1)  Describe your very first times tied up both off camera and on camera?

Off camera, my memories go back to childhood when I used to play “Cowboys and Indians” (sorry about not being politically correct as Native Americans ).  Of course, I played the “Indian” and I remember being caught and tied up to the telephone pole.  I squirmed to try to get free so I could beat the shit out of the Cowboys.  It’s a true story. 

As for on camera, it was for a guy that I was on retainer for only shooting with him.  He was kind enough to give me pictures; they are still available on my website, AkiraLaneBound.com.  You will note that it was pre-boobs pictures.  Eventually the contract ended and the first producer I shot with was Phil Carson from Sensual Distress.  My very first professional gig of 8 hours being bound and gagged.  The rest is history.

2)  What is it about your work that you think makes you so popular with your fans?

That is a good question.  I always thought it was because my elbows could be cinched together but in looking at all my past and current work, I think it may be my expressions, especially my eyes.  I refer to them as “anime eyes,” trying to make them big and round during my DiD acts (damsels in distress).  Maybe we should ask the fans this question and get a consensus.

3)  Do you enjoy the pain elements that factor into some aspects of bondage modeling?  And, if so, why?

No, I do not like the pain element.  However, unlike most and only few, I do have a high tolerance for discomfort.  It’s like that in my personal life too.  I remember the time I tore my left meniscus during kickboxing.  I felt a twinge but dismissed it.  Later that evening I attended a punk rock concert. The next day I had wrestling sessions and the following day I walked around Universal and played Guitar Hero while jumping up and down.  My orthopedic surgeon was amazed that regardless of all the activities, I was walking and enduring the pain which most “normal” people would consider excruciating.  Maybe we should refer back to question 2 and add that to the list.

4)  How did you choose your modeling name?

Don’t you know? That’s my real name. lol

5)  What has bondage modeling taught you about yourself and other people?

Bondage, Vanilla, Glamour, etc. modeling is a paid professional job.  It’s taught me to be smart on the assignments I accept.  It has taught me to check references with all photographers, production companies, etc.  It has taught me to be professional, to be on time, to do my best job and never take more than I can bite.  It has taught me that not all people can be trusted and to follow my gut instincts.  It has taught me that it's ok to say “no” at times and to politely turn down a job if it’s not best suited for me.  It has taught me that hard work actually pays off and fame/money comes after when you pay your dues or merit.  It has taught me that being a celebrity or being famous is not what it's all about.  Modeling is a tough job and I have to work hard at it while still being grounded and still being “Me.”

6)   Are you very selective about with whom you work?  How do you decide who to model for or with?

I am now in the position after 16 yrs in the business to be selective.  In my earlier years, I definitely did my due diligence by asking for references, seeing the type of work, knowing where the images or video was going to be posted or how it was going to be used. etc.  I must say that I am very lucky to have not had any serious injuries due to incorrect rigging or accidents.  It is because of my due diligence checking the riggers' and/or photographers' references and making sure that I only work with people who put “safety” first. Then I check if they are professional, if the compensation meets the criteria of the project, how long is the assignment and if other models were happy to work with him/her.

7)  With the 50 Shades of Grey movie bringing bondage into the mainstream media, some people have commented that BDSM represents an abusive relationship?  How would you respond to people who make statements like that?

They are entitled to their opinion. However, if they have not experienced any form of bondage play, scenarios or situations, they really don’t have a platform to say it’s an abusive relationship. 

I use an analogy.  I ask some people, “Do you remember the first time you ate something unusual like an avocado?” “Did you like it?”  If they said yes then I would say you had to try it to like it, correct?  If they said no, then I would say at least you tried it and it didn’t suit your taste buds.  BDSM is the same thing.  You have to experience it to know whether you like it or not.  If you don’t, that’s ok because that’s not your preference.  Everyone has likes and dislikes regarding BDSM and it should always be consensual between both partners or all parties.  BDSM is not for everyone and that’s ok.

8)   I know that you have worked with Nicole Oring a number of times as well as for/with a number of producers.  Of all those shoots, which was the most fun and memorable for you and why?

Too many to account for but each time I have been on set with Nicole Oring, we always have a blast. As a matter of a fact, I always try to have fun with everyone on set.  

9)  You've also worked with a great many models during your career.  Who have not yet worked with that you want to work with? 

I was going to say Jean Bardot, but I just worked with her at this past Fetishcon.  Hmmm… that’s good question.  Let me see, Jewell Marceau, no; Christina Carter, no; Randy Moore, no; Tomiko, no; Kobe Lee, no; Anastasia Pierce, no; Emily Marilyn, no…  Oh my goodness I am name dropping. Lol  Oh, I have not worked with Rubber Doll yet. 

10)  What do you think are the best and worst aspects of the adult industry?

Social Media has changed the entertainment/adult industries.  When I first started out, we had to work our asses off to land the job.  Now you can post a selfie, put a filter and give out free pictures.  The days of making a good pay are gone.  The digital era has now made anyone and everyone become a photographer as long as you have a digital camera and Photoshop and become a producer by having clip sites.  I’m not saying it’s wrong.  I just wished I had those tools when I first started.  I remember we were using film and slides to take photos and big video cameras.  You had to know lighting and meter it correctly.  Now you can use your mobile phone to upload a video clip.  A crazy fast paced world we live in.

Fans now can communicate with models/talents directly and can bypass a producer to make custom videos.  Basically, the adult industry, both in vanilla and fetish, the social media has allowed everyone and anyone to easily start an adult business as models or producers.  That’s good, everyone is entitled to make their own money. However, there comes a price when safety issues are not practiced, ethical/moral principles are not practiced and fraudulent behaviors are allowed. 

We all just need to be a little smarter and try to make the best of making an honest living.

11)  How does the bondage modeling industry compare now to how it was when you began your career as a bondage model?

It’s easy to get into bondage now.  Back when I first started, we didn’t have Facebook or Twitter.  It was who you knew and if you could handle the job. Sometimes I had to even do test shoots to see if I could handle a rigging.  It was serious business.  I think now it’s a bit more light hearted and a lot of the models do this as part-time whereas for some of the veterans, like me, this is our livelihood and we work hard at it every day to be creative and passionate in what we do. 

12)  I know you've done shoots that involve the chloroform fetish.  Do you do anything special to prepare for such shoots, and what thoughts go through your mind as you are shooting such scenes to make them appear so natural and convincing?

I really don’t do anything special except I talk to the producer to understand the scenario in which we are about to shoot and try to understand the character that I am playing.  I guess you can say my acting classes came in handy.

13) And, since I just asked about one fetish, is there any aspect of fetish modeling that you haven't done as much as you'd like? Or any that you've had your fill of and would rather never do again?

I have never done a scat fetish nor would I ever. I truly believe that what goes in my ass and even out of my ass is my own personal business.   

14)   Is there a shoot you have not done yet that is on your "bucket list"?  If yes, please tell us what it is.

I would like to incorporate more latex/rubber work.  That is something I’m lacking in my portfolio or resume.  I have done pretty much a lot and I’m real proud of my work and contribution to the fetish community.

15)  What is the kinkiest thing you've ever done off-camera?

Stuck a glow stick up someone’s ass at Fetishcon.  Wait, I have pictures. lol 

16)   What else do you want your fans to know about you and your work?

I am just a hard working girl.  I love my fans dearly because without them, I wouldn’t be Akira Lane.

My Mottos are “Life is too short to be a bitch” and “Work Hard, Play Hard”

 ******

Thank you Rob and hope you like it.

Xoxo,

Akira