Lisa Vanderpump Explains SUR's Iconic Photoshoot Evolution

The Evolution of SUR Photoshoots in Vanderpump Rules Season 12

The SUR photoshoots have become almost as iconic as the Vanderpump Rules OGs themselves. One of the most memorable moments was when Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval were all but naked, seductively lounging in a pile of fruit and flowers. However, when the torch was passed to the Season 12 cast during Episode 3, Lisa Vanderpump acknowledged that this new era brings a different vibe.

“The SUR photoshoot was something we did yearly, and it was iconic,” Lisa told producers in the Dec. 16 episode. “Life has changed. Businesses have changed. It’s necessary to keep evolving. If it’s a photo shoot, different staff, I think that’s been the secret to our longevity.”

Lisa also noted that the current photoshoot is much more conservative than in previous years. “I mean, remember when we first did it years ago? Nobody had any clothes on,” she said during a conversation with her business partners, Nathalie Pouille-Zapata and Nathalie's husband, Guillermo.

Guillermo suggested a group of SUR-vers remove their shirts for a pic, and Lisa quickly responded, “I mean, only if they feel comfortable.” A moment later, she emphasized, “If you’re uncomfortable, put it all back on.”

The male servers of SUR during Vanderpump Rules Season 12 Episode 3.
Photo: DISCOVERTREND

Fans of Vanderpump Rules will remember the first SUR photoshoot captured on cameras in Season 1, themed “It’s Always Hot at SUR.” It featured a bikini-clad Stassi Schroeder dripping in jewels from Lisa’s closet, cozying up next to a shirtless Jax Taylor, all while sopping wet in the pool.

Season 2’s epic shoot also brought the SUR staffers very close together, as Stassi, Katie Maloney, Ariana Madix, and SUR manager Peter Madrigal memorably stripped down for a few extra sexy photos. But that’s no longer the case in Season 12.

Lisa Vanderpump Reflects on How SUR Has Changed Over the Years

A toned-down (but still toned!) SUR photoshoot isn’t the only change at the restaurant since Vanderpump Rules debuted back in 2013. Lisa pointed out that she and the managers take staffers sneaking drinks on shift much more seriously, after SUR-ver Marcus Johnson was caught red-handed in the Dec. 2 episode.

“I know that people will sneak a drink here and there. I mean, this ain’t my first rodeo, that’s for sure. But, this is 2025, this isn’t 2013,” Lisa told producers. “SUR has HR. We have to crack down on this kind of stuff.”

Lisa also revealed in Season 12 that SUR is “struggling” financially. “West Hollywood was the center of the nightlife in Los Angeles. But since COVID, it never seemed to recover. SUR has survived, but it hasn’t been thriving,” she shared.

What to Know About Vanderpump Rules Season 12

Just raise your glasses high, because Vanderpump Rules is officially back for Season 12. New episodes air Tuesdays at 9/8c on DISCOVERTREND and stream next day on Peacock.

Lisa Vanderpump's new cast of SUR-vers is made up of friends, frenemies, and lovers, including Venus Binkley, Jason Cohen, Shayne Davis, Chris Hahn, Angelica Jensen, Marcus Johnson, Audrey Lingle, Natalie Maguire, Demy Selem, and Kim Suarez.

Fans will have to stay tuned to see how exactly the cast navigates working at Lisa's iconic West Hollywood eatery, though the Season 12 trailer teases heated confrontations, NSFW drama, and of course, lots of action in the SUR alley.

See it all go down in style by checking out exclusive Vanderpump Rules merch from Shop By DISCOVERTREND.

The cast of Vanderpump Rules during Vanderpump Rules Season 12 Episode 3.
Photo: DISCOVERTREND

The Vanderpump Rules Season 12 Cast Shares Their Thoughts on SUR Photoshoots

Still, the Dec. 16 episode proved that the new SUR-vers were as excited for their photo moment as anyone. “The SUR photoshoot is legendary,” hostess Kim Suarez said in her confessional as she and the staff got ready.

Natalie Maguire during Vanderpump Rules Season 12 Episode 3.
Photo: DISCOVERTREND

Bartender Natalie Maguire said, “I just want people to be like, ‘I wish I worked somewhere where everyone is so chic and perfect.’”

Hostess Audrey Lingle was excited to bring her own spin to the photos. “You just walk into SUR, and there’s these big, glamorous photos, and it’s like, ‘Oh my god, am I gonna be on the wall? This is gonna be crazy,’” she told producers.

Audrey Lingle and Chris Hahn during Vanderpump Rules Season 12 Episode 3.
Photo: DISCOVERTREND

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