Sunrise Life - beyond skin deep conversations with freelance nude models

In this episode of Sunrise Life, I interviewed freelance model Riley Jade, whose journey into modeling started in the most unexpected way—while searching for a bed online. We dive into how she went from a conservative upbringing to embracing art nude modeling, navigating the internal conflict between societal conditioning and personal empowerment. Riley shares how a respectful first experience shaped her entire career, and why trust and communication are everything in this industry. We also get into the realities of freelance modeling life—travel, community, and the shift from cutthroat competition to genuine connection among models today. From wild shoot stories (including an unexpected run-in with scuba divers) to changing a tire in a tutu, her experiences highlight both the absurdity and independence that come with the job. Riley also opens up about injury recovery, balancing modeling with a “normal” job, and redefining success on her own terms. This conversation is a raw and inspiring look at choosing authenticity, even when it challenges everything you were taught. Check out Riley Jade on jer IG https://www.instagram.com/rileyjademodel/

In this episode of Sunrise Life, freelance model Ophelia Bloom shares about her winding, unpredictable path that led her into the world of modeling and creative entrepreneurship. Ophelia shares how a chance encounter while waitressing eventually sparked a full-time career, and how she balanced pursuing art while raising her daughter as a single mom . We dive into the realities of building credibility in the industry, including how publications like Playboy and Hustler impacted her career and opened new opportunities for travel and workshops. Ophelia also reflects on navigating different modeling genres, from fine art nude to glamour and fetish work, and how easily models can be pigeonholed if they’re not intentional about showing their range. Along the way, she shares some wild behind-the-scenes stories from shoots and travel that reveal the chaotic, unpredictable side of the industry. This conversation is honest, funny, and full of insight for anyone curious about the real life of a freelance model. follow her on IG! https://www.instagram.com/ifollowthebloom All her links are at http://www.hoo.be/followthebloom

In this episode of Sunrise Life, Hungarian freelance model and aerial acrobat Fanny Muller talks about building her international modeling career from the ground up. We dive into how she went from a teenage modeling scam to becoming a full-time traveling artist, performing aerial silks, hoop, and pole work across Europe and the U.S. Fanny shares powerful lessons about safety on set, advocating for yourself, and learning the hard way that no one will protect your body and career except you. We also talk about the emotional realities of constant travel, finding (or not finding) a supportive partner- and maybe that partner is a furry friend!!! This is a raw, honest conversation about independence, resilience, and choosing your own path in an industry most people only see through perfectly curated images. Check out Fanny on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fannymuller_model and on her website:https://mullerfanny.com/ and Fanny's dog! https://www.instagram.com/mrp_thetravelingdog

Aim is a full time freelance model from Australia! I had a fantastic time learning more about some of her intense methods: Her tours can be up to FIVE months long! Spending a week at a time in a country, state or province. Aim is also very talented in other ways too: she is quite versed in secluded location remote shooting, requiring her to bring a camera, laptop, tripod and internet hot spot so that photographers can sit comfortably in their homes while capturing epic artistic nudes in nature places around the world. Her process is so fascinating! Check out Aim here: Http://www.instagram.com/aim.model and all her links are at http://www.linktr.ee/aim.model

I reached out to Mandii because her personality online seemed very relatable and even funny- after getting to know her through this podcast interview, I learned she is a badass! Her prior job was in security, and she was in the Marine Corp as well. Modeling became her full time gig after a while! I was so surprised at all the shifts Mandii has made throughout her life, I can tell she has the drive to make things happen. Check out Mandii on her IG: https://www.instagram.com/mandii_monarch/ Cover Image by SwipeRight Photo

In this episode of Sunrise Life, I interviewed freelance model Katie Marie for a deeply honest, powerful conversation about resilience, boundaries, and building a creative career on your own terms. Katie shares her journey from agency modeling to freelancing, learning how to set her rates, curate her brand, and stop working for free. We also dive into the realities of travel modeling, including one of the most shocking and cautionary “crash photoshoot” stories we’ve ever shared on the podcast. Beyond the industry talk, Katie opens up about healing from trauma, breaking cycles, and transforming pain into purpose. This episode is raw, grounding, and ultimately filled with hope — a reminder that you can rise, rebuild, and still choose joy. Check her out on IG! https://www.instagram.com/katie.marie.gaudin/ And check out her website (her self published book is in here too!) https://www.katiemariegaudin.com/

Kristy, Whitney, and Astrid discuss practical strategies for freelance models to diversify income, reduce burnout, and build more stable careers. We share personal stories and actionable ideas including virtual figure modeling, subscription platforms, virtual assistant work, agencies, acting, makeup, photography, remote shoots, event hosting, selling art references, teaching, and mentorship. Listeners get simple tips on audience transformation, pricing, boundaries, and weighing the risks and rewards of each side hustle. If you're interested in making income via Whitney's Online Figure Drawing Platform, here is the link! silhouetteandshadow.org/

In this episode, I interviewed fine art model Meghan Claire to trace how a $40 Craigslist gig back in 2008 blossomed into a 15+ year career in nude art and nature-based modeling. Meghan shares how her background in anthropology and archaeology, a nude-friendly upbringing, and early positive experiences with student photographers and Model Mayhem shaped her values of integrity, body autonomy, and only saying yes to work that truly aligns with who she is. We talk about stigma around the word “model,” navigating partners’ reactions to nude work, and the importance of clear boundaries—especially when a multi-day booking in Canada turned into a surreal experience involving broken glass, being treated like a mannequin, and even a helicopter chasing off a bear. Meghan also opens up about stepping away from modeling to have her daughter, the insecurities she faced returning years later, and the surprisingly warm, supportive “homecoming” she found in the community. Toward the end, she shares her love of underwater and coastal shooting, why today’s Instagram rules have reshaped how we create, and her current life on the Oaxacan coast of Mexico, where she’s available for one-on-one shoots and future collaborative tours. Check out Meghan here: https://linktr.ee/meghanclaireart and on her instagram! https://www.instagram.com/meghanclaireart/?hl=en

This week I’m joined by the wildly well-traveled UK based model, Jade Kitty Dawson: a full-time touring art nude / fashion / alt model who has shot over countless photo sessions across Europe. She and I finally found a moment to connect despite the 7-hour time zone difference between the US and the UK. We talk about the realities of modeling in the UK vs mainland Europe (and why the rates are often lower in the UK), how she strategically chooses where she tours so she can still walk away with profit, and her upcoming major leap: planning her very first tour to Australia, where she’ll be flying 22+ hours for a 2–3 week run. What I love about Jade is her willingness to take those big, scary leaps purely in the name of growth - even when she’s nervous - because, as she says, “you always regret the chances you didn’t take.” We also dive deep into the beginning of her career — she started doing “site modeling” at just 14, styling, shooting, and editing her own photos as a one-woman creative outlet, which genuinely helped her come out of a dark period of bullying, depression, and anxiety. From there we follow her path into professional modeling, the encouragement she received to try art nude, navigating family reactions, and the harsh lessons she learned about safety while traveling internationally as a freelance model. (She’s had to deal with both genuinely kind photographers who lay out a full spread of snacks… AND the rare creeps who prove that even a photographer you’ve known for years can cross a line.) All in all, this is such a raw, honest, truly global conversation about independence, self-trust, taking risks, and staying safe in a wildly unconventional career. Check her out! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jadekittydawson/ and on her website https://www.kittydawson.com/

In this episode, freelance model Minh-Ly shares her journey from a shy first film shoot in Montreal to a decades-long international career, detailing memorable shoots, overcoming family expectations and mental-health challenges, and embracing creative roles beyond modeling. She talks about balancing nomadic travel with the desire for stability, expanding into makeup, styling and photography, and a unique creative project called "Revenge of the Model,". She also offering practical insights for creatives to curate their presence and build sustainable, fulfilling careers. You can check out Minh-Ly's portfolio and her other creative endeavors at her website: https://minh-ly.com/ and on her IG at https://www.instagram.com/minhly.model

Laetitia Bouffard-Roupe and I discuss practical marketing strategies for freelance models and creative professionals, covering branding, social platforms, email lists, backups, and monetization through Patreon/OnlyFans. We share actionable tips on various platforms including Youtube, Bluesky, Instagram (reels, carousels, single posts), new features like reposts and channels, SEO and AI-driven discoverability, mindset and consistency, and how to build a sustainable business as a model. Check Laetitia out at the following links! Her website: https://laetitiamodel.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laetitia_channel_model/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/laetitiamodel UNSEEN PHOTO BOOK: https://laetitiamodel.com/product/unseen/ ART MODEL ACADEMY: https://www.instagram.com/artmodelacademy/ https://laetitiamodel.com/product/consulting-social-media/

In this engaging episode, freelance model Anastasia Maye joins the conversation to discuss her inspiring journey in the modeling industry. Anastasia opens up about her initial struggles with confidence and self-esteem, stemming from past experiences with anorexia and body image issues. She shares how modeling became a transformative outlet, helping her regain self-confidence and find a creative path that brings joy and fulfillment. Travel and companionship are also on the table as Anastasia talks about her upcoming cross-country tour with fellow model Rebecca Lawrence. The duo's shared adventures and compatible travel styles promise an exciting journey ahead. Additionally, Anastasia delves into her family's initial resistance towards her modeling career and the challenges she faced in gaining their acceptance. Despite the hurdles, she remained steadfast, proving her dedication to her craft and eventually winning their support. Throughout the episode, Anastasia candidly talks about specific experiences with photographers, offering insights into maintaining professionalism and navigating tricky situations. Her story is one of resilience and passion, shedding light on the complexities and rewards of a freelance modeling career. Check her out on instagram!! https://www.instagram.com/anastasiamaye_official/

Welcome to Sunrise Life, the podcast where we dive into deep conversations with freelance models. In this episode, join us as we talk to KJ, who shares her journey from being a graphic designer to becoming a full-time freelance model. Listen as she discusses her early experiences in the modeling industry, the challenges of balancing art and life, and the unique freedom that freelancing offers. Discover how KJ transitioned from self-photography to professional shoots and how her background in graphic design has influenced her modeling career. KJ opens up about the support and challenges she faced from family and friends, highlighting her father's eventual acceptance of her career choice. She also shares insightful anecdotes about the freelance modeling community, including a humorous mishap with a photographer and the importance of networking and safety. Tune in to learn about KJ's experiences while traveling for work, her take on the evolving modeling landscape with platforms like OnlyFans, and her thoughts on balancing personal privacy with public exposure. Whether you're a model, a creative, or simply curious about the freelance lifestyle, this episode offers an engaging and honest perspective. Check her out on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/kj_persuasion/

Join us for a deep dive into the intricate world of freelance modeling as we chat with Shawn Alff, a seasoned male model known for his comedic Instagram reels and captivating nude art photography. Sean shares his journey from the vivid art scenes of Burning Man to the nuanced challenges of being a male model in both artistic and adult entertainment spaces. In this episode, Shawn candidly discusses the complexities of social media, the hurdles of content censorship, and the importance of consent and communication in collaborative shoots. Discover how he navigated personal insecurities, embraced vulnerability, and transformed potential fears into empowering experiences that not only broadened his horizons but also enriched his personal and professional relationships. Tune in to hear Shawn’s entertaining stories from the sets of both art and adult shoots, his perspective on jealousy in open relationships, and insights into creating safe and respectful environments for all models and performers. Check him out! all his links are at http://shawnalff.com/ :)

In this engaging episode, we delve into the diverse world of model photography and the different archetypes of photographers working within this space. We explore the intricacies and dynamics between photographers and models, addressing both the artistic and commercial aspects of this intriguing industry. Our hosts candidly discuss the varying motivations and styles of photographers, from those passionately pursuing creativity to those with specific photographic interests like nude art and beyond. We delve into the stereotypes, the stigma surrounding certain forms of photography, and the intersection of art and sex work within this realm. Moreover, we touch on photographers' aspirations to monetize their work, offering insights and ideas to turn passion into profit while navigating the challenges and realities of the industry. Whether you’re a photographer, model, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes dynamics, this episode provides a comprehensive exploration of the vibrant world of model photography.

In this episode, Vika & I embark on a comprehensive exploration of the diverse types of photographers who collaborate with nude models. What is a "GWC?" In our experience, what kind of photographers shoot with us, and why? We discuss the dynamics between models and photographers, focusing on the importance of communication, respect, and understanding in the creative process. Furthermore, we touch upon the often-taboo topic of photographers with ulterior motives, discussing how these dynamics impact the modeling industry. This engaging dialogue provides insightful perspectives on the intricate world of model photography.

The extraordinary Sienna Hayes tells all! Join us as we explore her journey from a casual start to a thriving career over the span of over a decade! Sienna transitioned into nude modeling, overcame societal stigmas, and navigated cultural differences between Canada and the United States. Gain insight into her adventurous travels, remote shoots, and her innovative Femme Nue luxury and outdoor retreats. Sienna shares thrilling stories, including the astonishing impact of a nude group photoshoot on a Mexican election. Uncover her thoughts on maintaining a private life while managing a public persona and learn about her future aspirations in the world of freelance modeling. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with personal anecdotes, professional insights, and a look into the fascinating life of Sienna Hayes. Check out Sienna and her events at: https://www.instagram.com/siennahayes.model https://www.sienna-hayes.com/ https://www.instagram.com/femmenuephotoretreats

In this episode, we delve into an insightful conversation with Tiffany, the studio director at Union 206 Studio in Washington DC. From her early modeling days in the '90s, navigating the complexities of the modeling world before social media, to her struggles with identity and career shifts, Tiffany offers a candid glimpse into her life. She reflects on the stark differences between the modeling industry of her time and today, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities that come with being a freelance model in different eras. Tiffany also discusses her transition from modeling to finding her true calling as a studio director, fostering a safe and supportive community for visiting models. The episode beautifully blends personal anecdotes with industry insights, highlighting the importance of community, resilience, and adaptation in the ever-evolving modeling landscape. Whether you're a model, aspiring creative, or someone interested in the behind-the-scenes of the industry, Tiffany's heartfelt story is sure to inspire and resonate.