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Behind the Lens: Photographing Sports Illustrated Swim Week in Miami

A Star-studded weekend at the W South Beach with SI Swim

Blonde model in red and white crop top with "Sports Illustrated Swimsuit" text, zebra-striped bikini bottoms, on a runway at night. Confident pose.
Livvy Dunne in Oh Polly SI line

If you're in the fashion or swimwear world, you know that Sports Illustrated Swim Week in Miami isn’t just a show, it’s the show. So when I got the opportunity to photograph the runway for Sports Illustrated Swim, I knew it would be a career-defining experience. From the energy backstage to the fierce confidence on the runway, every moment was electric. I’m sharing some of my favorite behind-the-scenes stories and shots here.

Model Alix Earle in a polka dot bikini poses confidently on a runway at night photographer by Emily Canfield
Model Alix Earle in a polka dot bikini poses confidently on a runway at night photographer by Emily Canfield
Alix Earle in Nessy Swimwear

My Role + What I Captured:I was hired to capture the full scope of the runway experience — from pre-show prep to high-impact walk moments and designer details. The focus was on storytelling: capturing the movement, emotion, and individuality of each model and look. Whether it was a last-minute outfit change backstage or a stunning twirl under the lights, I was there to freeze the moment.


Model in leopard print hat and brown bikini walks on runway, smiling. Dimly lit background with audience and blurred screen. Camille Kostek
Sports Illustrated model Camille Kostek

The Experience:Swim Week is fast-paced, bold, and unapologetically glamorous. Models and big names like Livvy Dunne, Alix Earle, Stassi Schroeder Clark and Bethenny Frankel took the stage with fierce energy. Designers brought forward daring prints, fresh silhouettes, and vibrant palettes that demanded to be captured with intention. Shooting this show wasn’t just about documenting, it was about translating that moment into a feeling brands could use long after the lights went down.

Model in a snakeskin bikini walks confidently on a runway. Crowd blurred in background. Bright, upscale setting. Positive, lively mood. Stassi Schroder
Stassi Schroeder
Woman in denim bikini and black cowboy hat striking a confident pose on a runway. Dimly lit background with people and soft lights. Bethenny Frankel
Bethenny Frankel

What This Means for Future Clients: Photographing an event of this scale sharpened my already fast-paced shooting style and reinforced my love for helping brands show up as their most polished, elevated, and on-brand selves. Whether you're launching a new swim line, refreshing your campaign visuals, or building your lookbook — I bring the same editorial vision, agility, and attention to detail to every project.

Ilona Maher striking pose photographed by Emily Canfield
Ilona Maher striking a pose
Blonde woman in a polka dot bikini with red bows posing on a runway, surrounded by a dimly lit crowd. She appears confident and smiling. Livvy Dunne doing a split on the runway
Livvy in a split second

A woman in a white bikini and cowboy hat poses confidently on a runway. The background is dark with blurred figures and a poolside setting. Jordan Chiles
Jordan Chiles rocking a cowboy hat

Ready to Create?If you're a swimwear, fashion, or beauty brand looking to capture bold, scroll-stopping visuals that elevate your identity — I’d love to work together. Reach out here or view more of my work.




📸 Credits:

Event: Sports Illustrated Swim Show

Location: Miami, FL

Photographer: Emily Sidney Photography (Emily Canfield)

Designers Featured: Oh Polly, Nessy Swimwear, JMP the Label

Models: Alix Earle, Livvy Dunne, Ilona Maher, Stassi Schroder, Bethenny Frankel, Jordan Chiles, Camille Kostek

 
 
 

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