About me
As a marine biologist, Professor at the ‘Université Libre de Bruxelles’ (and now emeritus Professor), teaching and research were my job but also sources of enthusiastic observations.
I used to teach biogeography, zoology (functional evolutionary approaches) and the biology of symbioses. My research focussed on the biology of marine benthos through morphological and functional observations. I was more particularly interested in echinoids and in symbiotic organisms. I wrote scientific papers, chapters in books and participate to scientific journeys and expeditions among which some were particularly stimulating as in Galapagos, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Mauritania, the Caribbean, Antarctica, Kerguelen.
Whatever the context (scientific or not) I enjoy taking pictures, a way to catch life instants, the mood of a place, the details of colour, design, texture … Through this website I aim to share observations, questionings, comments …
PS: I’m not a professional photographer… the photos aren’t perfect, but I wish they spark some curiosity in the reader!
When I was a child, I wanted to be an explorer!
Interest in underwater life is surely linked to my childhood memories. I was made aware to the aquatic world thanks to my father who was passionate about the sea, observant and curious. My parents, both divers, took my brothers, my sister and me everywhere. During the summer holidays, we would leave in a family convoy, transporting camping and diving equipment on the roof of the van, which towed an old wooden boat transformed into a sailboat and this, on the roads of Italy, Spain, Brittany… .
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT © C. De Ridder and NaturEscape blog, 2025. Any use of data or photographs requires my written permission.
You can contact Chantal by email: hello@cderidder.ovh