Meet photographer, sea mermaid and Reef ambassador from the North Shore of Oahu, Brooklyn Dombroski aka Brooklyn Hawaii.
Brooklyn, how has the ocean had an impact on your life?
The ocean is everything to me. My dad was a lifeguard on the North Shore of Oahu for over 35 years so I grew up with a deep respect for it. Now as an adult, it’s where I go for peace and quiet, fun, healing, a place to disconnect for the world, socialize … it’s all of that.
How would you describe your style of photography?
I could never figure out what “genre” I fit into … is it “lifestyle”? “Portraiture”? I’m not sure. I just capture what I feel best encapsulates the moment as it happened. I love the in-between shots on my rolls of film, when people are expecting it; candid, raw moments.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Freezing time is the absolute best part of my job. Meeting new people and seeing new places is a perk, but it’s the fact that I’m able to freeze a moment that truly takes my breath away every single time.
What do you love most about surfing?
The thing I respect most about surfing is how much at mercy you are to nature. It’s humbling, it’s beautiful and pure, but it could also kill you — so having respect for the ocean is so important. As I get older, I learn to appreciate how peaceful it can be … not a care in the world, no emails to answer, no text messages to check, perhaps it’s the only time I’m unplugged from the world these days.
Apart from your camera which one thing do you always carry when you’re traveling?
I’m really big on journaling — reflection and capturing the emotions of traveling is so important to me because I don’t ever want to forget how I felt in these special moments! Especially abroad — every trip is unique, there’s always so much to learn when you leave your comfort zone, and I believe that these reflections turn into treasures along the journey of life.
Do you have an epic summer soundtrack?
I’m currently obsessed with Alina Baraz. Her music fits every mood and is such a great summer soundtrack for those long beach days!
Describe your live in five words?
Curious. Blessed. Roaming. Simple. Magic.
Follow Brooklyn Instagram: brooklynhawaii
Snapchat: brooklynhawaii
www.reef.com #justpassingthrough
