Last August The Weekly travelled to the picturesque island of Aitutaki in the Cook Islands to shoot our summer fashion editorials and Health cover shoot.
Aitutaki has hosted some of the world’s most beautiful women- Sports Illustrated just shot their 50th Anniversary issue on Honeymoon Island. So we thought it would be the perfect place to shoot two of Australia’s favourite models, Samantha Harris and Laura Wells.
After a flight delay, a crew of 7 managed to fit our 12 suitcases onto the tiny interisland plane to Aitutaki. We were warmly welcomed with beautiful floral garlands from the local tourism staff. To our surprise we made the local newspaper and were met with a few locals stopping Samantha and Laura to pose for photos straight off the plane.
Samantha’s cover shoot took place on Honeymoon Island- a quick 40 minute boat ride with ‘Captain Fantastic’, our skipper. He claims to have ‘the best job in the world’ and I’d have to agree.
The water there was the most beautiful, crystal clear turquoise. It was one of the most magical locations I had ever seen.
Sam is such a pleasure to work with, and is so beautiful in front of the camera. Off camera she is at first a little shy, but when she relaxed, she is very funny and has a cheeky sense of humour.
We had an incredible crew and had a really fun trip. Not that we didn’t work hard too, we managed to shoot 4 photo stories across 3 days, with one day off to explore the sights, and make the most of our short time in paradise.
We had a surprise addition in Laura’s boyfriend Jesse surprising her on the trip – which came in handy as quickly became our tour guide and shoot handy man.
Nearly 6 months later the crew are still reminiscing about what a fun ‘work’ trip this was, and we all can’t wait to go back.
The Weekly’s Health magazine is on stands now.
Samantha Harris is beautiful on and off the camera.
Sam Harris is favourite among The Weekly fashion team.
Sam Harris on set for The Weekly.
Sam Harris for The Australian Women’s Weekly health magazine.
The local newspaper’s take on The Weekly’s arrival on the Cook Islands.
Taking a break on set.
Primping on set.
A beautiful out-take from the shoot.
Sam and Laura on set.
The beautiful water on The Cook Islands.
What a fashion shoot really looks like.
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