Hasselblad Masters Reveals 70 Finalists for the 2026 Photography Contest
The Hasselblad Masters, regarded as one of the most esteemed professional photography contests globally, has recently announced the finalists for its 2026 iteration. From a staggering 108,000 photographs entered by artists from over 160 nations and territories, 70 images have advanced to the final stage. This achievement brings the talented photographers closer to attaining the distinguished title of Hasselblad Master.
The competition features seven distinct categories, each with 10 finalists: Landscape; Portrait; Street; Architecture; Art; Wildlife; and Project // 21 (a category specifically for photographers who are 21 years old or younger). “The chosen works stand out for their creativity, innovative viewpoints, and strong conceptual foundations in visual art,” stated Hasselblad.
Winners in each category will be awarded a Hasselblad X2D II 100C camera, two XCD lenses of their preference, and a cash prize of €5,000 ($5,846 USD). Furthermore, they will have the chance to work with Hasselblad on the Hasselblad Masters book, with selected pieces highlighted across Hasselblad’s international platforms.
The selection of winners will be based on the votes of the public alongside a Grand Jury consisting of acclaimed photographers and creatives. This panel features prominent individuals such as Kalle Sanner, Executive Director of the Hasselblad Foundation; Alex Pollack, Director of Photography at National Geographic; and Rebecca Swift, Senior Vice President Creative at Getty Images.
For those keen on partaking, public voting is available until June 1, 2026. To submit your vote, head to the Hasselblad Masters website.
In the Fine Art category, the finalists’ works spark curiosity and wonder through personal interpretation and symbolic visuals, embodying diverse emotional and conceptual viewpoints. Finalists in the Architecture category reveal fresh insights into known spaces, examining the interplay between architecture, its environment, and human experience. Landscape finalists exhibit technical excellence, showcasing the evolving relationship between humanity and the natural world through extraordinary and transformative perspectives. Portrait finalists explore themes of identity and culture, narrating stories of resilience and connection. The Project // 21 category highlights the distinctive visions of young photographers who push creative limits. The Street category finalists capture the rhythm and essence of urban life, documenting moments of human connection and communal spaces. Wildlife finalists offer a visual equilibrium of observation, providing reflections on the intricacies of nature.
Public voting for the Hasselblad Masters is currently active. Visit the website to engage in this pivotal occasion within the photography community.