Sunrise Life - beyond skin deep conversations with freelance nude models

In this episode of Sunrise Life, I had the pleasure of interviewing legendary photographer David Mecey, whose decades-long career includes shooting for Playboy and now running his own publication, Mecey Magazine. We dive into how he got his start—from a motorcycle accident that led him to pick up a camera, to cold-calling his way into the industry long before social media existed. David shares what it really took to succeed back then, the level of obsession and dedication required, and how that compares to today’s instant-access photography culture. We also talk about the evolution of glamour photography, the loss of technical artistry, and why he’s committed to preserving the classic, multi-light Playboy-style look. Along the way, he shares wild behind-the-scenes stories from shoots, insights into what makes a model truly stand out, and the importance of professionalism and trust on set. Whether you’re a model, photographer, or creative, this episode is packed with perspective, inspiration, and a bit of old-school magic  Check out David Mecey, his workshops, magazine and more at https://mecemagazine.com/ Model in the thumbnail image is Lana West, April's "Model in the Middle" for Mece Magazine

In this episode of Sunrise Life, Ciara (aka Model Adventurer) and I prepare for a deep, honest conversation packed with real-world advice for new and aspiring freelance models. Together, we break down the foundations of building a successful modeling career: from discovering your “why” and navigating industry stigma to setting boundaries, choosing the right opportunities, and staying safe in a space that isn’t always what it seems. They share personal stories, hard-earned lessons, and practical tips on everything from branding and booking your first shoots to avoiding common pitfalls and recognizing red flags. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to realign your path, this episode is a candid, no-BS guide to navigating the freelance modeling world with intention and confidence. Check out Ciara on IG @modeladventurer and on her website TheModelAdventurer.com And myself, Kristy, at @kristyjessicacreative and KristyJessica.com

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