ABOUT
Ian Otto’s story begins far from Africa, on the waters of Port Lincoln in South Australia, where he and his wife Charmaine built their lives as oyster farmers. While still running the farm, they set out to travel the world in 1996 - a journey that would change them forever. They continued farming for many years before finally retiring in 2025.
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It was during those early travels that Africa captured their hearts. The landscapes, the wildlife, and the people left a mark that never faded. Over the years, they returned many times, and Africa became more than a destination - it became part of who they are. Their love for the continent grew so strong that Ian and Charmaine expanded their family, adopting four Ethiopian children who are now grown and living in Australia.
Today, Ian’s passion for Africa lives through his photography. With a keen eye for detail and patience earned from years on the water, he searches for those rare, fleeting moments - a lion’s roar at dusk, the quiet dignity of an elder, the vastness of a desert plain, a bird on a stick. His images aren’t just pictures; they’re stories of connection, respect, and wonder.
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Through his lens, Ian invites you to see Africa, and beyond, as he sees it - raw, beautiful, and unforgettable.
