But now the time has come again. The December 2025 issue is on newsstands. Yes, I know, it's only November. This chronological paradox of the magazine industry will probably never stop confusing us.
In the middle of the magazine you'll find my Playmate spread with Julene. And I have to say: I've rarely worked with someone who brought so much enthusiasm to the job. She just went full throttle. Becoming a Playmate was a lifelong dream for her, and you could feel that in every second of the shoot.
For me, that's gold. Working with motivated people is simply fantastic. No whining, no "But the sun is blinding me" or "I'm tired." No, she was tough. Gave it her all. Even climbed up a post just because I had that stupid idea. And who voluntarily climbs posts?
What made the whole thing even more pleasant: she speaks Spanish. So I was happy to let her handle communication during meals. It's really wonderful when everything vibes on set, when the chemistry is right and nobody has to drag themselves through the day.
The result is twelve pages of Fuerteventura sunshine with Toby's surfboard as a spontaneous prop. I'm grateful and very pleased with how it turned out. Also because Julene really deserved to be a Playmate.
When I showed my wife the magazine and proudly pointed to the behind-the-scenes photo on page 6, her first exclamation was: "Oh, you're on the same page as Simon Beckett!" Yes, priorities differ. I photograph Playmates, she gets excited about the thriller novelist.
