7 Incredibly Idyllic Photos of the Fabulous Emily DiDonato Out West

Emily DiDonato was photographed by Ruven Afanador in Saratoga, Wyo.
Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated
When Emily DiDonato stepped on set for her 2020 SI Swimsuit photoshoot in Saratoga, Wyo., it was far from her first rodeo. The American model made her debut with the issue in 2013, which she followed up with three consecutive features.
Her trip to Wyoming was her fifth feature in the magazine, but her first in a handful of years. In the interim, she married her husband, Kyle Peterson, with whom she now has two children.
While on set for her feature out West, the model reflected on her journey with the issue, admitting to a lack of confidence when she first started out. But “with age, I feel more confident,” she remarked while on the trip.
Part of her newfound self-assurance was due in part to her adventurous mentality. “I constantly try to force myself to try new things and push myself out of my comfort zone,” she explained. “That’s what makes life interesting.”
Moreover, DiDonato expressed an understanding that honesty on her social media platforms—a place for sharing her “narrative” and “tak[ing] control of what [she] wants to say to [her] audience”—has been an important part of that journey. As she has pushed herself outside her comfort zone, DiDonato has openly shared her struggles and things she has gone through. “I try to act as a role model, or to help people in that way,” she said of her honesty on her platform.
In addition to her thoughtful reflections, the model posed for some incredibly beautiful and idyllic photos. Here are some of our favorites.

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated
Now through Nov. 1, 100% of SI Swimsuit’s portion of proceeds from cover prints purchased here will be donated to the Maui Strong Fund, which is helping to support the people and places of Maui affected by the recent wildfires.