Travel With Ellie Thumann to Her SI Swimsuit Photoshoot In Puerto Rico

The 2023 rookie gushed about the ‘life-changing’ experience in some BTS footage.

Ellie Thumann was photographed by Derek Kettela in Puerto Rico.Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Ellie Thumann did what she does best in the moment leading up to her “life-changing” SI Swimsuit photoshoot. The 2023 rookie, who traveled to Puerto Rico with photographer Derek Kettela for her feature, vlogged her trip and the special in-between moments of her exciting day with the brand. The 21-year-old is best known for her lifestyle, beauty and fashion YouTube channel that she started in her early teens.

“Well, it is 8:30 a.m., and we are currently in Phoenix, Arizona, about to head to the airport to fly to Puerto Rico. My first time ever, to shoot for Sports Illustrated,” She began her behind the scenes footage. “Oh my God. That’s gonna be weird to say every single time what is happening, I cannot believe this. Let’s go and not miss our flight and be a Sports Illustrated rookie.”

Thumann included clips from the airport, on the plane and her arrival. She admitted that it hadn’t quite hit, how big of a deal the gig was, until she was in her hotel room in Puerto Rico and getting ready for her fitting. The Arizona native also added that it is nearly impossible for her to pack light—she brought several different shoes and tons of outfits that felt “typical Ellie.” She packed her favorite hair and self-tan products and, most importantly, her snack bag full of Kind Bars, chips and coconut water.

“I have no words for how incredible that fitting was. It was the most ‘me’ swimsuits that you could possibly imagine, and I don’t just say that lightly,” Thumann gushed when she picked up the camera a few hours later. “It genuinely was just the most beautiful full-circle of like me in a swimsuit. It was all denim and Western-inspired and it was like the dark, kind of tomboyish colors that I’m always wearing. It’s intimidating coming into something like this because you want to feel your best, and they did the most incredible job of making me feel the most ‘Ellie’ as possible.”

As she anticipated her early start the following day, Thumann completed her skincare routine, ordered some dinner and went to bed early. The next morning, she filmed quick clips from the hair and makeup chair and while on the drive to the gorgeous beach location.

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She resumed vlogging again for a mid-day update and reflected on the “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

“It’s just something I’m gonna always look back on. There’s moments that you know are so far and few between where it’s like, ‘Wow. This is one of those core things that is going to define the stories I talk about one day,’ It’s insane,” Thumann stated with a huge smile on her face. “I feel so utterly grateful to be here. This is just the best day of my life and there’s just nothing more to say.”

Thumann added that feeling good on the inside truly translated to the photos that were captured throughout the day.

“It just feels so good to see the confidence and how kind everyone has been translate to these pictures. There’s so much more to it than just posing and getting a shot. There’s so much that will make the shot good by how you feel on the inside reflects out,” she explained. “Everyone has been saying recently that I look happier and my skin is glowing and it’s because I’m finally happy. I’m just focused on myself and these goals and dreams that I’ve always wanted.”

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