Ed Akay Interview: I specialise in a variety of genres notably fitness, bridal, menswear and come cinematic style photography

Swanky Magazine Interview - urban-fashion-fitness - Ed Akay

MODEL SPOTLIGHT | Ed Akay Based in Devon, UK

We caught up with Ed to talk about all things modeling and learn more about his journey, and future goals!

Q1. Swanky Mag: Hello Ed Can you introduce yourself to Swanky Magazine's readers?

Hello, Swanky readers I’m Ed Akay based in Devon, UK. I’m a property developer and model. I specialise in a variety of genres notably fitness, bridal, menswear, and come cinematic style photography notably as James Bond! I call my style of modeling “intensity on camera.”

Male Model: Ed Akay
IG: @edakaymodel
WB: http://www.edakay.com
Photographer: Jason Reading
IG:@jason.reading.photography
FB: https://www.facebook.com/jasonreadingphotography
WB: https://jasonreadingphotography.com

Q2. How did you get involved with modelling, and what do you love most about being a model?

I modelled when I was in my early ‘20’s come 2020 during lockdown I did a fitness challenge for charity, where my aim was at age 37 to recreate the physique, I had in my 20s. Matthew White a well known international natural bodybuilder agreed to sponsor and train me I won’t mince my words that man is a fitness and nutrition genius! Within three months we not only recreated my old physique we bettered it! I then got approached by Bear 3 an Exeter based sports label who asked me if I was interested in modelling for them after seeing me on social media, things then started to take off. In spring 2021 I started to collaborate with photographer Chris Woodman (a true master of photographic psychology) who got me my first front cover and throughout 2021 and into this year I continued to be published worldwide.

By nature I am a showman so the thing I like most is being on camera, to quote one of my favourite ever lyrics from the Band Crazy Town:
“I'm at your front door like I'm Amazon. And I don't get shy when the cameras on.”

Before the modelling, I was a champion public speaker and ran a well-known property networking event so being on a stage is 2nd nature to me.

I also loved portraying James Bond for photographers! Which saw me appear in publications based in countries such as Mexico, France, Spain, Canada and Greece as well as two front covers! That was one hell of an experience.

Q3. What fuels your imagination and provides you with inspiration.

My imagination is inspired by the music I love, especially old skool dance and hip hop music. I particularly like Detroit Techno which was the product of an extremely gritty environment and the sound reflected it. Myself and Jason Reading (a true creative genius) deliberately shot these photos you are featuring in a gritty location to reflect the scenery of abandoned buildings which are an iconic feature of Detroit as a city.

Another real inspiration for me is my close friend and trainer Matthew White, as well as being like an Einstein of the fitness world that man is the dictionary definition of a working-class hero. Matthew has overcome a lot of obstacles to become a great competition bodybuilder on the international natural bodybuilding circuit.

Q4. Let us into a secret, What is a beauty/fashion trick you do before a photoshoot?

I “cut” (ie get shredded) using lean Turkey mince, it works magic for ABS and has been a far more effective source of protein for me than Chicken or Tuna.

Q5. What projects are you working on next, and what are your goals for the future?

As well as continuing to model for fitness mags, calendars and bridal salons with my beautiful wife Helen myself and Jason Reading are embarking on a very special project together this year. The project has three strings to its bow:

1. Producing a photography book based on fitness imagery.
2. Producing a calendar together for 2023.
3. Helping other creatives and models developed by running workshops and studio days.

Jason is one formidable talent and thus far we have had 4 front covers together and countless international publications. The photos you have featured showcase the Reading / Akay juggernaut in full effect and are a prime example of Jason’s creativity and the magic that happens when we work together. I often joke to Jason that you have done with photography what RUN DMC did with hip hop and rock music – create a unique hybrid!

In this case, it’s a hybrid of fitness photographer and cinematic horror photography, two very different genres which Jason has cleverly fused together.
2022 is going to be a massive year, we will make sure of that!

Q6. What do you think of our new magazine?

Your magazine is a wonderful platform for creatives and models to showcase their talent. I love the fact that you give pages to very contrasting styles, have a variety of editions from Wedding to your Spellbound Magazine and love to promote both international and UK talent. It’s always very satisfying to see the work of people I know personally showcased. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank your wonderful magazine for all your support.

Ed Akay Website: edakay.com
Ed Akay Instagram: @edakaymodel

Jason Reading Website: jasonreadingphotography.com
Jason Reading Instagram: @jason.reading.photography

Helen Akay Instagram (Ed’s wife and modelling partner): @helendanielleakay
Matthew White (Ed’s Trainer) Website: mwstrengthandperformance.com
Matthew White Instagram: @mwstrengthperformance

MENS, FASHIONDarren Morris15 March 2022Model, Ed Akay