The Story Behind Olivia Culpo’s SI Swimsuit Photos With a 12-Foot Python

The model was photographed by Josie Clough for the 2019 issue on Kangaroo Island, Australia.

Olivia Culpo was photographed by Josie Clough on Kangaroo Island, Australia.Josie Clough/Sports Illustrated

While you’d expect Olivia Culpo’s nervous jitters to be calmed for her sophomore appearance in the SI Swimsuit Issue, there’s good reason she was a bit unsure while on location in Kangaroo Island, Australia. Returning to the fold after her rookie feature in a New York studio in 2018, Culpo’s ’19 photo shoot involved a rather intimidating prop: a 12-foot black-headed python.

“I had no idea I was going to be shooting with a snake,” Culpo admitted while on location. “Let alone a black-headed 12-foot python.”

The 31-year-old Rhode Island native expressed concern over the creature’s fangs and teeth, and questioned whether or not it was hungry enough to take a bite out of her. For the photos in which she worked with the reptile wrapped around her neck and body, Culpo posed topless with just a pair of swimsuit bottoms by VIX by Paula Hermanny on her lower half.

“I was shaking at first. He was hissing and I thought that was kind of it telling me that it wanted to eat my ear or my nose or like gouge out my eyeballs,” Culpo stated. “ ... But I figured out that if you’re not nervous and if you’re calm, then the snake is calm. And he actually eventually fell asleep on my body.”

Below are just a few of the stunning photographs that resulted from the model and reality television star’s bravery—and immense talent—while on set with visual artist Josie Clough.

Josie Clough/Sports Illustrated

Josie Clough/Sports Illustrated

Josie Clough/Sports Illustrated

Josie Clough/Sports Illustrated

Josie Clough/Sports Illustrated

Josie Clough/Sports Illustrated

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