ABOUT
JAN-STEVEN MERSON

Sharing the Passion for Photography Through Real-World Learning

From the streets of Southern California to destinations around the world, my mission is to help photographers of every skill level build confidence, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the art of photography.

What is street photography

Welcome to the vibrant world of the Candid Camera Collective, an amazing community where street photography lovers come together to celebrate the beauty in everyday life, on a photo-walk! And guess what? Joining our collective is absolutely FREE, so there’s no reason to hold back! This is your golden opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts who share your passion for photography. Showcase your incredible work, and enhance your skills through valuable critiques from our supportive members. We’re thrilled to kick off our adventure with exciting monthly photo walks in the stunning landscapes of Southern California areas for now, and as our community flourishes, we’ll expand our fun to include locations around the globe! I will encourage one of members to host the street photography photo walks in their town, where ever it might be. Don’t miss out, on this fantastic opportunity. Also, I will be asking some members to write articles to be posted in this newsletter monthly, or as a guest author and dive into our exciting collective today! Click here

MY JOURNEY

From Landscapes to Street Photography

Hi, I'm Jan-Steven Merson, a passionate photographer, educator, and travel enthusiast originally from Brooklyn, New York. After spending more than 25+ years as a landscape photographer, everything changed during a week exploring the streets of London UK.

That experience introduced me to the world of street photography, where every moment is unique and every photograph tells a story. Since then, I have traveled extensively, capturing authentic moments while sharing my knowledge through hands-on photography workshops.

My photography travels have also taken me through Spain, Lisbon, Ireland and Hawaii, each offering a different mix of street life, landscapes and visual stories.

WHY I TEACH

Helping You See the World Differently

Photography is more than learning camera settings. It's about slowing down, observing your surroundings, and capturing moments that others might overlook.

My workshops are designed to create a relaxed and supportive environment where beginners and photography enthusiasts can learn through real-world experience instead of traditional classroom lessons.