Beau the Giant
Gardiner “Beau” Rapelye III is a visual storyteller who has spent his career chasing the perfect frame—whether deep beneath the ocean’s surface or from the open door of a helicopter.
Inspired early on by his grandfather’s love for photography and anything with gears, Beau developed a natural curiosity for capturing the world through a lens. That passion led him to the Marine Technologies Program at Santa Barbara City College, where he immersed himself in the underwater world—not just learning to dive, but to truly see. It was there, within the exceptional dive community of Santa Barbara, that he discovered a path to merge exploration with storytelling: underwater photography.
Beau went on to study at the Brooks Institute of Photography, where his talent quickly gained recognition. He left the classroom to pursue hands-on experience, working alongside legendary underwater filmmaker Mike deGruy on documentary productions for the BBC and Discovery Channel, including Shark Week. As a First Assistant Camera for five years, he handled everything from gear logistics to underwater lighting and cinematography, diving with sharks, submarines, and shipwrecks. During his time in Santa Barbara, he also collaborated with respected photographers Tom Burt, Richard Salas, Tracy Kahn, and others. Those relationships helped shape his visual voice.
In 2005, Beau returned to his hometown of Kansas City. Transitioning from ocean depths to the Midwest wasn’t without its challenges, but he adapted by expanding his creative skillset. He applied his Brooks education to the digital world—diving into web development and video production—while continuing to pursue photography. He worked with the KCMO Board of Education on web and media projects and assisted well known Kansas City production companies.
A major career shift came in 2007 when Beau discovered Garmin was headquartered in Kansas City. Having grown up using their marine products, he was surprised to find such a familiar name so close to home. He joined Garmin as a Video Producer/Editor, where he discovered a love for motion graphics and visual effects. His passion and skills led him to the Interactive and Animation group, where he honed his craft in After Effects and further developed his talent for compelling visual storytelling.
One of his most influential projects involved a large-scale stop-motion shoot, led by a mentor who helped reignite Beau’s passion for still photography. This experience paved the way for his role as Garmin’s Staff Photographer—a dream position he held for over six years until the end of 2018.
In 2019, Beau transitioned into freelance work, navigating the challenges and opportunities of the creative industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. This period allowed him to explore new creative directions, expand his photography portfolio, and deepen his skills in aerial imaging.
In 2022, Beau joined Mammoth Sport Construction as a Photographer and FAA Part 107-Certified Drone Pilot. In this role, he documents large-scale athletic field construction projects across the country, capturing everything from early groundbreakings to final game-ready unveilings. His work blends technical precision with a storyteller’s eye, bringing sports infrastructure projects to life through both ground and aerial perspectives.
Today, Beau continues to merge his technical expertise and creative vision across industries—from marine and aviation to athletics and construction. Whether shooting from the sidelines, the sky, or underwater, he remains driven by a singular goal: to tell unforgettable stories, one frame at a time.
Outside of work, Beau lives in Overland Park, Kansas with his wife and two sons. A true Midwesterner with a coastal soul, he spends his free time hiking, biking, diving, and exploring—always in pursuit of the next great adventure.
