Tyra Banks paid tribute to photographer Laretta Huston on her Instagram page on Tuesday.
The supermodel talked about her, adding that they had just finished working 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 2019 Sports Illustrated campaign.
The 49-year-old modeling icon revealed that after finding her on social media, she pitched her work to Sports Illustrated Swimsuit editor-in-chief MJ Day.
After MJ said yes, Tyra said a month later that she was shooting her for the cover of SI while in the Bahamas.
So sweet: Tyra Banks paid tribute to photographer Laretta Houston on her Instagram page on Tuesday
Strike a pose! The supermodel talked about her, adding that they had just finished working on a Karen Millen shoot. Tira 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 2019 Sports Illustrated campaign.
Mindful: The 49-year-old modeling icon revealed that after finding her on social media, she pitched her work to Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Editor-in-Chief MJ Day
“When I started modeling so many years ago, there were almost no black photographers. And black female photographers… I honestly can’t remember working with one in my years of fashion,’ Tyra said.
“When I knew I was going to grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue for the third time. I wanted to give a black FEMALE photographer an opportunity to change careers.
“Just like my previous @si_svimsuit covers changed my career,” she added.
“I searched social media, high and low, IG, Pinterest…scroll, scroll, scroll and then WOV… I came across @larettahouston.
“Lareta’s work was sharp, artistic, had depth. She had an eye. And I knew that because she was a woman, a black woman to be exact, there was a chance that the whole world wouldn’t be able to witness her creative genius.
‘I presented her work to MJ at SI Swim and without hesitation, MJ said ‘Yes, yes and yes!!!’
“Cut to a month later and we were all on a beach in the Bahamas and OMG… Laretta is there taking my photo! 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 told me later that she was so nervous, but I couldn’t tell. She was the BOSS on that beach. Lead your team and get hit after hit.
Tyra added: “The sun went down in the Bahamas and we left the island and the headliner debuted! One of my favorite covers EVER! But I didn’t want that to be the end of my work with Laretta. After we helped her get a good agent, I didn’t want to give up my business with her to just that (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 succeeded.
“Every time I work with Laretta, I feel so good. She is the truth. And now the world knows that she is too. Keep dreaming, everyone. Your time to shine will come,” adding a heart and signing off with “TiTi”.
Nice words: “I’ve been looking for Laretta over the years, it feels so good.” She is the truth. And now the world knows that she is too. Keep dreaming, everyone. Your time to shine will come,” adding a heart and signing off with “TiTi”
The shoot: “Over the years, I’ve asked Lareta to photograph me for other shoots. Big campaigns. And the latest is @karen_millen. And she succeeded again
Grateful: Laretta took to the comments to thank the supermodel for her kind words
Iconic: She also shot Tyra for Karen Millen’s new campaign, which dropped last month
Another one: Tira pictured in Time Square for Karen Millen
Views: Poster seen in the Big Apple
Across the pond: Tyra’s Karen Millen campaign is also featured on taxis in the UK
Laretta took to the comments to thank the supermodel for her kind words.
‘OMG! I am in tears. You literally changed my life. There are (not) enough words to describe how honored I am to have worked with you on so many campaigns. I am grateful to you inside! ICON TYRA BANKS!’ wrote Laretta.
He also adds, “I’m literally shaking.”
Laretta photographed Tyra for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2019 issue.
The photographer shared the image in May 2020, writing: “A year ago. Honored to be the first black photographer and woman to shoot the cover of @si_svimsuit with the lovely @tirabanks. #honored.’
She also shot Tyra for Karen Millen’s new campaign, which dropped last month.