I was fortunate enough to first come into contact with Larry Utley during our coverage of the San Francisco Fetish Ball. We were in need of some professional photos, and someone suggested contacting Larry. Little was I to know that he would pull my ass from the frying pan in a short amount of time, provide quality content, and be an all-round swell fellow.

Larry Utley

Over the course of several e-mails and telephone calls, Larry proved himself a consummate gentleman with an innate comprehension of the BDSM/fetish world, and a unique eye to catch the most appealing shots whether staged or impromptu. It's rare that a photographer can meld a symbiotic relationship between eye and lens, and this is exactly what Larry has managed to do.

Mr. Utley sent me a preview copy of his book, Women In Control; Iron Fist, Velvet Glove, and I cannot tell you what an honor it was to be included in his pre-release. When I received the book, I immediately sat down and paged through, photo by photo, and found many that were erotic, fun, honest and intense. It's a unique book with an innovative staging - some pages are simply one photo while others are a compilation of a scene acted out over several shots. There are smiles, there are grimaces of pain (which you can tell are enjoyed), there are several shots of couples simply posing for Larry's discerning eye.

When I spoke with Larry a few weeks ago to thank him for saving my bacon (that's ass, for those who don't get the metaphor), he informed me of his latest book release and invited me to the release party. He was insistent that it was not merely a release, but also a thank-you event for all those who had supported him over the years with his photography and gracefully posed for him. I thought this was a generous idea. How often does a photographer thank those who buy his pieces or the models who work so hard with him to create what looks like effortless beauty?

The event is to be held at Mighty, 119 Utah Street in San Francisco, from 8pm-12am. Slated for the evening are DJs Kit and Fernando, who will be spinning "slut rock" all night long to get that atmospheric momentum going. Also, you can enter a free drawing for a framed print of the book's cover image and copies of the book. How could it get any better - and once you see the book, you'll want to enter the drawing.

All models who are involved with the project will receive a drink ticket with their free copy of the book. Additional copies of both Women in Control: Iron Fist, Velvet Gloveand Fetish Fashion: Undressing the Corset will be on sale. I have yet to see that book, but you can be sure that I, for one, will be checking out his previous works if this latest effort is any indication of what to expect.

Mistress Miranda