How can we save corals if we don't even know what they are? Dan Mele uses macro photography to uncover the secret lives of one of the most misunderstood animals on the planet. He is a coral restoration scientist at the University of the Virgin Islands and a conservation photographer. His photography has taken him from some of the most remote parts of Alaska to over 150 feet underwater, but his biggest passion lies in photographing coral.

During his career as a coral biologist, Dan realized that corals are some of the most misunderstood animals on the planet, as most people don't even know corals are animals! Dan designed a small portable studio to photograph corals against a solid black background. By isolating the coral from the many distractions on a coral reef, the viewer's attention is solely focused on the complex detail in each coral. Dan has since used these images in multiple books, magazines, and online publications, but most importantly as a tool for building connections and understanding of one of the most fascinating creatures on earth. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx