Sports Illustrated Heaven

"It's a little slice of heaven."

That's how Walter Iooss answers when you ask him what it's like to be the photographer on a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue shoot. Iooss should know. Over a span of 38 years, starting with his first Swimsuit assignment in the Bahamas in 1972, Iooss has been taking pictures for Sports Illustrated's annual extravaganza of sun, sand and supermodels. For this collection, he has sifted through his personal archives and chosen his 16 favorite locations, creating a showcase of his most gorgeous and memorable shots, together with candid behind-the-scenes moments and never-before-seen images. Along the way, Iooss has photographed all the one-name wonders - Cheryl, Christie, Paulina, Kathy, Tyra, Petra and Marisa to name a few - in some of the most extraordinary places on the planet. And he brings the whole Swimsuit experience to life with his own commentary and on-site diary entries in a uniquely entertaining mix of collage and annotated photography. As you'll see, it's a heavenly combination.

"It's a little slice of heaven."

That's how Walter Iooss answers when you ask him what it's like to be the photographer on a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue shoot. Iooss should know. Over a span of 38 years, starting with his first Swimsuit assignment in the Bahamas in 1972, Iooss has been taking pictures for Sports Illustrated's annual extravaganza of sun, sand and supermodels. For this collection, he has sifted through his personal archives and chosen his 16 favorite locations, creating a showcase of his most gorgeous and memorable shots, together with candid behind-the-scenes moments and never-before-seen images. Along the way, Iooss has photographed all the one-name wonders - Cheryl, Christie, Paulina, Kathy, Tyra, Petra and Marisa to name a few - in some of the most extraordinary places on the planet. And he brings the whole Swimsuit experience to life with his own commentary and on-site diary entries in a uniquely entertaining mix of collage and annotated photography. As you'll see, it's a heavenly combination.

Walter Iooss, Jr. got his first assignment from Sports Illustrated in 1961, when he was 16 years-old, since then he has photographed over 300 Sports Illustrated covers. Additionally, Iooss has shot 25 times for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue in locations around the globe.