Jan has already been a pioneering artist during his childhood when he sprayed graffiti in Amsterdam. He also made detailed drawings and realistic illustrations. He became interested in photography by the analog photo gear from his father, which inspired him to develop his own style. Jan Stel takes his pictures in natural light, omitting flashlights and studio lamps. He photographs architecture which has been abandoned by man. He has had various exhibitions in the Netherlands and abroad, including Museum aan het Vrijthof, Maastricht; RAW Artfair, World Trace Centre, Rotterdam; PAN, RAI Amsterdam; Rotterdam Contemporary; KunstRAI, Amsterdam; Somerset House, London England; FotoFestival Naarden, Naarden Vesting. Stel received several awards, like the Sony World Photography Awards, International Color Awards and the Epson Pano Awards. His work can be found in many private and public collections.