Bryant Turffs grew up in Florida with the Gulf of Mexico just out his front door. He was snorkeling and free diving from the time he could swim and a was certified diver at age 14. Engagement with Florida’s ecosystems from the Gulf, to the Everglades, and the coral reefs of the Florida Keys inspired in Bryant a desire to protect and pursue a career related to the ocean.
Bryant studied environmental science with a focus on marine ecosystems in university, while concurrently becoming a professional captain and dive instructor. He has since worked as a biologist, captain, dive professional, commercial fisherman, photographer, and educator. He has worked on six of the seven continents and circumnavigated the world on S/Y Argo, while working for the study abroad program Sea|Mester. He began pursuing photography in earnest to document his travels, and is inspired by the power of strong images to tell important stories.
Today, Bryant lives in Palm Beach County, Florida and frequents the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean with his Canon Rebel SL camera and Ikelite 200DLM housing. His partner, Jessica Pate, is a wildlife biologist who studies manta rays with The Marine Megafauna Foundation. Together, they are working to understand the mysteries of the local manta population, and to protect these threatened and charismatic rays. Bryant also seeks to tell other natural history and conservation stories with his photography. He is always on the lookout for new perspectives. Bryant keeps his camera at the ready and often shoots in challenging environments from wetlands, to inshore waterways and ocean inlets!
Byrant currently shoots a Canon EOS R7 primarily with the Canon 8-15mm Fisheye lens and dual DS232 Strobes.
Awards + Achievements
- Co-creator of the Florida Manta Project
- Winner in the 2018 North American Nature Photographers Association Showcase
- Regularly Featured in Florida Environmental Outreach Magazine
- Images featured in Marine Megafauna Foundation outreach and educational material
- Images used by Marine Megafauna Foundation for scientific research
- Images used for National Marine Fisheries technical literature and outreach
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