Derek Morrison was born into a farming family. While studying veterinary science at Massey University he discovered his two passions- photography and surfing. He began supplying images for New Zealand Surfing magazine and eventually took over the editorship. After a stint working in Sydney, he moved to Dunedin to raise his young family and to start his company Adventure Media Group Ltd. He continues to contribute to a range of leading magazines as well as his surf, lifestyle and culture photo blog, Box of Light. He was named New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year 2018.