There’s only one word we can think of to describe Lisa Boyle… yuhmmi. The former Playboy model can be credited as an early pioneer of web 1.0 who carefully crafted one of the most successful model sites to date. Now, working behind the camera, the delicious model/actress turned photographer is captivating us with her stylishly sleek photography that’s sexy as all hell. Models… be ready to be schooled.

Tell us how you got started as a model.

I got started in modeling about 1994. I was working as a waitress and bartender and actually, one of my regular customers at the Hard Rock Cafe suggested I try and get into acting, so he bought me my first set of headshots. I took a few more pics and went to an agency. They took me on, put my zed card on their wall, and got booked for my first Playboy Book of Lingerie off that. That shoot was also my very first cover for Playboy as well!

When you were asked to pose for Playboy, describe how excited you were and what that did for your career?

I was SO excited to pose for Playboy. I had wanted to try and do that for a long time. I couldn’t believe it happened that way actually. Being in Playboy helped me tremendously. Not only did it give me a huge confidence boost, but also exposure! (pun intended!) At that time there was no internet, so being in that mag was VERY good exposure. I started booking Married with Children (5 episodes as a recurring character), Baywatch, Silk Stalkings, etc… as well as some small parts in big movies - Showgirls, Face-Off, Nutty Professor, etc. It was a really fun time in my life.

As a model, you created a successful subscription based web business that many others used as a template. What new challenges do paid sites face with so much access to free content and what adjustments do they need to make to survive?

Well, at this point in time, the market is saturated. Bottom line. When I first started, there were only a handful of sites that people could spend their time and money on and we were one of the first. Now there are millions… so, money is scattered everywhere. Also, there is a lot more hardcore content, REALLY weird oddities, etc… that people want to see that they can access in the privacy of their own home now. SO much to see… so little time and money! My site is very tame, in comparison to all the wacky shit out there. But if you want to see hot naked chicks and good photography, my site is a great place to do that. IF you want to see a donkey show, or 2 girls one cup, you’ll have to go elsewhere… hahahaha.

It seems that models are pressured into thinking that hardcore is the only way to make money nowadays. Give us your take on that.

Well, sex sells. So it’s true that you will make more $$ doing that, but that too is saturated. So, if you’re not one of the top adult performers out there, money won’t be all that great either.

Tell us how you transitioned from modeling and acting to a professional photographer.

I knew at one point it would be time to “retire the g-string.” I can’t believe I’m STILL modeling for my site!!!! OMG! But that is the only thing I still model for. I am FULLY content to be on the other side of the camera. It was a natural progression for me, I think. I was always interested in the whole process of a shoot… from the styling to the modeling to the photography. It always looked so fun to me. So, one day I just decided to go out and buy a professional camera. It was still in the days of film… no digital yet. I bought a Nikon F5. I still have that camera. It’s great. I don’t shoot that much film anymore… only because it’s too expensive compared to digital, but I love film - especially black and white. There is no comparison to digital for B and W. There was a lot of trial and error and expenses getting film processed cause I had no clue what I was doing. A few of my photographer friends helped me out a lot. I then took a few classes and know I still have SO much to learn.

Describe how your work as a photographer has evolved from when you first started working professionally to where you are now.

Well, I have to say my style and my eye are pretty much the same, which I think holds true for a lot of artists. I just hope that my technical skills are getting better. I always get bored with my work and want to learn some new “tricks.”

What other photographers inspire you and why?

Ellen Von Unwerth is my favorite photographer as well as Helmut Newton and Terry Richardson. Even though they are all different, I think there is one thing that they have in common that I LOVE LOVE LOVE in their work, and that I think I have in mine. One word… whimsy. I love that word. It’s so descriptive. I love a sense of fun, or something going on in my photos. I hate very static posed pictures. They bore me. It’s like the moment is gone, and you missed it. I love eyes. They are truly the window to the soul. If there is nothing going on in the eyes, the pic is blah.

The industry is always looking for models that have the so called “it” factor. What characteristics define “it?”

A willingness to be open, to PLAY, to be, to be present, to be a character. Someone who is comfortable with themselves. The “it” thing is quite elusive and hard to describe, but you know it when you see it. When you get to shoot someone with it, it’s magic and makes my job effortless and SO much fucking fun!

I’m sure you’ve come across some beautiful women who just don’t know how to turn up the heat in a photo shoot. How do you get a dead-beat or inexperienced model to shine during a shoot?

You don’t! HAHAHAHAHHAHAAHA You never get those (dead-beats) to “shine.” You get them to “get by and get the job done.” Then you get depressed cause you think you suck. HAHAHAHHAHAHA

Any advice for new models wanting to get into the business?

Um yeah, this may sound harsh, but make sure you are model material. Just because your aunt in Idaho thinks you are cute does not mean you should model. Don’t show up fat or looking completely different than your pictures. Be on time, SHOW UP, and don’t flake. You will get a bad reputation FAST. Be open to take direction, but have your own style. Interact with the camera, practice in the mirror, and know your body. HAVE FUNNNNNN!!!!

Taste it:
www.lisaboylephotography.com
www.lisaboyle.com
www.flauntgirls.com