Jan Smid: Award-Winning Landscape Photographer & Expedition Leader
Jan Smid, Master QEP, is a world-renowned landscape photographer specializing in everything from perfect single shots to high-end panoramic photography and the mastery of night skies—from breathtaking Milky Way captures to Aurora hunting. While his work is built on a foundation of technical dominance, Jan makes these elite skills accessible to everyone; he helps absolute beginners master their first single shots just as effectively as he teaches professionals advanced workflows like exposure bracketing, focus stacking, and the use of star tracker for nigh shooting. These precision methods are what define his signature visual style and allow him to capture the world’s most demanding landscapes in unparalleled detail.
For over 15 years, Jan has engineered High-End Photo Expeditions and Masterclasses in the world’s most demanding landscapes—from Alaska and Namibia to the Outer Hebrides, Iceland, Madeira, the Dolomites, Tuscany, and the Lofoten Islands.
Professional Excellence and Credentials: Master QEP & ZEISS Ambassador
Jan’s commitment to excellence has earned him over 300 international photography awards worldwide, from Tokyo and Paris to Los Angeles, Melbourne and London, including Gold and Silver medals at PX3 Prix de la Photographie Paris, Tokyo International Foto Awards, and International Photography Awards in Los Angeles (widely regarded as the Oscars of photography), as well as the Epson International Pano Awards. In 2025, he received the Silver Camera in the Landscape category at the FEP Awards 2025, Europe’s most prestigious professional photography competition, judged by more than 30 international judges from 30 countries.
In 2017, Jan was awarded the QEP (Qualified European Photographer) title, and in 2018, he achieved the highest possible rank: Master QEP. This elite distinction is held by only about 100 photographers across Europe—representing the top 0.1% of the industry. Since 2018, Jan has also served as an Official ZEISS Ambassador, one of only 25 photographers worldwide representing this iconic brand.
Field-Based Photography Training & YouTube Education
Beyond group expeditions, Jan provides elite private coaching through his tailored Individual Photography School. He is a prominent educator on YouTube, with a channel featuring over 100 videos dedicated to sharing real-world knowledge. His Field-Based Photography Training is designed for everyone:
Technical Masterclasses: Deep dives into Milky Way tracking, Aurora hunting, single shots and complex panoramic workflows.
Direct Field Instruction: Jan guides total beginners through their first single shots while helping seasoned professionals achieve technical perfection.
Objective Gear Advice: With thousands of hours in extreme environments, Jan provides honest, field-tested equipment recommendations. He is not a paid reviewer; his advice is independent and built strictly on performance.
What Past Participants Say
High-End Workshops & The Photography Wine Harvest
Jan is the creator of the Photography Wine Harvest, a unique concept that merges high-end workshops with local culture. These experiences take place in premier wine regions like South Moravia, Tuscany, and Wachau, blending intense field instruction with curated, guided wine tastings. It is a one-of-a-kind fusion of technical photography education and a refined lifestyle, proving that professional craft and world-class experiences go hand in hand.
“Jan’s experience really showed — we were always at the right place at the right time. Plans were constantly adapted to weather and conditions. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, more like traveling with like-minded photographers than being on a typical workshop. Highly recommended.”
“The week spent in Lofoten absolutely exceeded my expectations. Jan loves to share his knowledge and is a natural teacher. He taught me to see images differently so I could self-critique and improve my landscapes independently.””
“Jan followed the Aurora forecast and we scored with the most spectacular display of many colours dancing across the sky. He goes above and beyond — always finding the right spot at the right moment. A masterful teacher and a wonderful host.”
“Jan worked relentlessly to ensure we never missed an opportunity — staying up during nights to check for Aurora, constantly adapting the schedule. I can’t recommend his photo expeditions enough.”