Who are you? And why?
I’ve always considered myself more than just a model—I'm a dancer model because I bring elements of dance, aerial acrobatics, and flexibility into my work. My body is not just a canvas but a moving, living expression of art. Growing up, dance was always a significant part of my life, and as I transitioned into modeling, I realized how much those two worlds intersect. When I’m in front of the camera, it’s not just about striking a pose; it’s about creating something dynamic, something that moves beyond the static and captures a moment of life in motion.
As a nude model, I try to bring this dynamic energy into every shoot. The challenge is not just in how I position my body but in how I use it to evoke emotion. It’s about telling a story through movement, something that comes naturally to me as a dancer. Dance has trained me to be acutely aware of my body, to understand its limits and push beyond them. It’s this blend of disciplines that allows me to create unique, striking images that go beyond traditional modeling.
Three 'shitty' pictures that you like... and why?
We all have those “shitty” pictures, don't we? Even the best photographers can’t always capture the perfect shot. Sometimes it’s the lighting, sometimes it’s a minor detail in the pose—like my knee or foot positioning—that makes the photo less than ideal. But then there are those imperfect photos that I keep, not because they’re great images but because they capture something personal.
I’ve got plenty of selfies with my dog, for example, and while they’re not professional-grade photos, they hold memories. These are the kinds of photos that remind me that not everything has to be perfect to be meaningful. The memories behind those shots—whether it’s the mood I was in, the place I was, or the emotion I was feeling—give them a significance that transcends their technical flaws.
Then there are the behind-the-scenes photos or “werk” shots as I call them. These are rarely polished, but they’re important because they capture the process. Modeling, especially as a nude model, is a lot of hard work, and these photos serve as a reminder of the effort that goes into creating the final images. They're a little messy, a little raw, but that’s why I love them.
Money or art?
If I had to choose, I would say art always comes first. There’s a common misconception that models are just in it for the money, but for me, modeling has always been about artistic expression. There’s something deeply fulfilling about creating a beautiful image, about collaborating with photographers, makeup artists, and stylists to bring a concept to life.
However, I won’t lie—money is important too. The best-case scenario, of course, is when art and money come together. It’s a privilege to be able to sustain myself financially through something I’m passionate about. For many people in creative fields, finding that balance between artistic fulfillment and financial stability can be challenging. As a nude model, the industry can be tough, and it's essential to be compensated fairly for the work and effort that goes into each shoot.
In the end, though, the art is what drives me. I didn’t become a nude model for the fame or the money. I became one because I wanted to create something meaningful, something that resonates with people on a deeper level.
The coolest thing you experienced during a photoshoot?
I’ve had the privilege of working in some extraordinary locations and with some incredibly talented people, so it’s hard to pick just one experience as the coolest. However, there are a few shoots that stand out. One of my most memorable photoshoots took place in a remote location, high up in the mountains. It was challenging—the altitude made it hard to breathe, and the weather was far from ideal—but the end result was breathtaking. The photos captured this raw, untamed beauty, and I remember thinking how grateful I was to be there, to be a part of something so special.
What makes a photoshoot truly cool is when everything comes together—the environment, the lighting, the concept, and the collaboration between the photographer and me as the model. There’s this moment when you know you’ve created something exceptional, and that’s the feeling I chase in every shoot. It’s the feeling of being in the right place, doing exactly what you were meant to do. That’s what makes me so passionate about being a nude model. It’s not just about posing in front of a camera; it’s about creating something that feels authentic and real.
And the worst?
Like anyone in this industry, I’ve had my fair share of difficult experiences. One that particularly stands out happened in Seoul, Korea. I was booked for what I thought would be a regular photoshoot, but when I arrived, I discovered it was actually a workshop with 150 photographers. I was the only model, and it was an overwhelming experience. On top of that, the weather was freezing. We were shooting outdoors with a frozen waterfall as the backdrop, and I had to stand in the snow for two hours, barely able to move. By the end of it, two of my toes had gone numb from the cold.
Another difficult shoot took place in Lanzarote, on the Canary Islands. The photographer was careless and aggressive, and the location was dangerous. He sent me down to pose on a large rock, with the surging ocean below. I trusted him to make sure the area was safe, but he hadn’t checked it properly. A wave hit suddenly, and I was almost swept off the rock into the ocean. I had to scramble to higher ground just as another wave crashed in. It was terrifying, and I realized then that my safety wasn’t his priority. Since that shoot, I’ve become much more cautious, especially when it comes to working in risky environments. As a nude model, safety is paramount. I always make sure to check the location myself and ensure that everything is secure.
Why are you an artist?
I am an artist because I believe in the transformative power of creativity. Art allows me to express parts of myself that words can’t capture. As a nude model, I have the unique opportunity to use my body as a medium for that expression. There’s something deeply powerful about being able to convey emotion, vulnerability, strength, and beauty all at once through a single pose. Every shoot is a chance to explore new facets of myself and to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Being an artist means constantly evolving, constantly pushing yourself to see things from new perspectives. I never want to become complacent or ordinary. My goal is always to create something that feels fresh, something that challenges not just the viewer but also myself. In the world of nude modeling, it’s easy to fall into routine, to stick with what works. But I believe that true artistry comes from taking risks, from pushing beyond what’s comfortable, and from constantly striving for something more.
Photographers are nasty because...
...shooting nudes.
Photographers are great because...
...shooting nudes.
Hypothetical: You dislike a photographer personally but love their work. What do you do?
It’s an interesting dilemma, and one that I think many models face at some point in their careers. If I love a photographer’s work but don’t get along with them personally, I try to separate the art from the individual. At the end of the day, I’m there to create something beautiful, and that’s what I focus on. I would approach the shoot with professionalism and try to keep the personal dynamics out of it.
However, after the shoot, I would definitely make time for self-care. Whether it’s spending time with friends, going out for a nice meal, or just taking a moment to unwind, I think it’s essential to balance out any negative energy that might have come up during the shoot. For me, the art is always the priority, but it’s also important to take care of my mental and emotional well-being.
Are there any borders in art?
In terms of art itself, I don’t believe there are any borders. That’s the beauty of art—it allows us to transcend the limits of our everyday lives, to push beyond what we know, and to explore new possibilities. As a nude model, I’m constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s considered acceptable or traditional. Art is about freedom, about expressing ideas and emotions that may not fit into the conventional mold.
That said, there are certain ethical considerations that we must be mindful of when creating art. Respect for others is crucial. While art should challenge and provoke, it should never do so at the expense of someone else’s dignity or humanity. For me, the line is drawn when art becomes exploitative. As long as the work is done with integrity and respect, I believe there should be no limits to what we can create.
You named me the ‘nude ballerina.’ Why are you more than that?
I love the idea of being called a ‘nude ballerina,’ but I think my work goes beyond classical ballet. Ballet is elegant and beautiful, yes, but I also love to break the rules. That’s why contemporary and modern dance appeal to me—they give me more freedom to explore different movements and expressions. Aerial acrobatics and pole dancing also allow me to experiment with gravity, with poses that seem almost impossible. In a way, my work as a nude model is about defying expectations, about showing people that the human body is capable of so much more than they might think.
Being a nude model gives me the freedom to express myself without constraints. I can be soft and graceful in one moment, and fierce and powerful in the next. It’s this versatility that defines me as an artist. I don’t fit neatly into any one category, and I think that’s what makes my work stand out.
A message for our readers:
Find your passion, and don’t be afraid to fight for your dreams. Life is too short to settle for mediocrity. Whether it’s modeling, dancing, or any other creative pursuit, the key is to stay motivated and keep pushing forward. Set goals for yourself, and never stop chasing them. As a nude model, I’ve learned that the journey is just as important as the destination. The obstacles you face along the way will only make you stronger.
Fanny Muller's journey as a nude model is one of perseverance, creativity, and constant evolution. Her work is not just about capturing the beauty of the human body but about using it as a medium to express deeper emotions, ideas, and stories. Through her experiences as a dancer and performer, she has developed a unique style that challenges conventional notions of modeling. Whether she’s standing on pointe, suspended in the air, or balancing on a rock by the ocean, Fanny Muller continues to push the boundaries of what it means to be a nude model.
Her story serves as a reminder that true art is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about passion, resilience, and the courage to keep moving forward, even in the face of adversity.