Jan Šmíd Photography

I have participated in many photography expedition with various companies.  Held in amazing locations, they all make the promise of transforming your photography skills but fall short on delivering the skill, attention and love of teaching necessary on the part of the photography 'guide'.  

My first trip with Jan Smid was Lofoten March 2025. I was impressed with the pre-trip contact and guidance from Jan on the photography gear and lenses which would be needed for this trip. In requesting examples of my current landscapes it was obvious to me that he actually was invested in improving my skills.

The week spent in Lofoten absolutely exceeded my expectations. It is obvious that Jan loves to share his knowledge of landscape photography and is a natural teacher. Each participant benefitted from individual attention and suggestions for improved composition, new techniques in panorama and in field reviews of photos so new skills and corrections could be applied to solidify learning.  Jan taught me to see images differently so I could self critique and improve my landscapes. This same attention was transferred to the post processing sessions we had back at the group house.

If you want to go to exotic locations for photography 'opportunities' then by all means sign up with any of the multitude of photography tour companies available. If you actually want to walk away with improved skills as a photographer and a broader creative toolkit then Jan Smid will deliver on that promise.  

I joined Jan for a trip to Lofoten in February 2025. It was quite an experience, and I came home with great memories, new learnings, but most importantly many fantastic pictures still making me proud. The week truly has transformed me to a better photographer. I have learned lots about what makes a good landscape composition, and Jan taught how to shoot and edit panoramas. This has unlocked a lot of new creative potential for my landscape photography, and I enjoyed it a lot.

What impressed me most with Jan was that he worked relentlessly to ensure we all got great pictures and would not miss an opportunity. He stayed up during nights to check for Aurora (and in fact, thanks to that, we were treated with fantastic northern lights), constantly adapted the schedule to the changing conditions, and made sure we were always at the right place at the right time. All of that with a very easy-going, collegial attitude and in a super friendly atmosphere. I can’t recommend his photo expeditions enough, and can’t wait for my next one!

I have participated in 4 different photography expeditions organized and led by Jan Smid and two of his colleagues. I found Jan’s expeditions to be the best and most complete photography training with hands-on-like setting up a camera and tripod for panorama photography in the various locations and for different light conditions. The attendance is kept small, and with three instructors always present, one gets a lot of individual training. The shoot locations are carefully selected. I recommend these workshops for everyone interested in landscape photography.

I recently booked a 1 on 1 private tour with Jan in the Dolomites and my impression of his services and interaction is nothing short of exceptional brilliance. It all started with the the prompt reply to my inquiry, most importantly, showing up on time as we agreed and providing me exactly with what I asked for in terms of locations to shoot, and technical feedback in a non judgmental way. Despite poor weather conditions, Jan tried his best to take me to unusual locations and attempt even in uncertain weather conditions, this is dedication and willingness to go above and beyond to make the client happy, as such I highly recommend Jan services as part of his group workshops or even better as 1 on 1 private tours where you get 100 % attention to every detail, besides its easy to communicate and spend hours together in a very friendly collegial interaction.

I met Jan in 2011 during one of his first workshops. Since then, we have embarked on numerous expeditions together, from Tuscany to the Lofoten Islands. Expeditions are always everything but boring. Perfect organization, accommodation selection, great choice of locations, and, of course, an additional program. Despite his achievements, Jan remains a laid-back and humble friend who advises and helps. He has a special gift for constantly pushing us forward, and thanks to him, I have many beautiful photos today from places I wouldn't have explored on my own. Thanks, buddy, our journey is not over yet :-)

When I went with Jan Smid to the first expedition in Lofoten, I was like Alice in Wonderland. Everything seemed too complicated. But over time I worked my way through it from exposure to post process. With each successive expedition it got better and better. Panoramic photography allows me to take pictures that I can not take with any other approach.

The photo workshops with Jan and his two colleagues are definitely worth it. None of their photo workshops follow the format of a regular photo walk with standard snapping of everything around, where, to be honest, participants rarely take away more than just a pleasant time outdoors without any added value for themselves. You won't experience anything like that with Honza – his energy, knowledge, and way of thinking about photography and landscapes will open up another dimension in the field of landscape and night photography.

A good landscape photo doesn't come automatically, but you have to work for it. You have to climb, walk, you just have to invest a piece of yourself in a good photo and sometimes sacrifice a bit of your comfort. But it makes you all the more happy with the result. And this is the format of photo expeditions offered by Jan and his colleagues. They will give you their know-how not only in photography, but also their knowledge of locations, they will make you think about composition, they will advise you on post-production. I have been going on photo expeditions with Jan Smid since 2019. And I'll keep going.

Every year at the beginning of summer and in autumn I participate in a photo expedition in the Dolomites led by Jan Smid. In the captivity of the mountains, we have plenty of time to try out different photography techniques. To learn to wait for the ideal light. To be able to capture the subject from the best angle. To choose the best exposure. Every year I get better at photography. But none of the shots come to us. So sometimes we hike during the night so we can shoot the sunrise. Every time a great group of people gather on the course, which guarantees a great atmosphere.