Tyra Banks's Expert Advice for Capturing the Ideal Bikini Shot: Master the Pigeon Toed Pose! (Exclusive)

Tyra Banks, the famous model, shared some modeling tips with us at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue launch party.

The event happened on Thursday, May 16, at Hard Rock Cafe in New York City. It was a special occasion as the magazine was celebrating its 60th anniversary. Tyra, who is 50 years old, revealed to us that the key to a great bikini photo lies in how you position your feet.

Banks encouraged, "Find the light, honey!" She then advised to have someone hold the camera straight, avoiding extreme angles, and to crop the shot at the knee.

Additionally, she suggested making the feet pigeon-toed to create a flattering look for the hips and thighs. While it may seem unusual in a wide shot, Banks assured that it will work well for the final result.

Feature Tyra Banks Gives Modeling Tips

Tyra Banks Gotham/FilmMagic

Banks was all business for the Thursday soirée, donning a black power suit with magenta lapels and buttons. She completed the look with pointed-toe pumps and styled her blonde hair in big bouncy curls. Her makeup featured a bold smokey eye.

The celebration held special significance for Banks, as it signified her comeback to Sports Illustrated for the milestone issue sponsored by Gold Bond.

Banks was named a “Legend” alongside 27 other women, including Martha Stewart, Molly Sims, Lily Aldridge, who posed on a special cover in glamorous gold gowns. 

Tyra Banks Gives Modeling Tips

"The Legends are able to embody all of us together. Each one has made a big impact on the brand over the past decade, having important discussions that have influenced how society sees things and brought about amazing changes for women," praised SI Swimsuit editor in chief MJ Day. (Aside from the iconic covers, Chrissy Teigen, Gayle King, and Hunter McCgrady also had their own covers.)

In 1993, Banks made her debut in SI Swimsuit. She went on to create history by becoming the first Black woman to grace the cover of a SI Swimsuit issue alone in 1996.

When SI asked Banks about being a legend, she expressed, “It means breaking barriers so that others can follow in your footsteps.”

Editor's P/S:

Tyra Banks