Brigantine Collaborations Within the First 6 Months of Starting MF Visuals.

A Community Built Through Collaboration

A look at the people, businesses, and local organizations Mariele has been lucky to work alongside during the first six months of MF Visuals.

Starting MF Visuals in Brigantine has been so much more personal than I ever expected. Yes, it has been about building a business and growing my portfolio, but more than anything, it has been about people. It has been about the relationships that have come from showing up, saying yes, and getting to document the places and moments that matter to this community.

Over these first six months, I have been lucky to work with so many amazing people across Brigantine and Atlantic City. Some of these projects came through social media. Some came through word of mouth. Some happened just because I was in the right place at the right time with a drone in hand. Every single one has meant something to me.

Deebold Boat Works

Marina, boatyard, repair shop. 436 West Shore Dr, Brigantine.

One of the coolest projects I got to work on was with Deebold Boat Works. I did drone photography for their marketing, but what made this one especially fun was using my FPV drone to fly inside the shop and then carry that movement all the way through to the docks. Being able to combine that indoor FPV footage with aerial footage outside really showed the full scope of the boatyard in a way that felt unique and immersive.

That project was such a good example of why I love mixing different types of drone work. It let me show not just where Deebold Boat Works is, but how it feels to move through the space. Deebold Boat Works can be reached by phone at 609-266-8220, and you can find them on Instagram at @deebold_boat_works. They no longer have a website.

Kelly and Craig Photography

Portraits, weddings, family work. Brigantine-based creative partnership.

Kelly and Craig Photography have been such a special collaboration for me. We worked together on a few different projects, including the Brigantine Baseball & Softball Association, working with Captain Chris Hurst for the BBCAC on assignment summer project, and also the 8th grade graduation in Brigantine.

What I loved about working with them is that it really felt like a true team effort. Kelly and Craig covered the ground shots while I handled the aerial work, and everything came together so naturally. They are also behind Brigantine Living, so it has been really nice getting to work with people who care so deeply about documenting this community. You can find them on Instagram and Facebook at @kellyandcraigphotography.

The Brigantine Times

Local newspaper. Family-owned. Community coverage since 1968.

I worked with Garrett and McKayla Touhill at The Brigantine Times for a few months, and I’m really grateful for that experience. I covered events, submitted my photos, and got to share the beauty of Brigantine through their pages.

That meant a lot to me, because it felt like I was contributing to the visual story of the town in a real way. Being able to document local moments and then see them shared through a paper that has been part of Brigantine for so long was really special. You can follow The Brigantine Times on Facebook and Instagram at @brigantinetimes.

Brigantine Beach Mermaid LLC

Costumed character appearances. Events, meet-and-greets, photo moments.

Working with Brigantine Beach Mermaid was such a fun one. I did drone shots for Gina at the jetty, and it was one of those shoots that just felt very Brigantine in the best way.

Then Brigantine Beach Mermaid and Brigantine Crabbing Rentals teamed up for another project together at the public dock, and we got to do videos and photos there too. I love when collaborations build on each other like that. One connection turns into another, and suddenly you are creating something with multiple local businesses at once. You can find Brigantine Beach Mermaid LLC on Instagram at @brigantinebeachmermaid.

Brigantine Crabbing Rentals

Back bay recreation. Local gear rentals for visitors and residents.

Brigantine Crabbing Rentals was part of that same public dock project with Brigantine Beach Mermaid, and it ended up being such a fun collaboration. We worked on videos and photos together, and it was a great way to highlight such a classic Brigantine activity in a creative way.

I love projects like that because they feel playful and local at the same time. They show the side of Brigantine that people remember and come back for. Brigantine Crabbing Rentals can be found on Instagram at @brigcrabbingrentals.

Carter — Catches Waves

Surf photography. Water sports portfolio. Brigantine lineup.

This one still makes me laugh a little. I did drone shots of Carter while he was surfing, but at the time I had no idea it was Carter. It was just a beautiful sunset, I happened to be at the beach, and I was out shooting.

Afterwards, I recognized that it was him, which made it even better. It felt like one of those completely natural Brigantine moments where everything just lines up. Those are honestly some of my favorite captures. Carter can be found on Instagram at @cartercatcheswaves.

Brigantine Elks Lodge #2428

400 West Shore Dr. Community service, local support, rebuilt after Sandy.

With Brigantine Elks Lodge #2428, I captured Maddie’s car wash, and that one meant a lot to me personally. I’ve known Maddie for years, so being able to capture the significance of that day felt like a privilege.

Sometimes the most meaningful projects are the ones that are tied to people you already know and care about. It makes the work feel even more personal. For anyone looking to connect, the lodge can be reached at 609-266-9826, and they are also on Facebook at @brigelks2428.

Captain Chris Hurst — Brigantine Fishing and Ecotours LLC

Guided fishing trips, eco-tours, fly fishing. Brigantine back bays.

I got to work with Captain Chris Hurst along with Kelly and Craig Photography, and we went out together to capture some amazing scenery for the BBCAC on assignment at North Brigantine. It was such a fun day and such a beautiful area to document.

Of course, we followed all drone regulations, including FAA rules and no-fly-zone restrictions, which is always important whenever I am flying. Projects like that are such a good reminder that planning and creativity have to go hand in hand. Captain Chris and I would both love to do more together in the near future. For bookings and details, call 609-705-5928, follow him on Instagram at @crkhurst, or find him on Facebook at Brigantine Eco Tours.

Brigantine Baseball & Softball Association

Youth league. Spring and fall ball. Community Center Complex.

For the Brigantine Baseball & Softball Association, I worked with Tom Repici to capture Opening Day by drone. Kelly and Craig covered the ground shots, so it really was a true collaboration from every angle.

That is something I’ve loved so much about these local projects. Everyone brings their own piece to it, and together you end up with something that feels complete. Opening Day was such a great example of that. BBSA can also be found on Facebook at @brigbaseballsoftball.

The Social Current

Social media strategy, content creation, community-driven marketing.

I worked with Stephanie from The Social Current, and we have been collaborating on future projects as well. Stephanie actually introduced me to the BBCAC, which ended up leading to the Chalk the Walk coverage.

That connection meant a lot, because it opened the door to another collaboration that became one of my favorite community events to document. It is such a good example of how one relationship can lead to another in the best possible way. The Social Current is on Instagram at @thesocialcurrentnj and on Facebook at facebook.com/thesocialcurrent.

Brigantine Beach Cultural Arts Commission

Chalk the Walk, Summer Arts Festival, performances at The Cove.

My connection with Stephanie at The Social Current is what led me to covering Chalk the Walk for the Brigantine Beach Cultural Arts Commission, and I’m so glad it did. I covered the Red, White and Blue edition, and it was such a fun event to be part of.

I loved being able to capture all the color, creativity, and community energy that day. It was one of those events where you could really feel how much people care about showing up and making something beautiful together. For event details and pre-registration, the commission can be reached through BBCAC email or by calling 609-266-7600 ext. 7904. They are also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BrigantineBeachCAC

Atlantic City Shoutout: EatSleepPlayAC

Local recommendations, city highlights, partner feature.

EatSleepPlayAC has been such a meaningful Atlantic City connection for me. Barb contacted me months and months ago to do photos for her promotional materials in Atlantic City, and since then we have become very close.

That relationship has meant so much to me. It started with a project, but it became a real friendship too, and I’m really grateful for that. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @eatsleepplayac.

Atlantic City Shoutout: Bar32 Chocolate

Bean-to-bar chocolate, cocktails, desserts. 121 S Tennessee Ave, Atlantic City.

I met Nicole from Bar32 Chocolate through word of mouth, and I recently was a featured artist for the month of June. I absolutely loved it.

I really do highly recommend going there. Amazing vibes, such a great space, and just an all-around special place in Atlantic City. You can find Bar32 Chocolate on Instagram and Facebook at @bar32chocolate.

Why These Collaborations Matter

Local relationships, consistent content, visual storytelling across South Jersey.

Looking back at these first six months, I keep coming back to the same thing: this has all been built through people. Through trust, introductions, community support, and the chance to show up and do what I love.

Every project has taught me something. Every collaboration has led to another connection, another opportunity, or another reminder of why I started MF Visuals in the first place. From drone work and event coverage to community projects and coastal storytelling, I’ve been able to build this business by working with people who genuinely care about this area.

And if you’ve been part of that in any way, thank you. Truly. That has been the best part of all of this — not just building a business, but building real relationships along the way.