DR. SHIREEN RAHIMI
A few years ago, while doing field research across the Caribbean for my PhD in marine science, I was also taking photos on the side—just a hobby at first. But along the way, I realized my images and videos were reaching people in a way my research wasn’t. That was a turning point. I knew if I wanted to make a bigger impact on conservation, I needed to harness the most powerful tool I’d found for driving social change: visual storytelling.
So after graduating in 2020, I launched Lightpalace Productions, an underwater video production company based in Miami Beach, Florida. Since then, I’ve traveled the world documenting our planet’s rapidly changing waters—from the Caribbean to the Coral Triangle. With my background in directing, producing, underwater cinematography, and science communication, I craft emotional, character-driven stories designed to inspire action for our planet.
What’s up! I’m Shireen, an underwater storyteller, marine scientist & on-camera presenter
Film director, producer & underwater camerawoman
I love making films—especially documentaries about human relationships to the ocean.
With my team at Lightpalace Productions, I’ve produced and directed films for organizations like The Nature Conservancy, Oceana, the Jane Goodall Institute, UN conferences, PBS, and film festivals around the world. Our style has been described as ethereal and lyrical, yet rooted in bold, realistic hope for the future of our planet.
As a professional camerawoman, I complete grant-funded assignments from organizations like National Geographic Society, Ocean Culture Life, and Oolite Arts. I’m also hired by production companies to direct & film underwater, aerial, and VR stories in locations all over the world.
I own and operate a RED Helium Weapon 8K and Canon R5 in Nauticam Housings, as well as a DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone.
Watch my underwater cinematography reel !
(or check out my full portfolio below)
On-camera presenter & public speaker
I'm currently hosting and producing a YouTube series for the National Geographic x Rolex Perpetual Planet Oceans Expedition! This series is taking me from the tropics to the poles to uncover the mysteries of our oceans.
My on-camera work includes National Geographic Sharkfest, Immotion VR's Dolphin Reef, ABC Localish x NatGeo WILD, and branded documentaries for Nautica and Oceana. As a speaker, I've delivered keynotes at SailGP, Coral Restoration Foundation, and UN COP28, and was a WildPitch 2024 finalist at Wildscreen Festival.
I work as a Photo Expert for National Geographic’s Lindblad Expeditions, and as a photo instructor for National Geographic Photo Camp, empowering young photographers worldwide.
Ocean Influencer
My favorite anti-aging strategy? TikTok.
As a National Geographic Video Journalist, I cover ocean stories for @natgeo — and create short-form content for a variety of environmental organizations and brands to drive action around ocean conservation.
One recent viral reel impeded the progress of a controversial dredging project at Port Everglades, saving one of Florida’s last wild coral reefs from destruction. Other pieces have increased volunteer recruitment for the Coral Restoration Foundation, and helped shut down a controversial plan to build luxury developments on critical wildlife habitat in Florida State Parks.
HIT ME UP
(I’d love to hear from you)