Joe Daniels | Underwater Photographer | Conservationist | UK

StorytellerUK

6 Mar

Passionate about life underwater from a very young age, in 2007 Joe left Suffolk, England, to volunteer for a marine conservation project in the Seychelles. He then spent over 3 years in New Zealand and Australia, freediving and working with Manta Rays and Whale Sharks on Ningaloo Reef. Joe returned to the Seychelles as an intern for the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles (MCSS) Whale Shark Monitoring Project. After completing his Dive Instructor course he then continued on in Seychelles as Dive Officer for Global Vision International, a marine conservation NGO.

In 2013 Joe and his now-wife Emily moved to Ambon, Indonesia where they managed Maluku Divers, a photography-focused dive resort. Now based in the south of France, Joe is able to spend his time exploring the cooler (but no less fascinating) waters of Europe in-between photography trips. Joe continues to find inspiration in the ocean and hopes that his images can bring awareness to the fragility and diversity of the underwater environment.

Coffee table book - Underwater Eden - The Marine Life of Seychelles

What is a typical day like for you?

A typical day when I am shooting depends on what subjects I am going to shoot. Usually, an early start double checking all of my gear is ready then trying to make the most out of the early morning light which usually is conducive for dramatic imagery. The rest of the day will be maximizing my time in the water and having quick breaks in between to eat and change lenses.

What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?

I was very lucky and had parents and grandparents all with a keen interest in the natural world. My father was particularly influential as he was a keen diver and showed me images he had taken from the Maldives before I was born. I was also surrounded by books that I had been given, mainly on sharks by pioneering scientists, divers and photographers such a Dr Eugenie Clark, Ron & Valerie Taylor and Jaques Cousteau.

When did you first pick up a camera and shooting underwater?

I first picked up a camera and started shooting underwater in 2007 when I was volunteering on a coral reef research expedition in Seychelles. It was a small point and shoot that was waterproof to 1m. Needless to say, I flooded it but was hooked from them on.

What/who currently inspires you?

There’s a lot that inspires me from old books, scientific papers, art, the natural world and other photographers from all disciplines. There too many photographers to list that inspire me but a shortened list would include Laurent Ballesta, David Doubilet, Brian Skerry, George Karbus, Alex Mustard and Thomas Peschak.

What path did you choose after leaving school?

I left school at 18 and enrolled on a volunteer project in Seychelles. From here I gained many skills that got me into the diving and marine conservation industry.

What do you value most in life?

The natural world, family and friends.

What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?

There are many things I would like to change but the one thing that comes to mind is our consumption. I think if we did everything in moderation and give the natural world space to breathe we would live in a very different world.

Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking?

Since I can remember David Attenborough has been a huge influence on me. There are not many nature documentary’s I have not seen! There are too many books to mention that have guided my thinking but I recently read Wilding by Isabella Tree which was fascinating.

What brings you the most joy?

The natural world and my dog Flo.

What legacy do you hope to leave?

That’s a tough question. I think, if I can, make an impression on people to care and appreciate the natural world a bit more.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an ocean Storyteller?

If that’s your dream then go for it 100%. You might get knocked back and it definitely won’t be easy but if that’s your dream make the most of every opportunity, make connections where ever you can and don’t be afraid to ask. The worst anyone can say is no, but nine times out of ten people are happy to help or share advice.