1. Introduction
When it comes to online photography education, PhotoWhoa has built an impressive catalogue of masterclasses for creatives at every level. From Post-Wedding Photography and The Art of Composition to Light Painting, Old-School Street Photography, and even Fine Art with AI, it’s a dynamic digital classroom for the visually curious.
I’ve spent the last fifteen years working as a travel and nature photographer—exhibiting in Peru, London, Wales, and Cuba—and contributing to Getty Images. When PhotoWhoa invited me to review their Travel & Nature Photography Masterclass by Ian Plant, I was keen to see if it could deliver fresh techniques and inspiration that match my on-the-road experience.
PhotoWhoa Travel & Nature Photography Masterclass by Ian Plant
2. Overview of the Masterclass
Instructor: Ian Plant, whose landscape and nature work has appeared in Outdoor Photographer, Popular Photography, and Landscape Photography magazines. You can find out more about Ian on his website here.
Length & Format: Roughly 80 minutes, broken into digestible modules so you can jump in and out at your own pace without losing context.
Gear & Tools: Ian uses a variety of lenses—particularly wide-angle optics—to illustrate creative composition, but stresses that you don’t need top-end kit to achieve stunning results.
Core Content:
A proven three-step process for crafting expressive, story-driven photos
Creative use of light (high contrast, backlighting, lens flare)
Shooting in extreme lighting conditions and exploration of reflections
Wildlife basics and wider-angle storytelling for travel photography
Techniques for finding patterns, shapes, and abstract contrasts in nature
Discovery - Revelation - Transformation - Ian Plant’s 3 Step Photography Success formula
3. Instructor’s Teaching Style
Ian’s delivery is friendly, jargon-free, and highly engaging — like shooting in the field with a trusted mentor. He balances clear explanations with thoughtful intelligence, often referencing his own images to show how and why a shot works.
He introduces the important concept of “Taking vs. Making” photographs — encouraging you to capture your subject, but then creatively elevate it through composition, lighting, and timing.
Ian demonstrates a powerful work ethic — scouting the perfect locations, pinpointing the ideal spot, and hitting the right light — and shares those insights so you can replicate the process. His teaching is thoughtful, positive, and constantly encouraging experimentation.
Stunning landscape image by Travel Photographer Ian Plant
4. Video Quality & User Experience
The production values are excellent: crisp, high-definition video and clear audio make for a distraction-free learning experience. The platform interface is intuitive — modules load quickly, you can pause or rewatch sections at will, and navigating between lessons is seamless.
I tried accessing the course on both my Mac and my iPhone, and both ways worked absolutely fine without any issues. This flexibility ensures you spend your time lesrning, not puzzling over menus.
Exclusive photography masterclasses by PhotoWhoa
5. Content Relevance & Depth
Ian covers both fundamental and advanced techniques, making the course valuable for photographers with some experience under their belts. You’ll learn to:
Experiment with camera settings — aperture, shutter speed, ISO — to shape mood and depth of field
Use wide-angle lenses to create dynamic perspectives and storytelling depth
Embrace “poor” weather — mist, rain, fog, snow, heat haze — to add atmosphere rather than hiding from it
Apply the Art of Inclusion in composition, harmonizing every element in the frame
Creatively manipulate light — including backlighting, high-contrast light, and artistic lens flare
While beginners will find inspiration, a basic understanding of the exposure triangle will definitely help maximize the learning experience.
Learn to take stunning landscape images with a PhotoWhoa photography Masterclass
6. Uniqueness & Value
What sets this masterclass apart is Ian’s consistent focus on creative vision over rote technique.
Key standout concepts include:
Cognitive Dissonance: Crafting images that compel viewers to pause and explore
Reflections & Mirroring: Using water and reflective surfaces to add depth and intrigue
Symmetry: Aligning elements for immediate visual impact
Atmospheric Conditions: Using weather creatively to add character and mood
Patterns, Colours, and Shapes: Spotting abstract contrasts in nature to build artistic compositions
The final section of the course was particularly close to my heart: abstract photography.
While I personally work extensively with intentional camera movement (ICM) for abstract seascapes, Ian’s approach opens new creative doors. He encourages photographers to look for natural patterns, contrasting colours, and organic shapes in the environment, offering endless possibilities for artistic interpretation.
Ian’s artistic mindset — seeing photography as a means to create, not just document — flows through the entire course. He reminds you that photography is not just about what you see, but about what you want the world to see through your eyes.
Learn abstract nature photographic techniques with Ian Plant
7. Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. Whether you’re a hobbyist seeking fresh inspiration or a seasoned pro looking to reinvigorate your work, this masterclass delivers both practical techniques and a creative shift in mindset. Ian Plant doesn’t just teach camera settings — he teaches you to think like an artist.
If you want to create photographs that leave a lasting impression — not just another travel postcard — this course will give you the tools, techniques, and motivation to do exactly that.
Best suited for:
Photographers who want to elevate their travel and nature work through expressive, creative storytelling — and who are ready to experiment, think differently, and shoot with passion.
Elevate your travel photography with a PhotoWhoa Masterclass today
8. Where to Find It
Jump into the Travel & Nature Photography Masterclass by Ian Plant today at PhotoWhoa:
👉 Travel & Nature Photography Masterclass – PhotoWhoa
Enjoy the journey — and don’t forget:
Stay curious, stay creative, and most importantly, have fun!
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