Since a child, Hougaard has been obsessed with beautiful natural scenery and dramatic weather. Self-taught, he started using a DSLR at the early age of nineteen and has pursued a photographic career ever since - striving to capture the moment “when the light, clouds and land combine to produce scenes so beautiful that they etch a profound place in viewers’ memories”. Considered to be South Africa’s leading fine-art landscape photographer, Hougaard is well known in both local and international fine-art landscape circles, not only for his creative eye but also for his uncompromising attention to the technical aspect of photography. His work has been published in countless media all over the world, from books and magazines to calendars and coffee table books by the likes of National Geographic.

Whether hanging over the rim of an active volcano, braving the elements to photograph critically-endangered species, or trekking deep into the wilderness to places most people will never see, world-renowned professional photographer Ian Plant travels the globe seeking out amazing places and subjects in his never-ending quest to capture the beauty of our world with his camera. Ian seeks out the hidden spaces in between the familiar, relying on long exposures, unique lighting conditions, non-traditional perspectives, and special natural events to show his subjects in a new light. Known for his inspiring images and single-minded dedication to creating the perfect photo, Ian has reached hundreds of thousands of people around the world in his mission to inspire and educate others in the art of photography. Ian is a frequent contributor to many leading photo magazines, the author of numerous books and instructional videos, and founder of https://www.shuttermonkeys.com.