Tyra Banks Instagram – When I started modeling so many years ago, there were hardly any black photographers. And FEMALE black photographers…well…I honestly can’t remember working with any in my years of doing fashion. So when I knew I was going to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition for the 3rd time, I wanted to give a black FEMALE photographer 👩🏽‍🦱 a career changing opportunity. Just like my past @si_swimsuit covers changed my career big time. I searched social media, high and low. IG, Pinterest…scrolling scrolling scrolling and then WOW… I landed on @larettahouston 📷 Laretta’s work was edgy, artistic, had depth. She had the eye 👁️. And I knew that because she was a woman, and more specifically a black woman, there was a chance that the world at large would not get to witness her creative genius. I presented her work to @mj_day at SI Swim 👙 and without hesitation, MJ said “Yes, yes and yes!!!” Cut to a month later and we were all on the beach of the Bahamas and OMG…Laretta is right there photographing me! As I posed for her lense on that sand, my heart was so full because I felt that her career was about to change. She later told me she was so nervous, but I couldn’t tell. She was a BOSS 💪🏾on that beach. Leading her team and getting shot after great shot. The Bahamas sun set and we left the island 🏝️ and the cover debuted! One of my fave covers EVER! But I didn’t want that to be the end of my work with Laretta. After we helped to made sure she got a good agent, I couldn’t leave my work with her to just that one (major) job. Over the years, I have requested Laretta to photograph me for other shoots. Large campaigns. And the most recent is @karen_millen. And again, she nailed it. 💪🏾 Every time I work with Laretta, it just feels so good. She’s the truth. And now the world 🌎 knows she is, too. Keep dreaming, y’all. Your time to shine will come. 💫 💛TyTy