Jan is a landscape photographer with a passion for panoramic day, night and aurora borealis photography. He has received over 220 international photography awards and has been awarded both Qualified European Photographer and Master Qualified European Photographer by the Federation of European Photographers. Jan also organizes organizing photographic expeditions, individual courses and runs the Individual School of Photography (IFŠ).
Q&A
- How did you start with photo/video?
Travelling the world and the desire to get better photos drove me to buy my first camera and lenses… and then a long journey of trial and error followed. - How would you describe your style?
I am a professional photographer focusing on panoramic land and night landscape photographs, including aurora borealis photographs. I use modern methods such as exposure bracketing, focus bracketing, anti-reflection images, parallactic mounting, etc. - What inspires you?
The beauty of nature. Especially places that I'm discovering for the first time. That's why I'm always looking for new, unknown places. - What is your dream shoot or project?
I have a couple of crazy projects in my head with aurora borealis. I have already implemented several of them, but a few are still waiting for me. - What is your best advice to others that want to develop as photographers?
I recommend not following dogmatically the instructions and rules. The best thing a photographer can do is to go out into nature, look for your own compositions, try to discover your own style and your own view of the world around you.
What is in your bag?
- What is the most important in your bag?
I always bring my Zeiss Otus 28mm f1.4. - What bag do you use?
I change the brand often, I have not yet discovered a photo backpack that would work for me 100%.
Discover more about Jan Šmíd
Instagram: @jan_smidphotography
Facebook: jansmidphotography
Website: smidphotography.com