Swimsuit

7 Photos From Montenegro That Earned Katie Austin Co-Rookie of the Year

The SI Swimsuit model was co-winner of the 2021 open casting call and has been featured in the issue three times.

Martha Zaytoun

Katie Austin poses in front of the water in a bikini and wears her dirty blonde hair in a soft wave.

Katie Austin was photographed by James Macari in Montenegro.

When Katie Austin took to the set of her rookie SI Swimsuit photoshoot in 2022, she wasn’t completely unfamiliar with the process. The year before, she was named co-winner of the 2021 SI Swim Search, the annual open casting call. And while that photoshoot in Atlantic City was, of course, incredible, her rookie appearance in Montenegro alongside photographer James Macari was quite possibly even better.

The former Division I athlete couldn’t quite contain her excitement at the prospect of her European photoshoot. “We woke up bright and early this morning and you cannot beat this view in Montenegro,” she gushed while on set. “It is absolutely stunning.”

Austin was beyond thrilled to be working in such a beautiful location. “I’m trying to do a little more serious face for the camera, but I can’t stop smiling,” she added.

The fitness influencer attributed some of that joy and excitement to the brand itself, which “made [her] feel like the most confident model,” she said. “I feel so special today. I feel like this is a day dedicated to me here in Montenegro, which is crazy.”

After all, the day really was for her, and she treated it as such, giving her all to the photoshoot and posing for the most incredible photos. It was an experience that earned her the Rookie of the Year title alongside fellow brand star Christen Harper. 

While it's hard to choose favorites from the incredible series of photos, here are a few of the ones we just can’t stop thinking about.

Katie Austin poses in front of the water in a green ribbed bikini.

Katie Austin photographed by James Macari in Montenegro. Swimsuit by bond-eye Swim. Bracelets by IPPOLITA.

Katie Austin poses on a pair of stone steps in a strappy brown bikini.

Katie Austin photographed by James Macari in Montenegro. Swimsuit by Melissa Simone. Bracelets by IPPOLITA.

Katie Austin stands in front of the water in a red strapless bikini.

Katie Austin photographed by James Macari in Montenegro. Swimsuit by Lybethras. Belt provided by New York Vintage. Scarf by Hermès.

Katie Austin stands in front of the water amid natural rocks in an orange bikini.

Katie Austin photographed by James Macari in Montenegro. Swimsuit by Agua Bendita. Cover-up provided by New York Vintage. Bracelet by SOKO.

Katie Austin sits on a dock in front of the water in a pink crochet bikini set.

Katie Austin photographed by James Macari in Montenegro. Swimsuit by Akoia Swim.

Katie Austin kneels in the shallow water in a striped bikini.

Katie Austin photographed by James Macari in Montenegro. Swimsuit by Vitamin A.

Katie Austin sits on a stone wall in a green strappy bikini.

Katie Austin photographed by James Macari in Montenegro. Swimsuit by Swim Like a Mermaid. Bracelets by IPPOLITA. Ring by Spinelli Kilcollin.

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Martha Zaytoun

MARTHA ZAYTOUN

Martha Zaytoun is a Lifestyle & Trending News writer for SI Swimsuit. Before joining the team, Martha worked on the editorial board of the University of Notre Dame’s student magazine and on the editorial team at Chapel Hill, Durham and Chatham Magazines in North Carolina. When not working, Martha loves to watercolor and oil paint, run or water ski. She is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a huge Fighting Irish fan.