Photography is more than just clicking a button—it’s about capturing moments, emotions, and the soul of a scene. 📸 On the latest episode of the Mood Podcast, Ian Plant, an acclaimed landscape and wildlife photographer, shared his journey from corporate law to a life behind the lens. Spoiler: it’s a tale of passion, perseverance, and chasing the magic of the moment. ✨

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Taking the Scenic Route to Passion

Ian’s path to photography wasn’t direct. He humorously described it as a “scenic route,” starting in law school and working as a lawyer. Imagine trading antitrust litigation for antelope landscapes—quite the pivot, right? 😂 But during a summer internship, he treated himself to a camera, and the rest, as they say, is history. That $100,000 law school debt turned into the spark for his creative career.

“I was hooked,” Ian said. “It transformed from a hobby into a lifestyle.” Fast forward 20 years, and Ian is a renowned photographer and founder of Photo Masters, inspiring others through workshops, educational resources, and his breathtaking imagery.

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The Magic of Composition

Ian emphasized that composition is the backbone of powerful photography. It’s not just about the rule of thirds; it’s about shapes, light, and the story they tell. He likened composition to assembling a puzzle, where every piece—the shapes, light, and colors—must fit perfectly.

🔑 Ian’s Quick Tip on Composition: Think in shapes. Mountains? Triangles. Rivers? Curves. Simplify what you see into geometric forms and focus on how they interact. It’s all about creating harmony within the chaos.

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From Mundane to Magical

One of Ian’s defining moments happened in a small-town diner. While taking a break from shooting, he noticed the waitresses gazing out a window as an ambulance passed by. Reflected in a concave mirror, the scene struck him as a perfect photograph—one he hadn’t taken. That realization shifted his approach: photography isn’t just about grand landscapes or rare wildlife; it’s about finding beauty in the everyday. 🌍

“I chase moments when the universe randomly coalesces into something meaningful,” Ian shared. And that’s what he teaches his students in workshops: how to see and capture those fleeting moments.

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Keeping It Real: Ian’s Editing Philosophy

In a world dominated by heavily edited Instagram photos, Ian remains a purist at heart. “If the magic happens on the computer, you’re doing it wrong,” he said. Editing should enhance, not create, the magic.

His philosophy? Stay true to the moment. Whether it’s a stunning sunrise or a thunderstorm growling across the Badlands, Ian believes that authenticity is the essence of great photography. 🌅

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Looking Ahead

As the photography world continues to evolve with smartphones and AI, Ian is ready to adapt while staying true to his craft. Whether through his workshops, Photo Masters, or his personal projects, Ian’s passion for inspiring others shines brightly. 🌟