Kate Upton Shares Her Reflections During Her Epic Photoshoot in the Cook Islands

The supermodel has landed on the cover of the magazine three separate times.

Kate Upton was photographed by James Macari in the Cook Islands.James Macari/Sports Illustrated

Kate Upton certainly knows the ropes when it comes to SI Swimsuit photoshoots. The 31-year-old made her brand debut in the Philippines in 2011, and has since earned the coveted spot on the cover three separate times.

In 2014, the supermodel made her way to the Cook Islands with photographer James Macari for one of two photoshoots that year. In addition to standing on the stunningly white sand, Macari had the veteran model pose in some more challenging places.

“Getting on a hammock hanging from the boat is very difficult… because I can’t get my hair wet,” she said of posing for some snapshots in a hammock suspended over the water. But as per usual, Upton rose to the challenge. Donning a neon yellow plunge-neck bikini, she held tight to the hammock and smiled for the photos.

Kate Upton was photographed by James Macari in the Cook Islands.

James Macari/Sports Illustrated

While on set in the tropical paradise, the experienced model reflected on her history with SI Swimsuit. “My life has changed completely since the first year in the Philippines,” she said. “It’s amazing what Sports Illustrated is able to do for your career and how it can launch you to the next level.”

Though the photographers may throw her a curveball from time-to-time, the now mother of one thinks fondly of the team.

“It’s such a family-oriented shoot,” Upton said. “I think that we are more than a better fit for each other. They’re still my dream client. I still look forward to their shoots every year.”

Kate Upton was photographed by James Macari in the Cook Islands.

James Macari/Sports Illustrated

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