We all have seen his pictures around on the site with the infamous Storm Trooper avatar. World, the man without need for an introduction: Tmronin.

TMronin: <blinks back tears>  Thank you for this...I would like to thank the academy, my hair stylist, my mom...oh wait, I'm not getting an award?!  man...really?  This is like when I entered The Zivity Circa '63 Contest - me and GogoAmy shot an awesome disco ball set with "Staying Alive" blasting in the background...we thought it was Zivity Circa '73!  oo...boogie ooogie ooogie...I, I I...stayin'...oh wait."

Uh...On to the questions...!

Where are you from and how has it affected your work?

Well, I'm from North Carolina but I moved around a lot when I was younger.  By the time I had graduated college - I had attended 15 schools, I was always the shiny New Kid.  I was raised on MTV and WWF wrestling (Charlotte, NC is a professional wrestling Mecca) - so I tend to believe in the Rockstar theory of talent: "when you don't have as much as you would like - Boobs, Backlighting and Bright Colors make up for a lot." hahahahahaha!  I've been in NYC for a bunch of years now and pretty much can't imagine living anywhere else at this moment - the sense of purpose and the insane energy in this town is addicting.

When did you first discover that you wanted to be a photographer? How long have you been doing it since then?

Dad is a very enthuastic advanced amateur photographer (mom's an artist) - so I was surrounded by photography my entire life.  To be honest, I'm kinda amazed that I can see today after all the flash bulbs that went off in my face before I was five.  LOL!  I've always had a camera of some sort and shot a bunch in college until I took my first real photography class.  I realized that I'm not cut out to take artsy blurry shots with really impressive artist manifestos describing what you are supposed to be looking at.  Should have realized then and there, I was destined for a life of commercial photography.  But then I discovered the campus radio station (WKNC in Raleigh, NC).  Fast forward to NYC 2000 while working in the music industry and getting a digital point and shoot camera in trade for a website design.  In 2004, I got a DSLR and discovered that naked girls would sometimes jump in front of it.  So, 8 years later - I am doing my level best not to suck on a daily basis.

What was your journey like at the beginning? What did you struggle with coming into your own as a professional photographer?

I was in a weird position when I started (still am, in ways)  A lot of my music industry friends moved into other fields and figured it's easier to screw me on my rates than get screwed by someone they didn't know.  LOL!  I shot a lot of comic book conventions (shot a poker game at Kevin Smith's house for Wizard World Guide to Comics), night club events, Doggie Holiday Portraits, catalogs, lookbooks and other "Making the Doughnuts" type of shoots to make ends meet...actually still do.  I have no ego when it comes to paying work.  shoot, assist, paint cycs, whatever.  better than a desk job.  It's like that line from Office Space:

Bob: "Looks like you've been missing a lot of work lately."

Peter: "I wouldn't say I've been *missing* it, Bob."

What is one of the most important lessons you've learned during your career?

Knowing how to handle people is as important as being able to handle a camera.  You can be the most AMAZING photographer to EVER pick up a camera and be forced to work a day job because you can't deal with the business/people/networking side of being a photographer - it's about the hustle.  Opportunities very rarely come to you.  Chance favors the prepared.  In this respect, I'm a get-shit-done Boy Scout.  I make sure that I'm ready for whatever I can hustle up for a gig.  Oh!  also...Bigger the hair, Closer to God.  (so sayth my patron saint, Saint Dolly of the big boobs and bigger hair)

How did you find Zivity?

I got invited to the beta when I was a staff photographer for suicidegirls.com and when I saw that one of the first sets on the site was the awesome Missy shot Sash set (Sash just makes me melt as a photographer - lord, that girl needs to be in front of a camera, often), I was excited to check it out.  I emailed one of my favorite people (Vivka) and we shot something quick for the site when I was up in Detroit for a wedding.  The rest is history.

What were you doing before you joined Zivity? How is this site different from your other photographic ventures?

Staff photographer for SG - pretty much the same but different.  I LOVE this site - no-one tells me what or who to shoot.  If a set goes up, I know if someone
votes on it, we will be paid. The diversity on this site is bonkers - All the sets don't look the same (don't get me started on the sheer amount of talent shooting for zivity - between Corwin, Thingstolookat, Shooter, AddictedImage, Adam Robertson, Dwam, P-Mod, Ghettomonk, Lorelei and others: I just stare at the screen and try to convince myself I don't just suck.  LOL!)

If I want to shoot something that is a bit out of my usual box - ArdenLeigh's debut set for example, I can.  I can shoot sets with heavy studio lighting, natural light, high concept, no concept...whatever is clever.  I can shoot a quick zivity set with my model friends for fun and they can be as involved as much (or as little) as they want.  Stoya's debut set is a great example. We shot a pack of fuji instax while she was taking a smoke break after getting her hair done for a magazine layout on the balcony at the location.  No muss, no fuss.

What is the craziest/funniest thing that has ever happened to you while taking photos?

Couple of years ago, I shot a model down in NJ at Sandy Hook (famous nude beach).  It was a foggy morning in August.  Do you know who comes to a nude beach in New Jersey at 8am on a foggy thursday in August?  Old dudes who can't be described as "thin".  Do you know what these naked old dudes do on a nude beach in New Jersey at 8am on a foggy thursday in August?

Pick up shells.

Pick up shells without bending their knees.

What has been seen, can't be unseen.

So...after we figured out that a) we were in the interesting shell capitol of the beach (cuz all the old naked dudes were picking up a LOT of shells right near us) and b) if we combined our ages between the 3 of us (me, model and her friend who was assisting), we were younger than anyone on the beach - we decided we should get on to the business of shooting.

All is going well, then an....err..older gentleman in a rainbow thong walked over and inquired if he could be in the photoshoot.  I politely thanked him and said, "no thanks sir."  (I was raised to respect my elders - esp. ones that someone somewhere calls "Grandad".)  Couple more shots and the model (who was mostly naked by now) steps away to do a quick hair fix with her friend.  The older guy comes back...sans thong and not, well, un-excited.  ifyaknowhatimsayin'?  Once again, I thank him for offering to jump into the shoot and tell him that his services as a male model aren't needed at this moment.  He runs off into the water and errr...proceeds to make the ocean a bit more, well, "salty".  Needless to say, I didn't point this out to the model at that time. (pretty much cuz I wanted to finish the shoot without an 18 year old naked girl killing a 75 year old naked guy with a boner on a beach in NJ.  Pretty sure that would make the 6pm news. LOL!)

(download)

Click here to download:

artists-exposed-tmronin-DCEcabjymIvleedrACkc.zip (1.48 MB)

How would you describe your own work?

A product of the three B's - Boobs, Backlighting and Bright colors.  Here at Team Rockstar, we believe in nothing is worth doing unless you can over-do it.

What other things are you passionate about? Why are you passionate about them?

hmmm...I like coffee, things that go "vroom" - mainly american muscle cars and italian motorcycles, coffee, beer, books (lots and lots of books), coffee, loud music, the past (what has been done before that looks cool), the future (what can I do that will look cool)...oh yeah, coffee.

<sigh>  y'all are gonna ask about the whole coffee thing, aren't you?  Ok, fine.  I have 3 coffee-themed tattoos (including half my chest done by Paul Booth as well as "Death Before Decaf" on my ribs) and have told someone's mother at a holiday dinner, "if coffee had boobs, I would marry it."  (for the record, I was sitting next to my wife at the time.)  What can I say?  I like coffee...a lot.

So I'd be lying if I didn't tell you that I have the biggest girl crush on Rachel Dashae. Her work is consistently eye-catching and beautiful. What's more is that once I started to ask her those tough abstract questions, she took on the challenge and beautifully worded the responses. This girl is a true model - oh and don't get me started on that wicked hair!

When did you first start modeling? What drew you into it?

I first started modeling in 2006; I took breaks off and on, and then became full time in 2010. I wanted to become a different person; I wanted an outlet for my creative spirit. 

Why did you want to be a different person? 

It's like acting; it's like growing out of your skin. But in a good way, haha. Like this other person coming through your eyes and expressions. I want to own the demons, the lust, the happiness, the love inside of me, and sometimes I feel like throwing that out in front of a camera makes you appreciate it. 

How does modeling help you do that?

 It lets me see the end result of my emotions, and how I am putting it into my art. 

What is it about modeling that strikes your creative spirit?

 I get to be a part of someone's vision. They come up with these ideas, concepts, styling, and I get to act it out for them. 

What was the moment you realized it was something you wanted to keep doing? 

Ever since I started. I would stop sometimes, but I would come crawling back shortly after. It's been the only thing that has stayed consistent in my life for 5 years now. 

What are you trying to express through your work? Do you think you've accomplished it? 

Vulnerability, high emotion, and staying fierce and proud. Telling a story with movement and eyes, instead  Yes, that is the one thing I always feel proud about when looking at an image, just how I can show anything that has been pent up for weeks through an image. 

How did you find out about Zivity? What sold you on joining? 

Dastardly Dave actually told me about it! And it was before I was doing nude work, so I was very excited for it. 

You've build a strong fan base both on and off of Zivity - how do you connect with them? How have they influenced your work? 

I try to comment back on any posts, comments, e-mails, etc. I try to actually build a connection and speak with them with truth. I feel like people then think of you as a person they can relate to. They have influenced me to keep going no matter what. Like I have said, I stopped a few times, sometimes I think I would've permanently quit if it wasn't for my fan base. They make my work feel worth it, even if I am being tough on myself. 

Is there anything a fan has ever said to you that has stuck with you? If so, what? 

There have been lots of things. Ever since the first "You are so pretty!" comment most things stick with me. I think what sticks with me the most though, is when people tell me the story they say see in my eyes, or in my hands. It's so awesome that I can inspire someone in that way. 

What is the craziest/funniest thing that has ever happened to you on a shoot? 

One time, I was on some railroad tracks (haha), that were on an overpass over a pretty main road.  I dropped one of my shoes in that little sneaky bend part between the columns. I actually climbed down into the crack (sliding on my butt down rails, haha!) to get my shoe. They were like $5 dollar shoes, but it was really muddy out because it had just rained and the thought of possibly breaking my leg was better than having to walk barefoot through the mud! 

You travel quite a bit! What was one of the most exciting trips you've made? Describe your experience! 

I try! This year will come along with much more traveling. One of the most exciting though I think was to Boston with PXE. Her and I just get along sssooo well; I flew into NYC, and met her. Which was just fun in general, we stayed up all night drinking soda and playing around. The next day we drove to Boston, and the whole trip was way fun. I also think it was a blast because it was just on a whim, I think I had a week to plan anything, haha. 

Is there anything else you're passionate about besides modeling? If so, what and why?

That's a tough one. I put so much into modeling, so I feel like maybe my other passions are photos (I just got a new digital camera, so look out for some pictures), fashion, and learning. I love to read about any subject from "the fattest country in the world" to "black holes". 

What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?

I love hanging out with my family. I am very family oriented; I am the oldest of 5 and am extremely close to my mother. I spend a lot of my extra time with them and my boyfriend. Other than that, I like to exercise (mostly yoga), read, and hang out with friends. I frequent clubs on the weekends and LOVE to go out and have some fun! I feel like sometimes I'm a dirty house wife and no one realizes it, haha!

I have to admit, I didn't know much about RazorCandi when I first interviewed her. All I knew going in was that she was gorgeous, has amazing tattoos, and that her lovely corset collection could make any girl jealous. RazorCandi has an undeniable edge to her, but underneath all the bondage and body mod, she's a talented artist with an eye for the more creative things in life.

Where are you from and how did you grow up?

I was born in Baltimore, Maryland and from there moved around a lot due to growing up with a father who is a lieutenant commander in the Coast Guard. I spent a good portion of my early adolescent years in Pennsylvania and then my teen years to young adult in Tampa, Florida. Moving around must have grown on me as I now live across seas in Romania!

What was your experience of High School and how do you think it has affected who you are today?

High School wasn’t as dreadful as most in my shoes might have experienced. Surprisingly enough I did not get picked on for being one of the very few alternative chicks, people actually let me do my thing in peace and recognized my unique style which stood out even among the other goths. I guess since I had been dressing different since middle school people were over it by the time I reached High School, on that note I did get picked on a lot in Middle School, even by the principal who always made sure to intrude upon my outfits and make up by demanding that I remove or change things, she even went as far as suspending me a few times for “masquerading on my face!” or “showing too much skin!”     

How did you get into modeling?

I discovered my interest in modelling around year 2001. It began simply as a hobby and leisure pursuit. I find that modelling is a great way to express art and emotion. I’ve always been especially interested in painting but I feel that modelling is a more instant result. Modelling only became significant when I noticed I was inspiring people and that I was making an impact. It’s an elevating feeling to encourage people to learn and be part of the alternative community. I never actually started modelling with the intent to become a model, I continually look at my modelling in more of a stylist’s point of view. I prefer to have my photos taken to display my changeable looks and ideas. A model is generally a person that serves as a subject for an artist, in my case I model my own artistic ideas, though I have collaborated with many exceptional clothing designers as well. Only until last year did I delve into adult modeling which is new and exciting angle for me. It has opened many new doors and has helped me excel even further with my ideas, in addition it has become an exceptional way for me to express my sexual side which was very repressed during the more fashion modeling period of my life as most of my followers were young teen girls.

Did you model or do photography before you joined the site? Where? How is Zivity different?

I did model extensively before Zivity, but I have suspended all my other websites in which I was posting material and I plan to keep my sets exclusive on Zivity at least for the time being as right now it suits my output perfectly and I love that it’s so organized not to mention all the members so far have all turned out to be awesome, interesting, interactive people. I also enjoy Zivity because it is very different in the way that it’s challenging, the prizes are a great motivation to create themed photo sets, the people are all around very friendly and the voting system is something I’ve never seen on other sites.

You have a very dark and edgy appeal - what drew you into fetish/bondage modeling? How does it reflect your personality? 

I found myself being drawn to the lifestyle at a pretty young age mainly out of interest in the fashion. As I’ve gotten older and more experienced I’ve developed a greater taste for the lifestyle. As a girl with a dominant personality and a kink for bondage it was natural for me to find an affinity to the fetish scene. I feel it reflects my personality greatly because of my strong individuality, though I also have a weakness for being dominated, tied up, gagged and spanked despite my self-assured qualities *wink*. Being called a model (fetish or not) unfortunately does not reflect to the full extent my artistic skills, since I do my own styling and make up and I am also a painter I feel that simply being labeled as a model makes me out to be more of a prop than a creator.

Describe your biggest fantasy!

I don’t really hold a big fantasy as I usually get to live out anything I set my mind too, but if I were to say something off the top of my head it would involve a night out in the town, good food, a fun show, lots of booze, and lots of beautiful, sexy punk boys and girls to share my bed with. The rest is too explicit to share ;)

What are you trying to communicate through photography?

My main focus on modeling and what I am trying to communicate through photography is to inspire art while expressing myself. I love to support and expose people to the alternative lifestyle and modeling makes this possible. As far as adult modeling goes I find the raw sexuality to be both exhilarating and empowering! Clearly I’m a bit of an exhibitionist and I find it very arousing to know that my photos get to be viewed by countless people.

How did you learn about Zivity? What sold you on joining?

Kassandra Love contacted me on FetLife and told me about the site. She thought I’d like it and she was right! I had been hearing about Zivity over the years and thought maybe it was time I try it out!

How would you describe Zivity to someone who has never heard of it?

I would describe Zivity as a site where models and photographers can finally post full sets which are slightly more sexual but still very artistic and make money while doing it, which can never be a bad thing! I’ve always run into problems with my work being a little too racy and extreme, but Zivity gives me the chance to demonstrate the full potential of my sets without having them be rejected. Zivity supports art of every kind while also allowing a voting system for the artists to make money off their hard work and allowing fans and admirers to enjoy it. This combination on Zivity has lead to the members being all very supportive of one another and I have felt very welcome since I’ve joined so I would definitely recommend it to other fellow models.

You have a lot of tattoos - which one is your favorite and what does it mean? 

My favorite tattoo is the bats around my bellybutton. I chose to do it when I got out of an abusive five year relationship in which I was very controlled so when I left the relationship I decided to get my first tattoo as a sign of freedom. I got the bats because I’ve always been a bit of a goth at heart, I thought the bats flying around the bellybutton were a cute representation of bats around a batcave which was a good icon for me as I am very into old school goth/deathrock music and last, yet most important, the bats are flying which symbolizes freedom and independence.

What was your first body modification? What was that experience like?

I think my first body mod was my septum or my tongue, I don’t remember which came first. I was only fifteen and I got them done at this place called Ink Man Dan’s in Tampa. The tongue piercing turned out fine but the septum was crooked, pierced through the cartilage, and done incorrectly, as a result it was very painful, the tongue wasn’t too bad,  I think the healing process was the worst part as it swelled so large I was reduced to eating soup broth and stuck with a speech impediment for about a week. My twin and I later Christened the shop “Stink Man Dan’s”. I don’t regret the experience what so ever!

What are some of the things you enjoy when you're not online? 

Watching movies (just finished re-watching the extended uncut LOTR trilogy!) while cuddling with persons unknown, painting, video games (D&D or AD&D based RPG’s), visiting the tea haus to try different teas, sewing as in modifying clothing, cooking and trying new recipes ….and last but not least, while not very geeky I love partying of course! Nothing like a crazy night out to get my blood flowing, along with other things *wink*

Are you passionate about anything else? What is it? Why?

I am extremely passionate about painting and almost every form of art, I love getting lost for hours in my paintings. I am also very ardent about environment and animal rights issues. I live by a vegan diet and I can make anyone’s taste buds orgasm with my cooking.

Why are you a vegan? How long have you been one?

It’s a very controversial subject so I won’t go into it too much. I chose to become vegan for animal rights. I’ve been vegan for a little over a year after I became exposed to a lot of information about animal cruelty and environmental activism, today I could never dream going back to meat or dairy products. I do plan to go completely vegan with my lifestyle once I retire from modeling but choosing a career path like modeling is not very lenient with a vegan lifestyle though I try my very hardest to avoid animal products or items tested on animals and have turned down many modeling offers due to this. 

When did you know that art was something that you wanted to pursue?

I knew I had a niche in art when I took it as an elective in high school and I picked up painting quite effortlessly. I wouldn’t truly call it a career, I’ve drifted away from painting a lot since I started modeling so it’s a hobby that has taken a seat on the back burner, though my techniques have evolved over time, just as any would with enough practice, unfortunately as long as the hobby remains on the back burner my techniques will remain untrained.

Art by RazorCandi:

(For more of her art, check out her DeviantArt here)

 What themes would you like to explore more of with your art?

I would like to explore using different mediums. I only recently moved onto oil which was not taught to me in school, I was mainly trained to use tempera paint and acrylics so oil is certainly something I’d like to study more. As far as themes go I would like to branch off to more fantasy and ethereal styles like Boris Vallejo and also darker stuff likeHieronymus Bosch style.

Do you think that your art has pushed you forward as an individual?

Since I started out with art at an early age I would definitely say that art has pushed me into being creative and more of an individual. Art has helped me develop a very keen eye for details and has exposed my mind to imaginative and very inventive thoughts. It is hard for me not to observe the world outside of an artistic point of view.

 Do you feel that art has shaped your identity over the years? In what ways?

Absolutely. I feel art has pressed me to expand my mind and creativity thus forming my identity into a very visional persona. Painting is a very emotional process for me, just as modeling and preparing for a shoot is, these steps all construct strong artistic qualities in my personality. I feel art has allowed me to psychologically and physically express myself.