As a marine biologist specialising in coral reef ecosystems, Dan Exton spends much of his time on, under or around the ocean. He completed his undergraduate degree on Marine and Freshwater Biology in 2006, having specialised in functional ecology, and a cross-disciplinary masters in Environment, Science and Society in 2007, specialising in subsistence fisheries. Dan is now studying for a PhD in trace gas emissions from marine sources, and is a member of the prestigious Coral Reef Research Unit (CRRU) at the University of Essex.
Dan took his first underwater photos at the age of 17 in Tobago on a film camera waterproof to 5 metres. As this also happened to be his first ever attempt at Scuba diving, the images were of the poorest quality, but they at least kindled an affection for underwater photography which has grown over the years into the passion he feels today. With his father a professional photographer, and having spent many dives with close friend and underwater videographer Christos Kardana, Dan has had endless encouragement and constructive criticism which continues today. Since the debacle of Tobago, Dan has spent a number of years diving with compact digital equipment, before recently advancing to using a Canon 400D dSLR. To find out more about the kit used by Dan Exton in his underwater photography click here.
Dan spends much of his time in Indonesia carrying out research on the Field Station of Hoga Island in the Wakatobi Marine National Park. He has worked as Acting Head Scientist for the base on a number of occasions, allowing him to develop a broad knowledge of coral reef ecology, overseeing a team of postgraduate researchers and a large number of undergraduate volunteers. His visits also provide a unique opportunity to photograph the extraordinary reefs of one of the world’s most stunning marine national parks, and are a perfect excuse to dive in other locations around Southeast Asia.
