Case Study: Documenting Reef Reverie at Sculpture by the Sea
Freelance Videographer + Photographer Perth | Sam Irwin
The Project
I was commissioned by artist and filmmaker Jonathan Rockefeller to document his major sculptural installation, Reef Reverie, for the 2026 Sculpture by the Sea exhibition at Cottesloe Beach, WA.
The artwork featured large, vibrant, branching coral forms designed to create an immersive, imagined reef right on the sand.
Project Scope
The brief was to create a comprehensive visual record of the project. This meant capturing the gritty reality of the physical installation, how the artwork sat within the rugged coastal environment, and the playful atmosphere of the public interacting with the piece once the exhibition opened.
Deliverables
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Two 60 second hero videos. One highlighting the monolithic scale of the art in nature, and a second focusing on the immersive experience of walking through the corals.
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A complete start to finish timelapse of the construction and assembly.
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A curated gallery of high resolution environmental and architectural photography.
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Bite sized video cuts tailored for social media.
Freelance Videographer + Photographer Perth | Sam Irwin
The Approach and Outcome
To deliver this much content without getting in the way of the installation crew or the public, I worked as a highly efficient solo operator.
I set up a dedicated static camera to run the timelapse of the plywood and metal construction, freeing me up to move around the site. While the timelapse ticked away, I used my main camera on a gimbal to capture smooth, cinematic video sweeps and 360 degree movements around the art.
Because the sculptures featured pearlescent paint that reacted beautifully to the environment, I treated the project like a documentary. I made multiple visits at different times of the day to capture the changing light, shadows, and tides.
Switching seamlessly between high end videography and photography allowed me to maintain a consistent, natural style across the entire project.
The final result was a complete, premium media package delivered on time, all achieved with a minimal footprint and zero stress for the client.
Outcome
Hero Video 1 - Installation
Hero Video 2 - Reveal
Construction Video Production Perth - Past Projects
Videographer Perth // Construction Video Timelapse
Sam Irwin Media
Sam Irwin Media is a construction videographer Perth builders, developers, contractors, and resources companies trust for professional video and photography across Western Australia.
As a videographer Perth construction clients rely on for site-ready production, we hold a current White Card and CASA RePL drone licence, covering both active construction site access and licensed commercial aerial operations.
No third-party operators required, no site access complications, and no surprises on the day.
With over 15 years of production experience and a background in documentary filmmaking, we do not just document what was built.
We find the human story behind the project, structure a compelling narrative, and produce content that works hard for your brand - whether that is for client presentations, tender submissions, social media, or internal communications.
We produce timelapse and progress documentation, project case study videos, executive and worker testimonials, safety and induction content, aerial and ground-level site footage, and documentary-style company profiles for resources and construction clients across Perth and Western Australia.
Past construction and resources clients include ADCO, VNIX, Endeavour Homes, Sandvik, ICON, and PACT.
We understand the compliance requirements, site access protocols, and the kind of content that resonates with procurement teams, project owners, and industry stakeholders.
As a videographer in Perth with genuine construction industry experience, we work around your project schedule, your site access windows, and your deadlines.
Ready to document your next project with construction videography that sets you apart?
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