Tyra Banks honored photographer Laretta Houston on her Instagram page on Tuesday.
The supermodel gushed about her, adding that they had just finished work on a Karen Millen shoot.
Tyra revealed in her note that she found Laretta on social media after making it a priority to find a Black female photographer to shoot her Sports Illustrated campaign in 2019.
The 49-year-old modeling icon revealed that after finding her on social media, she presented her work to MJ Day, editor-in-chief of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.
After MJ said yes, a month later Tyra said she would shoot her for SI cover while she was in the Bahamas.
So sweet: Tyra Banks honored photographer Laretta Houston on her Instagram page on Tuesday
Strike a pose! The supermodel gushed about her, adding that they had just finished work on a Karen Millen shoot. Tyra revealed in her note that she found Laretta on social media after making it a priority to find a Black female photographer to shoot her Sports Illustrated campaign in 2019
Thoughtful: The 49-year-old modeling icon revealed that after finding her on social media, she presented her work to Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Editor-in-Chief MJ Day
“When I started modeling so many years ago, there were hardly any black photographers. And black female photographers… I honestly don’t remember working with any of them in my fashion career,” Tyra said.
“When I knew I was going to be on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for the third time. I wanted to give a black female photographer a chance to change her career.
“Just like my previous @si_swimsuit covers changed my career in a big way,” she added.
“I searched social media, high and low, IG, Pinterest… scroll, scroll, scroll and then WOW… I landed on @larettahouston.
“Laretta’s work was edgy, artistic and had depth.” She had the eye. And I knew that because she was a woman, and particularly a black woman, there was a chance that the world at large would not witness her creative genius.
“I introduced MJ to her work at SI Swim and without hesitation MJ said ‘Yes, yes and yes!!!'”
“A month later we were all on the beach in the Bahamas and OMG… Laretta is right there taking a picture of me!” as I posed for her lens [sic] On that sand, my heart was so full because I felt her career was about to change. She later told me that she was so nervous, but I couldn’t tell. She was the BOSS on this beach. She leads her team and hits one great shot after another.
Tyra added: “The sun was setting in the Bahamas and we left the island and the cover appeared!” One of my favorite covers ever! But I didn’t want that to be the end of my work with Laretta. After we made sure she got a good agent, I didn’t want to leave my work with her to just this one (big) job.
“Over the years I have asked Laretta to photograph me for other shoots. Big campaigns. And the latest is @karen_millen. And again she did it.
“Every time I work with Laretta it just feels so good.” She is the truth. And now the world knows she is too. Keep dreaming, people. “Your time to shine will come,” add a heart and finish with “TyTy.”
Kind words: “Over the years I’ve asked Laretta, it just feels so good.” She’s the truth. And now the world knows she is too. Keep dreaming, people. “Your time to shine will come,” adds a heart, concluding with “TyTy.”
Shooting: “Over the years I have asked Laretta to photograph me for other shoots. Big campaigns. And the latest is @karen_millen. And again she did it
Grateful: Laretta took to the comments to thank the supermodel for the kind words
Iconic: She also photographed Tyra for the new Karen Millen campaign, released last month
One more thing: Tyra in Times Square for Karen Millen
Views: The poster seen in the Big Apple
Across the pond: Tyra’s Karen Millen campaign was also seen in taxis in the UK
Laretta took to the comments to thank the supermodel for the kind words.
‘OMG! I have tears in my eyes. You literally changed my life. There are [not] Enough words to describe how honored it is to have worked with you on so many campaigns. I’m grateful for you inside! ICON TYRA BANKS!’ Laretta wrote.
He also added, “I’m literally shaking.”
Laretta photographed Tyra for the 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
The photographer shared the image in May 2020 and wrote, “A year ago.” Honored to be the first Black photographer and woman to shoot the cover of @si_swimsuit with the lovely @tyrabanks. #honored.’
She also photographed Tyra for the new Karen Millen campaign, which dropped last month.