From Tampa to Europe (Almost): A Royal Fashion Shoot on Davis Island
When you think of a regal, European-style fashion shoot, your mind probably drifts to old-world courtyards in Paris or the grand verandas of Vienna. But for this project, I didn’t need a passport — I found that same timeless charm right here in Tampa, Florida.
I recently had the pleasure of photographing a stunning fashion line by House of Tsarivna, a brand that exudes elegance and power with every design. To bring their vision to life, I chose one of my favorite hidden gems: Davis Island.
A European Backdrop… in Tampa
Davis Island might be in the heart of Tampa, but when you're standing on one of its waterfront verandas, surrounded by Mediterranean-style architecture, it feels like you’ve been transported straight to Europe. The location we used had soft stone textures, arched columns, and a view of the water that added a romantic, old-world feel to the entire shoot.
It was the perfect backdrop for a brand like House of Tsarivna — regal, elevated, and beautifully timeless.
House of Tsarivna’s Royal Aesthetic
House of Tsarivna’s latest collection was a dream to photograph. The designs were flowing, structured, and detailed in all the right ways. As a photographer, I’m always looking for clothing that moves well on camera and tells a story — and this collection did just that.
Every piece felt like it belonged in a castle — or at the very least, on a grand veranda by the sea.
Working with Ballerinas as Models
To add even more elegance and movement to the shoot, I brought in two professional ballerinas as models. Their grace and fluidity brought the clothing to life in a way that still photography alone can’t always capture. The way they moved — spinning, reaching, holding dramatic poses — gave me moments that felt both powerful and poetic.
Watching the fabric respond to their movement was magic. I couldn’t have asked for better muses.
Light, Lines, and Storytelling
One of my favorite things about shooting on Davis Island is the light. At golden hour, it wraps around the buildings and reflects off the water in a way that feels soft and cinematic. For this shoot, the light helped highlight the textures of the clothing, the architecture, and the natural movement of the models.
As a photographer, I’m always chasing those in-between moments — where light, motion, and emotion come together in one frame. This shoot had plenty of those.
Why I Love Shooting on Davis Island
If you're a designer or creative looking for a location that feels elevated without having to leave Tampa, Davis Island is one of my go-to spots. It offers a timeless, European-inspired look that adds so much depth to a fashion story — and it’s right in our backyard.
I’m so proud of how this shoot turned out. It was a beautiful collaboration between fashion, movement, and setting — and proof that you don’t have to travel far to create something that looks like it belongs in the pages of a European editorial.
