Hasselblad Masters competition Call For Entry

Since it was established in 2001, the Hasselblad Masters competition has been dedicated to providing a platform for extraordinary photographers worldwide. The Hasselblad Masters is one of the world’s most prestigious art competitions, giving professionals the chance to make their mark in the world of photography.

1. WHO CAN ENTER?

1.1. The Hasselblad Masters Contest is open to all photographers and who are using digital cameras or film cameras, regardless of brand and format, but excluding drone camera, smartphone and tablet cameras. The Project//21 category is open to all photographers under the age of 21.

1.2. No employee of Hasselblad and their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, sales representatives, distributors, manufacturers, licensees or agents and their immediate family members, are eligible to participate in this Contest. Hasselblad will have the final say on entry eligibility.

* The Project//21 category is an exception. Project//21 is open to all amateur photographers, students, assistants and young professionals 21 years old and under at the close of the competition submission period. Proof of age will be required.

2. HOW TO ENTER

2.1. A person satisfying all requirements set out in these Terms and Conditions (“Entrant”) may enter the Contest by submitting an entry (“Entry”) in the following format and in accordance with all Contest rules including those set out in these Terms and Conditions.

2.2. Entry admissions open at 13:00 CEST on 12 December 2023 and close at 23:59 CEST on 29 Febury 2024. Entries received after 23:59 CEST on 29 February 2024 will be ineligible for the Contest.

2.3. Fill in the online entry form and then click on the “Upload your entry” link to submit the images (“Images”).

2.4. Each Entry must consist of three (3) photos in each category that you wish to enter, and you’re allowed to enter as many categories as you like, with each Entry judged on the three submitted Images in that category.

2.5. For Entrants who are minors at the time of entering the Contest, his/her parent or lawful guardian must agree to the participation of the Entrant and read and accept these Terms and Conditions.

3. CATEGORIES

There are 6 categories in the Contest:

3.1. Art

Artistic photography focuses on aesthetic elements and seeks to explore the social significance of a topic or culture. Photographers often use portraits, landscapes, and still lifes as carriers for expression, sparking viewers to question, to reflect, and to empathise. We look forward to works that break the norm, challenge existing standards, and take viewers on a profound journey through their unique and novel creations.

3.2. Landscape

Entries in the Landscape category focus on natural landscapes and urban views, reflecting the photographers’ unique point of view. We hope to see works which not only demonstrate proficiency in basic techniques such as exposure, composition, and depth of field but also bring novel perspectives or deeper concepts, allowing viewers to view landscapes from entirely new perspectives.

3.3. Portrait

Portrait photography can convey the emotions of the subject and the photographer, allowing viewers to reflect on their own experiences and look inward. We hope to see works that express more than just emotions from facial features but break through this traditional boundary to reveal in-depth processes and speak to the viewer.

3.4. Architecture

Architectural photography is an art that condenses light, depth of field, shadow, texture, and geometry, transferring three-dimensional structures into two-dimensional space. It is both a homage to architects and constructors and a re-creation of architectural aesthetics. We look forward to seeing work that not only captures the structure of the building and its relationship to its surroundings but enriches the viewer’s understanding and appreciation of the social, cultural, and historical aspects of architecture.

3.5. Project//21

Project 21 aims to provide an accessible platform unconstrained by themes and genres for photographers under the age of 21. We look forward to works that demonstrate a photographer’s skill set and innovative talents, and that allow viewers to appreciate the visual charm of free exploration and imagination.

3.6. Street

The most eye-catching street photography often isn’t carefully staged but a specific moment in time or a story that happened to be fatefully captured at the press of the shutter. We look forward to works that allow viewers to experience the atmosphere of the streets and reflect on the bond between humanity and society.

4. IMAGE REQUIREMENTS AND RULES

4.1. An eligible Entrant is entitled to enter any all 6 categories and such Entrant should upload three (3) Images for each category when submitting an Entry.

4.2. Submissions of Images must be made digitally, regardless of capture form. Only JPEG files smaller than ten (10) MB will be accepted, not less than 300DPI, not less than 1000pixel in long edge. All files should include full EXIF/ Metadata.

4.3. To be eligible, the Images must be shot using either a digital system (but excluding drones, smartphones, and tablets), or they can be scanned 35mm, medium format or large format film

5. JUDGES & JURY

Hasselblad Masters are carefully selected by two juries – the Hasselblad Public Jury and the Hasselblad Grand Jury.

5.1. Hasselblad Public Jury

The Hasselblad Public Jury will identify their favorite entries by rating them in each category. These selected Entries will then score points towards the ‘Hasselblad Masters Jury’ vote, with the Hasselblad Public Jury therefore effectively acting as a ‘seat’ on the main jury. It is not mandatory to vote in all 6 categories. Individuals wishing to vote must have a login account for the Hasselblad website and be logged in, with accounts restricted to one set of votes in each category, so to eliminate multiple votes from the same individuals. Hasselblad reserves the right to overrule the public vote if it suspects foul play or an untrustworthy result.

5.2. Hasselblad Grand Jury

The Hasselblad Grand Jury features the industry’s most respected photographers, established editors and industry experts, along with previous winners of the Hasselblad Masters Contest. Together they constitute the majority of the votes and use the same star rating system as the Public Jury. Once the Grand Jury has completed their votes, the result of the Public Jury is added and the winners for each of the 6 categories are announced.

6. PRIZES

6.1. Winners (“Hasselblad Master(s)”) of the Contest will be decided by Hasselblad and the juries. All prize winner(s) must respond to Hasselblad within five working days upon the receipt of the notice of Hasselblad to accept the prize(s) and title given. Failure to do so will result in automatic forfeiture of the prize(s) and the title given, which Hasselblad has sole discretion to award to another Entrant.

6.2. Each winner earns a title of “Hasselblad Master”. They will also receive their own Hasselblad 100-megapixel mirrorless medium format camera and two XCD Series lenses, as well as a creative fund of EUR 5,000. The Hasselblad Master is required to shoot for a collaborative project with Hasselblad. The project will be published in the commemorative Hasselblad Masters book as well as digitally on all Hasselblad digital and print channels.

6.3. Hasselblad reserves the right to change the prize(s) subject to availability. Hasselblad has the sole and final discretion as to the total number of Hasselblad Master(s) and prize(s) to be awarded in this Contest.

6.4. Hasselblad may rescind the prize(s) and title given if the Entrant or Entry is subsequently found to have violated these Terms and Conditions.

6.5. Any prize, award, benefit, item, or material a Hasselblad Master receives from Hasselblad or its affiliates, agents, representatives, or business partners, may be taxable in the Hasselblad Master’s jurisdiction. Hasselblad Masters are solely responsible for paying income and other taxes for prizes, awards, benefits, items, or other materials.

Key dates:

• Applications close: February 29, 2024
• Event Date: June 26, 2024

You can be in contact with us in case of submission or further questions.

You can see more calls HERE.