Inside the Lightstrike Hard Refresher Launch: Capturing Energy and Style on a Miami Party Bus

Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to photograph & create content videos of the official launch of Lightstrike Hard Refresher on the streets of Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach. This wasn't your average brand shoot—it was a mobile, high-energy campaign fueled by music, vibrant visuals, and a community that knows how to celebrate.

From the moment I stepped into the custom Lightstrike Miami party bus, I knew this campaign was different. Neon balloons, beach balls, and bold colors set the scene as friends, influencers, and beachgoers hopped on board to experience the drink for themselves. The Lightstrike team wanted a visual story that reflected their identity: fun, fresh, and fearless.

Lightstrike hired me to create content for their social media and website, including videos where we interviewed people on their first reaction after trying the beverage. I also captured moments of people having fun, getting Lightstrike temporary tattoos on random body parts, and celebrating with giveaways—beach balls, hats, t-shirts, and, of course, plenty of Lightstrike Hard Refreshers.

As a Miami brand photographer, my goal was to document more than the product—I wanted to capture the energy of the people, the interaction between the brand and its audience, and those little moments in between the poses. Whether it was a quick cheers with the lemon-lime flavor under the Florida sun or spontaneous laughter inside the Miami party bus, every frame told part of the story.

This was also a reminder of how much impact brand photography has when it's approached as storytelling. Lightstrike isn’t just a beverage; it’s a lifestyle. The brand leaned into this by creating experiences that people wanted to be part of—and that meant my job was to stay alert for those in-between moments: the unscripted smiles, the branding tattoos, the candid sips and genuine reactions.

And personally? I really like the drink. It’s made with 10% coconut water, sea salt, and 5% alcohol. It’s also gluten free—making it a refreshing and clean choice that stands out among other hard beverages.

If you're a brand looking to connect with your audience, take notes: make your product a part of a larger experience. Don’t just show what you sell—show how it feels. Lightstrike nailed this.

Events like these are perfect opportunities for businesses to build a strong visual identity. Whether you’re launching a product, hosting a pop-up, or activating your brand in public spaces, don’t underestimate the value of strategic photography. Create scenes, set the mood, and most importantly, hire someone who can capture the vibe as much as the visuals.

Lightstrike Hard Refresher is just getting started, but this shoot was a strong first step in building a brand that people will remember, share, and follow.

Looking to create visual stories that elevate your brand? Email me at info@andrealaitano.com

xoxo,

Andy!