Who Shot it Better? Kate Upton: Walter Iooss vs. Terry Richardson

There’s three things of which I am certain: 1) Summertime is for swimsuits, 2) Kate Upton’s starmeter is on hyperdrive, and 3) Magazines like to put a bikini-clad Kate on the cover. So as the thermometer hits the 90s, it’s time to see who shot it better.

Walter Iooss might possibly have the best job in photography. He’s a staff photographer for Sports Illustrated, gets to shoot the coolest sporting events, is friends with Michael Jordan, and once a year he gets to photograph a little thing called the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Being from Hawai’i, I have a special place in my heart for swimsuits (*snark*), so of course, I have followed Walter’s work over the years. The SI formula never gets too crazy. Hot girls in exotic locales mostly with natural light and maybe a gold reflector to really warm up the light while keeping the sky fairly neutral. This particular cover doesn’t deviate from the norm, and arguably helped catapult Kate into the next level of stardom.

By the way, I’m enjoying following walteriooss on Instagram. You might enjoy it too.

When I think of Terry Richardson, “studio shot” doesn’t come to mind. Usually it’s a more stark on-camera flash, and some crazy situation. But cover art is cover art, and even the prolific Richardson must conform occasionally. Matching the popsicle to the bikini top for the July 2012 issue – that’s cute and patriotic, right?

Verdict: Actually, my preference has nothing to do with the photography but the styling. Kate has a big bosom, and I think the top in the Sports Illustrated image is too small. Plus, come on, the red and blue color scheme on the GQ cover is pretty great. (USA! USA!).

What do you think?

By the way, contrary to reports from pro-anorexia sites, Kate Upton is neither fat nor ugly. You go, girl.