Back in May, I had one of those days that reminds me exactly why I do this—why I haul gear, chase light, and tell stories through a lens. This wasn’t just any shoot. It was the launch of the Guardians of the Reef project in my hometown of Hollywood, Florida—a multi-day event celebrating marine conservation, local artistry, and the power of community.
The project was led by Shelby Thomas, a marine biologist and artist with a serious vision. She’s the force behind these sculptural reef structures designed to restore marine habitats off our coast. Shelby invited me to cover the launch—and when an opportunity like that comes from someone who's actually making waves (literally), you say yes. Fast.
This one hit differently for me. I grew up here. These beaches were my backyard before I ever knew how to shoot on manual mode. Volunteering my time to document something so rooted in purpose—and in home—felt personal.
Load Up and Hustle
The day started early. My assistant and gear-wrangler Tommy and I loaded up our Pelican case with the essentials:
A couple of solid camera bodies
The 70–200mm for fast moments and medium tele
The 400mm for that reach—it came in handy
A monopod to save my arms from falling off
A lot of H2O because Florida
We parked down the block (because beach parking, of course) and wheeled our gear on foot. Picture two guys dragging a camera coffin through the sand while dodging sunbathers and trying not to look too serious about it.
Once we got into position, it was game on.
The Launch
The reef structures were loaded onto a barge using a crane—it was an event in itself. Divers suited up to assist with the placement offshore. The beach buzzed with excitement. There were volunteers, reef advocates, media folks, and even the Mayor of Hollywood came out to support.
No strobes. No lighting setups. Just natural light, fast fingers, and keeping an eye out for genuine moments. This wasn’t the kind of shoot you stage—it was the kind you chase.
I photographed:
The crane and barge in action
Divers prepping gear
Shelby in her element
Candid crowd moments
The mayor mingling with the crew
It was the kind of event where every shot mattered—but you had one chance to get it right.
The Celebration Dive
On the second day, things were more relaxed. A community dive to mark the official celebration of the new reef site. No underwater shots for me—I stay on dry land—but I documented the energy and excitement before the group hit the water.
Tommy and I moved around fast, grabbing frames of divers, volunteers, and some locals just soaking up the vibe. No big speeches or production—just people connected by a love of the ocean and a sense of doing something good.
Why It Mattered
This shoot wasn’t just a gig. It was a reminder of where I came from—and what it means to give back. Documenting Guardians of the Reef felt like honoring both my roots and my craft.
I’ll be posting a full photo gallery below—featuring the launch, the celebration dive, Shelby, the mayor, and all the beach-side action. Check it out and see how one community came together to do something lasting for the ocean.
Late blog? Yeah, maybe. But stories like this don’t expire.
— Zander Brant
Image Art Creation LLC