Ray Edwards has been the man behind Trueamateurmodels.com, photographing and filming amateur models while also performing sexual scenes in Hundreds of adult pornographic videos. Throughout that time, he has watched the online adult industry change dramatically around him. In this interview, Ray talks about how Trueamateurmodels.com began, what the business was like before social media and OnlyFans, the misconceptions surrounding the adult industry, his experiences behind and in front of the camera with nearly 500 amateur girls, mostly between the ages of 18 and 25, and where he hopes to take the site next.
Q: HOW DID YOU GET STARTED, AND HOW DID TRUE AMATEUR MODELS COME ABOUT?
A: I got started because I was interested in photography, video, and the idea of creating something that felt more personal and authentic than the highly produced adult content that dominated the industry. I wanted to focus on real people, natural chemistry, and an atmosphere where models could feel comfortable being themselves. True Amateur Models grew out of that idea. I began by meeting people locally, building relationships, and learning through experience. In the early days, there was no simple formula for running an online adult business. I had to figure out the photography, filming, editing, website design, marketing, customer service, and business side as I went along. What started as a small project gradually became a long-term business and a major part of my life. The name True Amateur Models reflected what I wanted the site to represent: genuine people, real personalities, and a more personal approach to adult entertainment.
Q: IS TRUE AMATEUR MODELS THE ONLY PROJECT THAT YOU ARE RUNNING?
A. Yes, pretty much. I have worked for several studios down in Florida as their male porn performer and I can be seen on a few of their DVD’s and on other adult websites, but I am unable to use any of the content because I do not have the rights to it. True Amateur Models is definitely my main project. However, I would like to become involved in mainstream acting on the side. I have thought about auditioning for a few television soap opera shows and possibly some comedy roles in movies. I think that would be fun, and that’s exactly why I would do it. I would not become involved with it specifically to become a “movie star” or to become as rich and famous as Mel Gibson as I would do it for the love of acting, but what the hell? If it did happen, that would be great!
Q: WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHANGE YOU’VE SEEN IN THE INDUSTRY?
A: The biggest change has been technology and the way people access content. When I started, the internet was much slower, websites were more difficult to operate, and most people were still using dial-up connections. Producing and uploading video took far more time and effort than it does today. Social media, smartphones, streaming, and subscription platforms have completely changed the business. Models can now promote themselves directly, communicate with fans instantly, and build their own brands without relying entirely on a traditional studio or website. That has created more opportunities, but it has also made the market much more competitive. There is far more content available now, so standing out requires consistency, trust, personality, and a genuine connection with the audience. The technology has changed, but people still respond to authenticity.
Q: WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?
A: I think the biggest misconception is that adult work is simple or that everyone involved is being exploited. Like any other industry, there are good and bad situations, and people have different experiences. My priority has always been to make sure that everyone is an adult, understands what they are agreeing to, and is treated with respect. People also sometimes assume that working in adult entertainment means you do not take the work seriously. In reality, there is a great deal of planning, communication, organization, and responsibility involved. You have to manage schedules, releases, privacy, equipment, editing, promotion, and business decisions. There is also a difference between what people see on camera and who someone is in everyday life. A performer is still a person with boundaries, feelings, responsibilities, and a private life. I have always believed that consent, honesty, and respect matter just as much in this industry as they do anywhere else.
Q: IS TRUE AMATEUR MODELS YOUR FULL-TIME JOB?
A: Yes, True Amateur Models has been my main business and a major part of my life for many years. It is not something I treat as a casual hobby. There is a lot of work involved behind the scenes, including arranging shoots, communicating with models, maintaining the website, editing content, handling technical issues, and keeping up with changes in the industry. Being self-employed also means there is no real separation between the business and everyday life. There are always decisions to make and problems to solve. Some days involve filming or photography, while other days are spent doing administrative work, answering messages, or planning future projects. It has been demanding, but I have also had the freedom to build something according to my own ideas. That independence is one of the things I value most about it.
Q: WHAT’S ONE OF THE WILDEST OR MOST UNUSUAL EXPERIENCES YOU’VE HAD DURING A SHOOT?
A: Some of the most unusual experiences have come from unexpected situations that happen when you are working with people in unfamiliar locations. I have had shoots where the weather changed suddenly, plans had to be rearranged at the last minute, or an ordinary location turned out to be much busier than expected. The memorable moments are not always the most explicit ones. Sometimes it is a funny conversation, an unexpected interruption, or a model becoming much more confident as the shoot progresses. You can plan everything carefully, but there is always an element of unpredictability when real people are involved. I have learned to stay calm, respect everyone’s boundaries, and adapt when things do not go exactly as planned. That is part of working in this business, and it is also what keeps the job interesting.
Q: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO WANTED TO GET INTO THIS BUSINESS?
A: My first piece of advice would be to take it seriously and understand that it is a business, not just an opportunity to have sex or appear on camera. Anyone considering it should think carefully about privacy, consent, boundaries, taxes, contracts, and the possibility that content may remain online permanently. Communication is extremely important. Everyone should know exactly what is being filmed, how it will be used, where it may appear, and what they are comfortable doing. Nobody should feel pressured to agree to something simply because a shoot has already been arranged. I would also tell people to protect themselves. Verify who you are working with, keep records, use proper releases, and do not ignore warning signs. For producers, treating models with respect is not only the right thing to do; it is also essential for building a trustworthy reputation. Finally, be patient. Good content and a reliable business take time to develop. Focus on quality, consistency, and professionalism rather than expecting instant success.
Q: WHAT ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL LIFE? ARE YOU SINGLE?
A: Yes, I am single. My work has always been a significant part of my life, and that can make relationships more complicated than they might be for someone with a conventional job. Not everyone understands the industry, and not everyone is comfortable with the amount of time and attention it requires. I have learned that honesty is important. I would rather be upfront about what I do than try to hide it and create problems later. The right person would need to understand that this is not just a temporary phase or a secret hobby; it is a business and a long-term part of my life. Being single also gives me the freedom to focus on my work and make my own decisions. That does not mean I am closed off to a relationship, but I believe it has to be based on trust, openness, and mutual respect.
Q: WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AFTER ALL THESE YEARS?
A: I am most proud that True Amateur Models has lasted for more than two decades. The online adult industry has changed repeatedly, and many websites and businesses that were around when I started no longer exist. Staying active through all those changes has required persistence and a willingness to adapt. I am also proud of the relationships I have built with models and the trust people have placed in me. When someone feels comfortable enough to work with me, that is a responsibility I take seriously. I want people to look back on their experience and feel that they were treated fairly and respectfully. Most of all, I am proud that I created something independently. True Amateur Models reflects my own ideas, work ethic, and approach. It may not be the biggest site in the industry, but it has its own identity, and it has continued because people appreciate what makes it different.
Q: WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO NEXT WITH TRUE AMATEUR MODELS?
A: I want to continue improving the site while staying true to what made it successful in the first place. That means featuring new models, producing better photography and video, making the website easier to use, and finding better ways to connect with members. I also want to preserve the history of the site. After more than twenty years, there is a large archive of work and many stories behind it. I would like to organize that material more effectively and make sure the best content remains accessible. The industry will continue to change, so I am open to new technology and new ways of presenting content. At the same time, I do not want True Amateur Models to lose its personal character. The goal is to grow without becoming impersonal or losing the sense of authenticity that has always been important to me.
Q: WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE PEOPLE TO KNOW ABOUT RAY EDWARDS?
A: I want people to know that I’m just a regular guy. I enjoy sex like everybody else. The only difference is that I’ve made a business out of it, and I’m the one holding the camera. People can be very quick to judge someone who works in the adult industry, but I’ve always believed people should make their own decisions about their lives instead of constantly worrying about what everyone else is going to think. Nobody has ever felt uncomfortable at any of my shoots, and I respect the models that I shoot very much. That’s one of the reasons why I have been able to work with so many girls, and on many occasions, I have worked with quite a few of the same models over several years! The girls and I have a lot of fun at the shoots, and I know that this is not for every female. I totally get that. I would never try to get someone to do something that they didn’t feel comfortable with doing. I am just not like that. I am a very kicked back and respectful guy. Most people would probably be quite surprised that I am so friendly and respectful. But yeah, True Amateur Models has been a huge part of my life for more than two decades, and I am absolutely proud that it’s still here.