A Sunset Fashion Shoot with Jenvie on the Delaware River
Earlier this summer, we had the chance to create something special with Jenvie—an elegant, high-energy fashion shoot that took place not in a studio or a city street, but on the open waters of Philadelphia’s Delaware River. The location? The Liberty from Sea Philly, a sleek, modern vessel that gave us panoramic city views, golden hour light, and a backdrop you simply can’t replicate on land.
This kind of shoot is exciting—but it’s also a technical and logistical puzzle. Shooting fashion on a boat comes with its own unique set of challenges and considerations, which I’ll break down here for anyone thinking about doing something similar.
The Vision
Jenvie is a brand that lives at the intersection of confidence and ease. We wanted to create a visual story that reflected that: flowing fabrics, natural movement, and a sense of freedom. The idea of placing models on a moving boat at sunset made perfect sense conceptually. It brought the elegance of the garments to life in a setting that was effortlessly stylish and completely unexpected.
The Logistics
Executing a shoot on water is not something you just wing. Here’s what it takes:
1. Pre-Production is Everything.
We scouted the Liberty ahead of time with Sea Philly to understand the layout, light direction, and where we’d have the most room to work without getting in the captain’s way. Boat dimensions matter, especially when planning for camera angles, model positioning, and styling space.
2. Timing the Light.
Golden hour hits different on the water. We timed our departure to make sure we had enough coverage as the sun dropped over the skyline. Water reflects light unpredictably, so we came equipped with diffusion panels, reflectors, and battery-powered strobes just in case we needed to shape the light on the fly.
3. Gear That Moves With You.
Stability is a real issue on boats. No tripods or C-stands unless they’re locked down—and even then, you have to stay alert. We relied heavily on handheld work, gimbals, and lightweight modifiers to stay mobile and responsive.
4. Safety First.
Fashion and functionality don’t always mix, so we had to plan wardrobe and posing carefully. Models were briefed on boat movement and always had a handler nearby. We also worked closely with the boat crew to understand where it was safe to stand and shoot as the boat cruised.
The Outcome
The shoot was everything we envisioned. The dresses moved with the wind, the water shimmered under the fading light, and the skyline gave us a cinematic backdrop as the city lit up behind us. The final gallery tells a story of freedom, power, and grace—exactly what Jenvie represents.
Final Thoughts
Shoots like this are a reminder of why I love this work. It’s not just about the photos—it’s about creating moments that feel as beautiful in real life as they do in camera. Huge thanks to the Jenvie team and to Sea Philly for helping us pull off something unforgettable.
If you're a brand in Philly looking to elevate your next campaign—on water, land, or anywhere in between—let’s talk.