Hero image for the landscape photography blog "Behind the Lens" featuring a glowing mountain peak in the Dolomites by Jan Smid, Master QEP.

Explore in-depth guides, technical breakdowns, and practical advice from real photo expeditions. This blog is built for photographers who want to master the craft — from camera settings and planning, to field-tested shooting methods and post-processing strategies.

BEHIND THE LENS Landscape Photography Expeditions & Guides

Aurora Borealis Photography: The Complete Field Guide
Jan Smid Jan Smid

Aurora Borealis Photography: The Complete Field Guide

After 25+ Aurora expeditions to Lofoten, Iceland, and Alaska, Jan Smid, Master QEP, shares the complete field-tested workflow for photographing the Northern Lights — from camera settings and forecasting tools to advanced panoramic techniques that most photographers never attempt.

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Master Landscape Panorama: Jan Smid Elite Guide (1/5)
Jan Smid Jan Smid

Master Landscape Panorama: Jan Smid Elite Guide (1/5)

Sometimes, one shot is simply not enough. Join Jan Smid (Master QEP) in Part 1 of the most comprehensive landscape panorama masterclass on the web. Discover the technical secrets behind award-winning compositions—from eliminating parallax errors with nodal rails to achieving absolute freedom in locations like Namibia, Alaska, and Cyprus.

Watch the first part of this 5-part series and stop letting your gear limit your creative vision.

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2026 Best Landscape Lenses: Nikon, Sony, Canon & Workshops
Jan Smid Jan Smid

2026 Best Landscape Lenses: Nikon, Sony, Canon & Workshops

One zoom. One prime. No excuses. Which lens dominates landscape photography in 2026? Jan Smid (Master QEP) breaks down the absolute best setups for Sony, Nikon, and Canon. From corner sharpness at f/2.8 to filter practicality in the Arctic wind, this field-tested guide reveals the gear you need for technical dominance.

Watch the full video inside to see the surprising winner of the Nikon category.

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🌌 2026: Peak Northern Lights Year — It Won't Last
Jan Smid Jan Smid

🌌 2026: Peak Northern Lights Year — It Won't Last

2026 is the strongest year of the current solar cycle for northern lights photography. After that, aurora activity will gradually decline. This article explains why now is the right time to join our aurora photo expeditions to Lofoten, Iceland or Alaska — and how we maximize your chances to photograph powerful aurora displays in the field.

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