These pictures were taken at Subversion a couple of weeks ago, and I'm actually rather chuffed at being able to see what Tallulah and I look like while we're doing what we do (when we're not doing photoshoots or more vanilla things...) :)  Thank you to David Medlin for the photos (also posted on the rather wonderful LondonFetishScene website).

Playing in public like this isn't for everyone, and even some in the scene find it an odd thing to want to do.  So let me see if I can explain the appeal...  

I've always been something of a "performer" (and so has Tallulah, whose scene nickname is ShowPony!).  I've sung, acted, played in orchestras and so on for most of my life.  I love taking control (no surprise there, then) of the stage and creating something for the people watching.  So that's part of it... but this is also extremely personal with the person you're "doing things to".  While in the thick of things I'm in a deeply comfortable, focused state; hardly aware at all of the people around me.  I'm only really conscious of Tallulah (while tracking anything that may impinge on the scene, through peripheral vision), and it's a lovely feeling when you finally finish and look around, only to realise where you are...

For those reading this who are in the scene I won't need to say this, but BDSM play is also very much about what's going on in the mind.  I may be using floggers, crops, my hands, pinwheels or any number of other tools to create an effect, but what is really happening is putting another person into a deep, different, calming and exciting place.  Yes, it is a whole lot of contradiction but you probably noticed that already ;)  And the fact that we're playing in public adds another dimension to that mental game.  The people watching become part of the scene.  Their very presence changes the dynamic, raising the stakes and allowing me to play with emotions like excitement and mild humiliation in a way that for most "normal" people will seem strange... but what composer, playwright or film-maker doesn't want to create emotions for the people they touch with their work?  And this way I get to do it for the audience, and the (very) willing victim... :)

I'd love to hear your comments on this and other posts so please do feel free to use the "add comments" button.

Photo credit: David Medlin

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