We had the good fortune of connecting with Shane Reynolds and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shane, how does your business help the community?
The mission of Color Earth is to “bring light to the darkest corners of the world.” While I get contracted for all types of productions in various locations, the places I gravitate towards are the ones that people are apprehensive about. Countries like El Salvador, Saudi Arabia, and Haiti are good examples of feared destinations that offer incredible beauty. My goal is to “expose” the positive side of such places to inspire more adventurous and immersive travel, which in turn promotes more understanding of cultures around the world. Through underwater cinematography and diving with sharks I strive to inspire people to better understand and protect the ocean and the misunderstood species within it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I started in this industry, you had to choose a lane. You couldn’t be on-camera AND behind the camera. You couldn’t shoot AND edit. You had to pick one or you weren’t considered good at any. But ADHD and creativity has a way of making you a multitasker. Thankfully i was given a chance to prove it on the Travel Channel series “Not Your Average Travel Guide” from 2006-2008, as a host, director, producer, and editor. Since then the production industry has become a mecca for one-man-bands. And while I still enjoy wearing multiple hats in the field for certain projects, it’s ironic that I’ve found more specific roles as a drone pilot or underwater cinematographer over the last decade. But the changes in scenery, literally and professionally have always been what drives me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m lucky to live in such an “under the radar” paradise. People are often surprised to hear me say that I’ve never seen more beautiful beaches anywhere else in the world than the white sands of Destin in the panhandle of Florida. They are even more surprised when I tell them I’m not a big fan of the beach. I love the Gulf of Mexico, and the beach tends to just be a hot, humid, and crowded barrier to those emerald green waters. That said, if you like the beach, the fall and spring is the time to visit. As much as I have grown to dislike the crowds and the heat of summer, new trends in the seasonal marine life have renewed my passion for my backyard. A perfect day would be a completely based on conditions and access. Perhaps wakesurfing in the gulf, or taking a dip with the Whale Sharks just off the coast, followed by lunch at Burrito del Sol. The tiger sharks found at the Okaloosa pier every summer from June to August are a must see to believe. If the tide is right and you have someone to take you, diving the Destin Bridge is highly underrated. And I can do one drop in to Crab Island per summer. My favorite place for dinner would be Sushimoto in Miramar Beach…ask for the “so fresh so clean” roll. It’s not on the menu and it’s hand downs the best sushi roll I’ve ever had in my life

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to give credit to my mom. She got me into the morning video show at my high school (against my will), which ultimately helped my understand that my abilities in video was more promising than a career in music. She also instilled my passion for travel through her genes and her generous gift of a flight to New Zealand for my college graduation present. Thank you mom!

Website: Www.colorearth.tv

Instagram: @colorearthpro

Facebook: Color Earth with Shane O

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/shanereynolds

Image Credits
Photos by Romona Robbins Reynolds of Romona Robbins Photography Photo of me with Philippe and Ashlan Cousteau by Bob Asher Photo of Romona and I in the helicopter by Bob Asher Photo of me with gear on white backdrop by Sean Murphy

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