FROM HASSELBLAD MASTERS FINALIST TO MONOVISIONS GRAND PRIZE WINNER
HASSELBLAD MASTERS 2026
On 28 April, the day the Hasselblad Masters finalists were due to be announced, my hopes began to fade as the afternoon moved on with no word. Then, just as I was starting to accept that it wasn’t to be, an email arrived. Completely unexpected, it was the message I had been waiting for!
CONGRATULATIONS!
We are pleased to inform you that your submission has been selected as a finalist in the Hasselblad Masters 2026 competition.
Among the record-breaking total of over 100,000 submitted images, your photographs truly stood out. This achievement reflects the significance of your contribution, as the selection process was highly competitive. Your outstanding work is now recognised among the finalists, demonstrating the exceptional standard of your photography.
After years of dedication to this project, seeing it recognised in one of the world's most prestigious photography competitions was an incredibly special moment.
It was also the second time I had been selected as a Hasselblad Masters Finalist, having first reached the finals in 2021. Although I once again fell just short of being named a Hasselblad Master, it only strengthens my determination to keep creating work that pushes me further. As they say, third time's the charm!
MONOVISIONS PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS 2026
As the excitement surrounding the Hasselblad Masters began to settle, another email arrived in my inbox. This time, it was from the Monovisions Photography Awards, informing me that The Land That Made Us One had been selected as the winner of its category. I was absolutely delighted. However, there was no mention whatsoever that the series was also in contention for the overall Grand Prize.
When the results were officially released, I opened the Monovisions email eager to discover who had been crowned the overall winner. Instead, by complete surprise, I was greeted by one of my own photographs. I had absolutely no idea that The Land That Made Us One was even being considered for the Grand Prize after already being notified of the category win.
To learn that the project had been awarded the Monovisions Photography Awards 2026 Series of the Year was completely unexpected and an achievement i’m incredibly proud of. The series has been years in the making, and to see it recognised in this way is a tremendous honour.
What made the moment even more special was seeing two of my close friends and multiple repeat safari guests awarded in the Wildlife category for their outstanding series, both captured during our adventures together in Tanzania and Zambia. Watching them receive this recognition makes this occasion all the more meaningful.
