Hasselblad is making a comeback with another edition of Hasselblad Masters, a competition aimed at showcasing the world's best photography across diverse genres. Read on for details!
Best known for their state-of-the-art cameras used by the world's best photographers, Hasselblad is a brand familiar to all. What you might not know, however, is that since 2001, they have been hosting a photography competition called Hasselblad Masters. The contest is dedicated to recognizing and promoting outstanding photographic talent on a global scale. There is no restriction on the level you need to be to enter; you can be a beginner or a seasoned pro. The competition is open to everyone, and the entries need not be shot on a Hasselblad camera. Winners in each respective category will receive a brand new Hasselblad X2D camera and two lenses, as well as a creative fund of EUR 5,000. They will also be invited to participate in a special project with Hasselblad.
The categories for 2023 are as follows: landscape, architecture, portrait, street, art, Project//21. While the first five categories are self-explanatory, the last one needs some detail. Project//21 aims to showcase the new generation of photography. If you are a reader under 21, make sure to submit your work! The Grand Jury will be looking for innovative talents and free exploration in photography.
Hasselblad Masters 2023 is open for entries from the 14th of December 2023 to the 29th of February 2024. Finalists will be announced on April 19th. The winner will be decided by a mix of jury votes and public votes.
You can submit your work via this link. The full set of rules can be viewed via this link.
In order to enter you do have to agree to give Hasselblad the right to use your image(s) in promotional material, advertising and exhibitions so make sure you are OK with this. Depends whether you see that as a price worth paying to enter or a blatant ploy by Hasselblad to acquire some free photographs.
To be frank, I'm sure Hasselblad could license any of the timeless photographs taken with their cameras for an ad campaign. The real question is if one's images are good enough to be used in a Hasselblad campaign. If they are, you are probably not entering camera contests.
edit. -- even if one party offers free stuff, the other party does not need to take it if it doesn't need it.