The History of Hasselblad Masters

In the world of photography, few honors carry the weight and legacy of the Hasselblad Masters. Much like the Masters tournament in golf signifies peak achievement, the history of Hasselblad Masters charts a tradition of excellence, creativity, and innovation. Both seasoned veterans and emerging talents have earned the prestigious title, gaining global recognition for their artistry. Awardees not only receive a high-end Hasselblad medium format camera but also collaborate on a signature project that’s published in the biennial Hasselblad Masters book, cementing their place in photographic history.

The Hasselblad brand was established as a trading company by Fritz Wiktor Hasselblad. In a chance encounter with George Eastman, founder of Eastman Kodak, Hasselblad made a deal to be the sole distributor of Eastman’s products throughout Sweden. Years of study and work in photography-related endeavors gave him a starting point when he had a dispute with the family over the trading company business. In 1937, Victor started Victor Photo, a lab and photo store.

Hasselblad Photographic Innovations

Upon capturing a German surveillance plane equipped with an aerial camera, the Swedish government approached Victor Hasselblad. He first designed and improved what was branded as the HK7 camera with his brother. By 1941, the Hasselblad camera company was in full development mode for the Swedish government.

After the war, the first successful commercial camera for Hasselblad, was the Hasselblad Universal camera, which was made by Szilárd Szabad. It was the beginning of mass-marketed and specialty cameras made and distributed for and by Hasselblad.

Hasselblad cameras were used by the military, spy agencies, space agencies, and professional photographers. The breath, depth, and impeccable precision of Hasselblad cameras made them a name known by every professional photographer and film company.

Old Hasselblad 503CW medium format camera

Hasselblad Masters Book

Earlier versions of the Hasselblad Masters book featured projects that focused on traditional photographic pursuits that included fashion, landscape and portrait photography. As photography has expanded, the famed Hasselblad Masters book has grown to include wildlife, aerial, and street photography genres.

The Hasselblad Masters book is a high-quality art volume that show  cases the work of each winner. The winners gain international recognition through gallery exhibitions, global media coverage, and invitations to speak at major photography events as well as the enduring timelessness of their photographs in the Hasselblad Masters book.

Distinguished Photographers

The roster of past Hasselblad Masters winners is a who’s who of modern photography. It is a list featuring names that have gone on to define the photographic culture in the 21st century. Along with the individual recognition, the competition serves as a time capsule of photographic trends and cultural shifts in the industry. It is a valuable resource for photography historians, professionals, hobbyists, students, and enthusiasts.

Michael Grecco was named a Hasselblad Master in 2001, recognized by his exceptional contributions to the field of photography. His extensive body of work encompasses celebrity, fine art, advertising, fashion, portrait, and editorial photography.

The Hasselblad Masters award is a celebration of the enduring power of the photographic image. It honors those who push the boundaries of visual storytelling and inspire new generations to pick up a camera and see the world differently. For Hasselblad, a brand steeped in history and innovation, the Masters competition is a natural extension of its legacy. championing not just superior equipment, but also the artists who use it to capture the movements of life in photography.