Portrait of Jan Smid, Master QEP and ZEISS Ambassador, award-winning landscape photographer and expedition leader.
Jan Smid, Master QEP - Official ZEISS Ambassador
Official Master QEP (Qualified European Photographer) certificate awarded to Jan Smid. The highest European distinction in professional landscape photography.
Jan Smid, Master QEP landscape photographer and ZEISS Ambassador.
Landscape photographer Jan Smid during field-based photography training.
Jan Smid, photography mentor demonstrating high-end panoramic workflows.
Jan Smid, award-winning professional photographer and expedition leader.

Jan Smid: Award-Winning Landscape Photographer & Educational Mentor

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.

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.

Professional Excellence: Master QEP & ZEISS Ambassador

Jan’s commitment to excellence has earned him over 300 international awards from Tokyo and Paris to Los Angeles and London. He is a consistent top performer in the FEP Awards, where he has secured multiple Silver and Bronze Cameras, including his latest distinction in 2025.

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.

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.