, most of which didn't. I played around with it, ignoring any idea of rules. I attended an in-world course once on how to take pictures. It turned out that almost everything I do is just wrong. I didn't go back to the course.

Alexandria Topaz: How do you approach telling stories in your photo/production? What devices do you use to communicate with the viewer?

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): Now that's a really tough question to answer without writing a long essay on the subject. I will take the easy way out and say "it varies".....

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): ok. I think facial expressions speak volumes and I always strive to convey something to the audience with the right expression. I usually achieve this. The lighting, too, plays a hugely important part. There is a whole different feeling to whats going on if its brightly lit compared to dark corners and shadows.

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): What I tend to do is come up with a situation and then take a few steps back in time. I want to show what got people to that situation and leave the audience to decide what happens next. Sometimes its what happened before. I want people to engage their imagination, to write their own narrative.

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): Since I make all of my own poses, its easier to tell the story with the positioning of models, whether interacting with each other or the scenery. Sometimes, even interacting with the camera - the sultry look, for example.

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): So, in short, I use whatever I can to get the idea across.

Alexandria Topaz: This just shows me there's a process to what you envision and that you follow it along until the desired result is presented. :)

Photos Courtesy of staff photographer: Rachel Avro

Alexandria Topaz: Have you accomplished everything you have set out to do as a photographer/producer? If not, what else are you looking to achieve?

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): Absolutely not. Far from it. I still think of myself as a keen amateur, chasing that elusive and impossible perfect picture. I say impossible because it does not exist. It cannot exist. I can proudly say I have come close on occasion but that only drives me on to come close again and again. I generally aim for realism in my pictures. When the day comes when I cannot tell the difference between a real life photograph and one of my pictures, then I will say I have achieved half of my goals.

Alexandria Topaz: I feel the same way about filming. I'm always managing to pick at every single detail until it is to my liking thinking I have perfected it.  I also put myself in a position to perfect each film making it better then the last project i've created.

Alexandria Topaz: What major hurdle, if any, have you overcome to succeed?

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): In the early days, long before mesh, the SL naked body was all sharp angles and triangles where there should have been curves. I must have spent hours on my knees, fiddling with my....that came out wrong! I spent hours correcting those angles, smoothing those curves. Also, back in the day, there were no shadows in SL. I used to make my own. They were mostly terrible.

Alexandria Topaz:  I think  most SL Veterans have gone through this experience. Thank heavens mesh has come along.

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): Of course, the mesh body makes life so much easier and I think it stands up as the most important invention in the history of the human race.


Photos Courtesy of staff photographer: Rachel Avro


Alexandria Topaz: Where do you typically find inspiration?

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): I cannot answer that question at all. My inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere. Sometimes it comes from others. They ask for a picture, I create it. That's the easy way out though. Ideas come to me constantly. I often suspect I am simply copying something I have seen in the past and my subconscious mind throws it up to me as a new idea. I think that possibly happens more than I would like. It can come from stories I have read or have written. It can come from movies or TV shows I have seen. Mostly, though, its an internal thing. The idea just forms, often not allowing me to rest until it is realized.

Alexandria Topaz: I can agree with you here. Mine can come from a thought or RL Scene. from movies, from another photo  and certainly from Music. I

Alexandria Topaz: Describe a typical production from start to end, and how long each portion of the project takes, relatively speaking.

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): I typically begin with the pose. After all, most situational ideas focus on the people in the situation. So I pose myself first, then any others who are involved. The set comes next, building it around me. Sometimes, the pose has to be adjusted to work properly with the set or any props involved. When I am satisfied, the lighting begins. I can spend more time on the lighting than on everything else combined. I like to think I am building a world in which the story unfolds. Even for a simple glamour shot, I still think of it that way. The time it takes varies massively. Sometimes the whole thing can be done and completed in 20 minutes. I have been known to spend several hours on one picture. Not often, thank goodness, but I work at it until I am satisfied.

Unwrapped Photo Courtesy of Laura Richards

Alexandria Topaz: If you had an opportunity to work with an SL Porn Star, who would it be (Please list as many folks as you like)? 

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): I bet everyone says the same thing here. There are far too many to list. I am happy to work with absolutely anyone. Its incredibly rare for me to be asked though.  I think I have a look that doesn't appeal to many in the porn industry and I refuse to change it to blend in. I do not wish to blend in. I am ME. This above all to thine own self be true. But if anyone asks, I am more than happy to work with them. 

Alexandria Topaz: Indeed my thoughts are just the same. I'm never looking to fit into ones mold. I mean in a "Theme" type movie i'll surely try to play the part as best as I can. It's a little silly for anyone to say your shape doesn't fit into my work. Everyone fits in.

Alexandria Topaz: What is the most important attribute in a model/actress that makes you want to work with them again?

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): Patience.; I am not a fast worker and it involves a lot of time with them stood around while I busy myself with things they cannot see. I also enjoy it when they offer some input. I may not agree with them every time but I often change things to match an idea I didn't have. I like the sense of involvement. What I will also say is that a touch of humility is nice. From me and them. I have known a few models who had said they will "allow me to photograph them". Not surprisingly, I never work with those girls more than once.

Alexandria Topaz: What have you learned being behind the scenes/camera as a photographer or Director ? What has that been like for you? 

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): It is where I have always been, right from the start. I love the entire creative process and unlike many people, this is what I do to relax. I have learned that the limits of SL are only limits if you allow them to be. They can be pushed and pushed hard. I have learned that I am something of a control freak and need to be in charge of every aspect. I don't know if that makes me a bad person, an obsessive person or a very effective photographer... perhaps a little of all three?

Alexandria Topaz: Lol, there's a reason I took on the role of Director. I'm presenting my vision and everyone who partakes in it really has to follow it to my liking.  Although  I do enjoy a relaxing fun atmosphere around me. :)

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): There is a sense that roles for models, and particularly actors are limited currently. Do you often use people you haven't before? What one thing would help a new model/actor break into your work? 

Laura Richards (laura.demonista):  This is a difficult one. I am not opposed to working with others and I do, often. I just do not use their pictures to represent my work. They are THEIR pictures, after all. The only thing I can say for those wanting to break into my work is ask me. It might take a while but I do try to help out.

Alexandria Topaz: I like to collaborate with all be it photographers or Directors I like to open myself to learning from them and interim can benefit or open up to greater ideas, sort of speak.

Alexandria Topaz: Are you an active flicker user? If so please list your link

I Lost Count of How Many-Photo Courtesy of Laura Richards

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): I LIVE for FLickr!


Alexandria Topaz:  Your flicker is oh so sensual, erotic and touches upon man of steamy photos i'm sure the masses are enjoying. 

Alexandria Topaz: The business in itself can be a bit cut-throat for some folks. How has your experience been in getting to know others in the industry? 

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): I have had few problems along the way but then I am in a unique position. I am not looking for work, I am not trying to make a name for  myself so others will hire me. I do my own thing and enjoy it. On the occasions I have worked with others, its always been a friendly, fun experience. I say always... One man once asked me to model for a bikini shot. I agreed and went along. He looked at me and said "No. I wanted a REAL woman." I am still crying desperately about this more than two years later... not really.

Alexandria Topaz: Sounds like someone with a limited mind who has his own vision. Beauty is where you find it I always say. I think all men and woman have a uniqueness to them be it through their appearance or personality.

Alexandria Topaz: Do you feel like you constantly want to smack the $hit out of some of the people in the business or do you find you get along with most of them?

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): There are one or two I have yet to see the positive side of, particularly a Norwegian man. But no, seriously, I get along fine with most. I think my unique position helps. I am not a threat, I am not in competition with anyone so there is no real need for animosity. Except with Norwegians.

Alexandria Topaz: How long were you working before you felt comfortable behind  or in front of the camera?

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): I am, before anything else, a photographer. The model part is secondary to me. I have always been comfortable behind the camera, right from the very start. In FRONT of the camera... now that's different. I never thought my avatar was pretty enough to be there. You will not see much of my face in the early pictures for that reason.

Alexandria Topaz: Are you stimulated by the sex scenes that you capture on camera - Be honest. :)

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): Absolutely. Most of them come from my own fantasies, my own desires and my own perverted mind. I am basically acting out my fantasies in front of a camera. That often turns me on but not  nearly as much as the idea of sharing them with others. Knowing people will see pictures of me, naked, doing naughty things, is the ultimate turn on for me. A man once sent me a digital scan of one of my pictures he had used to masturbate to. He did it successfully too, judging by the evidence splashed all over my face. I am not sure how he thought I should feel but I was immensely proud and more than a little aroused to think people were doing that to my pictures.

Alexandria Topaz:  Lol. I kind of feel the same when I have folks come to me and tell me they're turned on with my filming. In some films i tend to express those desires i haven't touched upon in the real world. I also express them through my writing.  It's equally satisfying to know i've turned others on when they look at my projects and tell me "That was Hot" or "I would definitely try that with you" but equally appealing is that I was able to create the type of eroticism they enjoy.

Photo Courtesy of Staff Photographer: Rachel Avro

Alexandria Topaz: If you could fuck one famous person, who would it be? Porn Star or Celebrity

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): Oh That's easy. Myself, because I am like, you know, so hot!

Alexandria Topaz:  Lol  so would it be safe to say "Go Fuck Yourself" and you'd be quite aroused by that.. (Jokkkking) :)

Alexandria Topaz: What types of scenes would you never consider recreating? 

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): The usual. I will not do child porn. I will not do scat pictures or, whats the other one? The peeing thing? I wont do them either. Nor will I do animal sex or obvious incest. I try to remain just on the right side of "tasteful" although some of my shots fall way short of that line. I do stay away from illegal though. And although some of my pictures involve the use of semen, I will not use a bucket of the stuff to get the point across. Less truly is more sometimes!

Alexandria Topaz: Have you ever been involved in any super weird niche Porn?

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): No.  I wasn't invited.

Alexandria Topaz:  Does this means you would if you were? Lol

You Can Leave Your Hat On
Photo Courtesy of Laura Richards

Alexandria Topaz: It's been known that like real life.. some members of the porn community are stalked by "SL Fans". Have you experienced any of that? 

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): No, not really. Oh I get a lot of IMs from people who want to fuck me but that\s a good thing. It means my pictures work on a fundamental level. I do get the occasional ones who will not take no for an answer and it can be quite tiresome but this is SL, its not as if they can actually DO anything without my compliance. If I don't jump on that pink ball, they are humping air. Most of the "fans" I have met have been lovely people who say lovely things to me. I say this a lot but its true. I really enjoy doing what I do and to hear that others enjoy it only makes it better.

Alexandria Topaz: Umm yeah i guess in some aspects it can be fun. To me it's all about the enjoyment they got out of it.

Alexandria Topaz: In your experience what advice would you give a new comer looking to enter the scene? 
Lady Sings The Blues
Photo Courtesy of Laura Richards

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): The most important thing to learn is patience. There is no overnight success here. The main thing that seems to work is to join the Pornstars group and go to the parties, get yourself known. That way, in the future, when someone is looking for a certain girl for a shoot, they will think of you. Also, don't expect to be rich. The standard model fee in SL is a big fat zero.

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): In terms of photography, do not ever be afraid to experiment, to try out new things. Sometimes, great results come from accidents. Be brave, be bold. And remember, if you like the results, other people will too. You can never please everyone, just  pleasing someone is enough and if you make just one person smile, then you have done a wonderful thing.

Alexandria Topaz: Any parting words, or hints perhaps, at exciting upcoming projects (more details the better..... for our readers, of course)?

Laura Richards (laura.demonista): I never know what I will be doing from one hour to the next. Even my longest series of works are not particularly planned. I really do just make it up as I go!

Laura Richards (laura.demonista):  I will be concentrating mostly on dance over the next couple of months. I am in two dance troupes and choreograph routines for that. Now that IS fun. Frustrating, hair pulling, swearing, satisfying FUN! Watch this space!

Thank you for sharing your time with me Laura Richards. Keep arousing us with your creative work. :) xoxo


1 comment:

  1. Another great interview, Alexandria :)) Laura is truly beautiful and do great work in front of and behind the camera ;-)

    ReplyDelete