Legendary Lenser Rick Day Captures Model/Actor Johnny Hebda’s Powerful Appeal

We’re just mesmerizing with the following work about to present, Legendary Lenser Rick Day Captures Model/Actor Johnny Hebda’s Powerful Appeal

Including small talk with the model, following now on Instagram, he survived Covid, he completed a half Iron Man. He’s determined, he doesn’t procrastinate and obviously he won’t waste any time.

He has performed the role of Joseph in Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” in over 100 performances and was introduced about a dozen theater premieres to Utah audiences.

And manages a very popular monthly dance night, called Skyfall SLC Circuit Nights, bringing nationally known DJs to perform.  There is more detail on his website. We settled a nice small talk with Johnny.

We talked about recently working with Ricky Day, his background and many more. Let’s read it here:

Small Talk with Johnny

Q: Industry veterans immediately recognize photographer Rick Day’s name. He’s widely known for shaping portfolios of numerous agency-represented male models and for his photographs for nearly all the leading fashion magazines. What made your shoot with him memorable?

A: Rick Day is legendary. Models consider it an honor and sort of rite of passage to be lensed by Rick. He’s set a standard for the modeling industry. The weather was perfect on the day of our shoot, so he decided to photograph on the rooftop of his East Village Manhattan studio. Rick makes models feel comfortable, with on-set laughter and camaraderie, so he made me immediately feel at ease. His work is stunning, and my favorite photos had a post-apocalyptic vibe with a romantic element as well. It was great to work with New York model Danielle Stansky, who quickly captured our vision for this editorial portrait series. (She has since graduated from medical school and works in the emergency room of a large hospital in New York City. While my background as an actor has helped me with my career in the modeling industry, there are certain techniques and skills that also need to be developed.

Q: You’re an accomplished actor as well? Share with us a little of this background.

A: I’ve been interested in performing since I was young. I was fortunate to be cast in a few local commercials and supporting roles in TV series. And other film/TV work followed. But I learned to love performing onstage, particularly in musical theater. I’ve had the opportunity to work with titans of Broadway, including composer Frank Wildhorn (Jekyll & Hyde, Scarlet Pimpernel, to name his most famous musicals) and Tony-nominated directors and writers.

“It’s interesting to note that I’ve created the lead role in Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in stagings across the country, totaling more than 100 performances.”

Johnny Hebda

Q: Whose work inspires you?

A: As a model, David Gandy immediately comes to mind. He’s had such a long career, with inspiring work for Dolce & Gabbana. He redefined masculinity at a time when “thin was in.” And Christian Hogue, who is generally seen as “the perfect man.” He has so much ease and radiates sex appeal. Tyson Beckford and Pietro Bosellias well. Photographers on my list, along with Rick Day, are Bruce Weber and Milan Vukmirovic. And David LaChappele. I’m a huge fan of the work of Herb Ritts, who revolutionized the modeling world. Chad K, a photographer here in Salt Lake City where I live now, has a unique eye; his work is stunning.

Q: What makes a person sexy?

A: There’s beauty on the inside, but there’s also inner beauty that radiates with intensity. Intelligence and wit are very attractive. Emotional honesty is an absolute must. There’s a lot of stigma against discussing feelings, their goals and their hopes or dreams. And a great-smelling fragrance gets me going.

The lessons we have learned reading this Q/A with Johnny is:

• Work hard
• Always prepared yourself
• Never proscrastinate
• Set a goal and do it
• Have fun!

Even when we had a disturbing 2020, Johnny never let his guard down. Even though, the world collapsed and was a completed chaos.

He benefited of the surroundings of positive people, his family, friends and co-workers. He dig for motivation to survive. And that’s what is the most important at the end of the day.

Model: Johnny Hebda @johnnyhebda
Woman Model: Danielle Stanski @danistanski
Photographer: Rick Day @rickdaynyc
Stylist: Blair Howell @blairmktgpr 
Dog Tag: Skyfall SLC Circuit Nights