Individual Photography School (IPS)

Individual Photography School (IPS)

The Individual Photography School (IPS) is a unique and advanced landscape photography training program designed for passionate photographers. Over the course of six months of intensive, personalized instruction, you will master everything from photography fundamentals to advanced landscape and night techniques. Under the guidance of award-winning photographer Jan Šmíd, Master QEP, you'll gain one of the most comprehensive educations in the field.
🎓 Start mastering landscape photography today — enroll in IPS now!

Whether you're a complete beginner or a photographer looking to elevate your skills, IFS takes you step-by-step through:

  • 📷 Basics of camera settings and composition

  • 🌄 Multi-row panoramic photography

  • 💡 Exposure bracketing and focus stacking

  • ✨ Nightscape photography with stars, startrails, and tracked images

  • 🧭 Using parallactic mounts for professional astro results

You'll also receive in-depth training in photo editing:

  • Panoramic stitching with multiple exposures

  • Precision masking and adjustment layers

  • Dynamic motion blending (clouds, water)

  • Output for web and large-format fine art prints

IPS is more than a course — it’s the most advanced and individualized photographic education you can take. Designed for photographers who are serious about landscape photography and want to grow in both fieldwork and post-processing, IPS delivers unmatched depth, personal attention, and professional growth.

Award-winning wide panoramic photo of the Northern Lights above the Lofoten Islands, captured from a mountain during a photography expedition with Jan Šmíd, Master QEP.
Award-winning eye-shaped panorama of the Milky Way arch captured in Šumava, Czech Republic — featuring a central tree, foreground stream, and dreamy fog during a night photography session with Jan Šmíd, Master QEP.

Itinerary

📅 Program Structure – What You’ll Learn in the Individual Photography School

Jan Šmíd's Individual Photography School (IPS) is fully customized to your goals, experience, and current skill level. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced photographer, IPS is designed to take you from A to Z — building a complete foundation and pushing your skills far beyond the basics.

Each student receives a fully tailored curriculum, prepared during an introductory meeting and continuously adapted during the course.

🧠 Module 1: Theoretical Preparation

This foundational module provides all the theory needed to succeed in the field — from camera settings and exposure techniques to planning complex panoramic compositions with dozens of exposures. Teaching is conducted in a face-to-face format for maximum learning efficiency. If needed, this module can also be completed online.

  • Duration: minimum 9 hours (divided into 3+ sessions)

📸 Module 2: Field Practice

This is where theory meets reality. You’ll put your new knowledge into action, learning to shoot confidently in any light conditions. From sunrise to night landscapes and water compositions, you’ll develop the ability to photograph powerful images with structure, precision, and emotion — all with 1-on-1 guidance from Jan Šmíd.

  • Duration: minimum 24 hours
    (includes 6 dedicated photo sessions: sunrises, sunsets, nightscapes)

🎨 Module 3: Photo Editing & Post-Processing

Learn how to turn your RAW images into final works of art — ready for web or large-format fine art prints. You’ll master editing workflows, panoramic blending, exposure layers, masking, retouching, and final presentation.

  • Duration: minimum 12 hours (at least 4 lessons)

  • Format: in person or online, based on your availability

✅ Personalized and Flexible

Each module includes a guaranteed minimum number of hours of dedicated 1-on-1 instruction with Jan Šmíd. If more time is needed to complete a module to 100%, the program will be extended — your progress is the priority.

📅 All content, scheduling, and locations are determined individually after the initial consultation.

Square panoramic photo of the iconic red cabins in Reine, Lofoten, captured from a unique under-the-bridge perspective during a winter photography expedition with Jan Šmíd, Master QEP.
Award-winning fine art panoramic photo from South Moravia’s “Moravian Tuscany” — featuring elegant color-striped fields and a solitary tree line, captured with a long lens by Jan Šmíd, Master QEP.
Award-winning square panoramic photo of the Northern Lights above Skagsanden Beach in Lofoten, captured during a winter photography expedition with Jan Šmíd, Master QEP.

📷 Equipment & What’s Included

You don’t need to invest in expensive gear before joining the Individual Photography School. All you need is the equipment you already own.
If you’re planning to buy or upgrade your camera, lenses, tripod, filters, or outdoor gear, Jan Šmíd, Master QEP, will provide personalized recommendations — always tailored to your budget and needs.

All course logistics and gear consultations will be discussed during your initial one-on-one meeting.

💰 Price & Inclusions

The course fee is payable before the official start of the program.

  • 🇨🇿 Course held in the Czech Republic: $2,000

  • 🌍 Course held abroad: Individually priced based on your preferred location, logistics, and personal requirements.

✅ The price includes:

  • Minimum guaranteed hours of 1-on-1 personal instruction for all three modules

  • Additional hours if needed to fully complete each module

  • Printed learning materials

  • Fully personalized curriculum and guidance

  • Online access for Module 1 or 3 (if needed)

❌ The price does not include:

  • Travel expenses (for you or the instructor)

  • Transportation to/from photo locations

  • Accommodation or meals (if required)

All details — including the final schedule, structure, and any additional costs — will be clearly outlined after registration and adjusted based on your goals and availability.