Behind-the-Scenes Look at Sports Illustrated Cover for Sportsperson of 2015

Forming quite the super team duo, Sports Illustrated teamed up with Fashion Photographer Yu Tsai this month to shoot the cover shot for their Sportsperson of 2015, Serena Williams. You can watch the video for a behind-the-scenes look at how Tsai got these great shots. 

Williams has had quite the year, so it's no surprise that Sports Illustrated would choose anyone but her for Sportsperson of 2015 (although American Pharaoh was a close second). The 34-year-old tennis star has won three major tennis titles, and her record was 53-3, helping her keep the number one spot for three years. The last time the Sportsperson of the Year was awarded to a female athlete was back in 1983, and Williams is also the first African-American female to win the award.

Yu Tsai is quite the animated photographer. A guilty pleasure of mine was watching him direct amateur models on "America's Next Top Model." In case you're unfamiliar with his work, he's shot for big name clients such as Apple, Guess, Coca-Cola, Emporio Armani, Victoria's Secret, Sports Illustrated, and many more. His style is always refreshing and his ability to capture the real side of his models is evident in his work.

It's really great to see such a powerful woman on the cover of a magazine. Williams is not a size zero model; she's on the cover because of her amazing accomplishments. Her support for young girls going after their dreams, being a strong advocate for Black Lives Matter, plus her strength on the tennis court all tie into her being chosen this year. Most likely stemming from always being in the spotlight, Williams is a natural in front of the camera, and the shots are just breathtaking. Be sure to pick up a copy of Sports Illustrated to see the full photo series.