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Bendy Taylor | VIP Member | Verified Credits (77)

Model: Bendy Taylor; Photographer: sasakthi

Where are you from? Where are you based now and do you travel for shoots?

I’m originally from Wisconsin but have also lived in Washington, and currently live in San Francisco, California. I love to travel for shoots! I love to explore, see new areas, and try new things. I’ve met some really kind and amazing people all over the world.

Who or what inspired you to become a model?

I’ve always been interested in the vast potential of the human body. This interest has lead to experimentation with various forms of performance, through which I was introduced to model photography. I instantly fell in love with the possibilities and have been eagerly pursuing it ever since.

Model: Bendy Taylor

How and when did you start modeling?

About a year and a half ago, I started getting curious about contortion and photography. I put out a call to photographers for trade shoots, and the response was so strong that I had the chance to quickly improve as a model and gather a strong enough portfolio to work professionally. I’ve been very fortunate!

What type of modeling do you enjoy the most?

My favorite genres are implied nude and artistic nude. I think there are limitless ways that you can utilize the human body to express both deeply personal emotions and abstract ideas.

Model: Bendy Taylor; Painting: Carla Paine

What do you look for when deciding to work with a photographer?

I look for professionalism. It helps if they have a strong body of work, but even if they’re just starting out, I expect a certain level of mutual respect and communication. It’s also exciting when they have strong ideas for what kind of imagery they’re looking for-I really enjoy helping people achieve their visions.

Which models or other artists currently inspire you?

I’ve drawn inspiration from just about everyone I’ve met in this community, but some standout models have been Poppyseed Dancer, Saturn Werde, Alora Jaymes, 0wnu (on FetLife). Photographers that inspire me include The Dark Arts, Tanaga Chen, Andy Yeung, and bondageArt. I’m primarily inspired by the people I work with and meet, but also get a lot of ideas out of reading manga and watching anime, and from my experiences in the circus community.

Model: Bendy Taylor; Photographer: Pacific NW Photography

What would be your dream shoot?

My dream shoot is any shoot where the photographer and I make great work together!

How important is social media in your success?

Social media has been the basis of my success! Almost all of my work has come through Facebook, Instagram, Model Mayhem and FetLife. The rest of it comes through my business cards and website.

Model: Bendy Taylor; Photographer: FM Photographic

What else do you like to do outside of modeling?

I invest a lot of time into training and performing contortion, aerial and other circus arts, but I’m pretty boring the rest of the time! My favorite nights are when I knit, hang out with my cat, and watch anime or Netflix. I spend time with friends whenever possible, too.

What’s the best career advice you can give to new models?

My advice would be to determine what sort of model you want to be before anything else. I’m primarily an artistic nude model, and that’s a lot different from becoming, say, a fashion model! Study models and photographers who are producing the kind of work that you’re interested in doing and practice what you see. Focus on building a strong portfolio doing trade work with people whose work you admire, and be patient.

Model: Bendy Taylor; Photographer: Steve F Art

Check out Bendy Taylor’s Model Mayhem portfolio to see more of her work. You can also follow her on Instagram and Facebook, and her website is www.bendytaylor.com.