Fashion Shoots on the Thames
Fashion shoots with the River Thames as your backdrop
Fashion shoots on the Thames offer something no studio can: moving water, the London skyline and landmarks such as Tower Bridge, all in the heart of the capital. Executing a shoot on the river safely, with the right permissions and the right boats, is where Livett’s comes in.
For over 40 years we have been trusted to coordinate photoshoots and filming on the River Thames, and we have supported fashion houses and titles including Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Vogue, GQ and Mulberry.
Whether you are a brand, a production company or a PR agency, we take care of the marine side of your fashion shoot on the Thames, so you can concentrate on the creative.
From location searches and permissions advice to camera boats, safety boats and drone platforms, everything you need for a fashion photoshoot or fashion film on the water is available from one experienced team.
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Our fashion shoot services on the Thames
Location searches and recces
The right spot makes the shoot come alive. Our team knows the tidal Thames better than anyone, and we can help you find and recce locations on the water, on piers and on the foreshore. We will also advise on how tides, river traffic and access affect your plans, so the location you choose works on the day.
Permissions and licences
All commercial filming and photography on the tidal Thames generally requires a licence from the Port of London Authority (PLA). We have decades of experience working with the PLA and will sense check your plan, advise on what is needed and help you present a clear, well-planned proposal. Read more about licences and permissions.
Camera boats
Our camera boats cover everything from tracking shots and boat-to-boat filming to low-wash work and stable platforms with deck space for specialist equipment. Each one is fully licensed by the PLA and crewed by experienced marine crew trained in first aid and sea survival. We will help you choose the right vessel for your brief, whether that is a fast-moving fashion film or a more considered campaign shoot.
Safety boats and marine coordination
Safety is central to every shoot we support. Our safety boats and marine safety teams keep models, crew and equipment protected on and around the water, while our marine coordinators manage the vessels, timings and river traffic so the creative team can stay focused on the shot.
Drone filming
Aerial footage can transform a fashion film. We provide drone filming boats and platforms to launch and land from, recommend trusted drone operators and advise on the PLA's drone notification process. Our River Thames drone filming guide explains the rules and permissions in full.
A base at Tower Bridge
Our central London base, Butler's Wharf Pier, is located a stone's throw from Tower Bridge and boasts spectacular views across the City of London. It makes a great base for fashion shoots wanting Tower Bridge in the background. We also own a number of other moorings across London, offering complete flexibility for the type of shoot you need.
Floating sets, pontoons and PR activations
If your fashion campaign needs more than a boat, we can build it on the water. Our pontoons, barges and tugs can carry sets, props and oversized installations through central London, and our PR and brand activation expertise means we can support the wider campaign too, from giant handbags to floating gardens.
Our fashion shoot experience on the Thames
We have supported some of the biggest names in fashion on the river, including Burberry, Vogue, GQ and Mulberry.
We also helped Alexander McQueen launch its Spring/Summer 2021 campaign with First Light, a film directed by Jonathan Glazer that saw models swap the catwalk for the Thames foreshore. Filming took place over a week at two locations, South Bank and Deptford, with the set carefully planned around the changing tides.
For the shoot we provided the marine coordination, camera and safety boats, and a team of safety divers. The film was later projected onto the Burj Khalifa in Dubai as part of the launch.
Why brands and agencies choose Livett's for fashion shoots
Over 40 years on the tidal Thames
We have worked on well over 500 filming and photography productions and know the river, its tides and its traffic inside out.
One team for the marine side
Location searches, permissions advice, boats, safety cover and coordination all come from the same experienced people.
Our own fleet and piers
From camera boats and safety boats to pontoons, barges and tugs, plus bases located throughout the Thames.
Filming and PR expertise combined
We are as comfortable supporting a fashion film as a headline-grabbing brand activation, so your shoot and wider campaign can run together.
Fashion shoots on the Thames FAQs
Do I need permission for a fashion shoot on the Thames?
In most cases, yes. Commercial filming and photography on the tidal Thames generally needs a Port of London Authority licence, and the fee is paid to the PLA directly. You can read the PLA’s guidance on filming and photography on the tidal Thames, or we can check your plans and make the introductions.
Can you help us find the right location?
Yes. We can advise on the best locations for your brief, arrange recces and explain how tides, access and river traffic will affect the shoot. If you want Tower Bridge in the background, our own Butler’s Wharf Pier can serve as a base, by appointment only.
Can we use a drone for our fashion shoot?
Yes, with the right permissions. Livett’s do not supply drones or drone licences, but we provide drone platforms, recommend trusted operators and advise on the PLA’s process. In order to secure permissions, the PLA should be notified at the earliest opportunity, and no later than three working days before a planned drone flight. Other permissions, such as from the Civil Aviation Authority, may also be needed.
What types of fashion shoots can you support?
We support fashion photoshoots, campaign films and wider brand activations on the water. Whatever the format, we help you choose the right boats, safety cover and coordination for the brief.
Can you support a wider PR campaign or brand activation?
Yes. From giant handbags to floating gardens, we have delivered some of the most eye-catching fashion activations on the Thames. See our PR and brand activations page for more.
Planning a fashion shoot on the Thames?
Whether you are planning a fashion photoshoot, a campaign film or a headline-grabbing brand activation in the heart of London, the earlier the marine planning starts, the smoother the shoot runs.
Talk to our team about your idea and we will help you plan the practicalities, understand what is possible and deliver it with confidence on the water.