ID:   Biryl
Age:  25

Where did you get the name Biryl?
From the gemstone, Beryl.  Beryl is the primary source of beryllium which is an important metal.  It also differentiates (via impurities) into a variety of gemstones, including emeralds and aquamarines.  Beryl has been considered a "stone of power" and is often used for scrying and crystal balls.  The word itself comes from the ancient Greek, beryllos, signifying a "precious blue-green color of sea water".  Why this stone?  Beryl is a gemstone that is a rainbow of colors and in some forms, is highly valued, but not valued at all in others.  It is a beautiful material that is often the object of lust and longing.  In its pure form, it is colorless and it is percieved only through the perception of its viewer.  It is also tied to the mysterious.  All of that seemed fitting for my nude modeling.  Plus, I have a thing for gems ^_^

Where do you live?
In Georgia, Atlanta area  That's all you're getting.  

What do you do?
I am a full time student with a part time boring office job with a non-profit organization.  Modeling comes in when Matt and I can push it into our schedules.  So far, I haven't worked with any other photographers, but that does not mean I'm not interested in doing so!  

How did you get started modeling?  
Believe it or not, one day I just decided I wanted to do nude modeling.  I don't have the typical bodyshape in many ways, but I am comfortable with where I am, and I wanted to show that.  It also ties into my feminism as well.  Anyway, I asked Matt about doing nude shoots and he was ecstatic about the idea.  He'd been wanting steady models anyway for general photography and he was really excited.  Since then, we do what we want on a whim when we have time.  

What is the experience like?
Matt and I are very close friends, having known each other for something like a decade.  We work really well together, coming up with ideas on our own, oftentimes and then sharing them back and forth.  While some ideas for our shoots may be more inspired by one of us, the process is really collaborative.  Neither he nor I have ever had any training in photography or modeling, so we're working from our own intuition.  I have to say, I'm proud of how he's grown as a photographer over the years, and I'm super glad he's finally started being able to better express what he wants in a situation from me.  

What are the trials/problems with modeling?
The number one problem is time schedules.  The second problem is shooting locations that have the right lighting conditions and you can be nude at.  I share a house with 3 other individuals and he shares a house with 2 others so we're rarely able to use our own homes for working.  We rely on natural settings, people being out of town, and other friends who are comfortable enough to let us use their spaces.  We're looking into trying to get some sort of studio type space, but this isn't a primary thing for either of us. There have also been a few, rare issues with what some of the people in my life think about my modeling, but its never been a huge issue.  

Don't you worry about your relatives seeing this?
Some, sure.  I think that's natural.  It would be uncomfortable for a lot of people to come across a relative nude.  But what I do, I feel is both erotic and artful, as well as full of self expression.  I am not ashamed of it.  Remember, Eleanor Roosevelt said that no one can make you feel ashamed without your own consent.  If you're not fully comfortable with something like this, you probably shouldn't be doing it.  

Do you read all the comments and critiques on the photos?  How do they make you feel?
Yes, I read all the comments and critiques on photos of me.  I also read those on Matt's other works.  I welcome critique.  I really want to learn from the experience, and I'm prety hard to offend.  I've been flattered by a lot of the positive feedback I've gotten and generally, overwhelmed with the wonderful comments about my body.  It gives me hope about the world and the future for females who don't fit the commonly accepted body image.  I think there's only ever been one comment that bothered me and it was more of a difference of opinions.  Please give me more feedback and let me know what works, what doesn't work, what you like and don't like.  Do the same for Matt.  We'd love to hear it.  And don't be afraid, we're thick skinned

Why don't you update more often?  
Matt posts most of the photography since he's the photographer.  I do have more coming, believe it or not.  I just get too busy lately.  I'm in my senior year of college pursuing two degrees and two minors, plus I work.  This just kind of falls behind sometimes.  I will be adding more of the blacklight photos.  Matt has not posted them.  I will be posting them with my own commentary.  I'm also going to attempt to write a commentary for each photoshoot with my own feedback and provide sample pictures.  

Who is this Matt you keep talking about?
Matthew Nicholson is my photographer.  He is   Most people who find me do so via him.  

Etc.

If you have set ideas, suggestions, feedback, etc.  Please feel free to send me a note.  You may also email me at deviantbiryl@aol.com.  I am not often on AIM, but I do have it.  You can always check.  

A few individuals have shown interest in buying items for Matt and I's photoshoots.  So far, we've made a wishlist at Amazon of the things we're working on getting.  You can find it at  [link] you're interested. Its registered under the email deviantbiryl@aol.com

Again, if anyone has suggestions, feedback, questions, etc. Please feel free to contact me.  

I have to say thank you all for all the wonderful feedback you've given me so far.  Thanks for your interest and your pageviews I am truely flattered by the response.  

~Biryl

P.S. If you feel I've left something out, just lemme know!