This week we examined the influence of institutions and manufacturers on the photographs we consume and produce.
As someone who currently shoots with the Hasselblad mirrorless digital medium format X system, and previously the Leica Q full compact frame mirrorless camera, I admire the heritage and legacy of the brands and their associated legendary photographers.
Both Hasselblad and Leica foster strong artistic communities, an effort that I greatly appreciate. The Hasselblad Masters, for example, is one of the world’s most prestigious art competitions and provides a platform for extraordinary photographers.
Similarly, the Hasselblad Heroines program celebrates female talent globally, while the Hasselblad Ambassadors program recognizes select photographers for their innovation and excellence. Their work demonstrates the art of the possible.
In turn, Leica runs the internationally renowned Leica Oskar Barnack Award and the Leica Hall of Fame Award, honouring photographers such as Elliott Erwitt, Ralph Gibson, and Joel Meyerwitz.
Since the 1970s, Leica has also created dedicated gallery spaces adjacent to select stores, with 29 galleries worldwide, including in cities like Tokyo, Paris, New York, Sydney, and Mexico City.
These initiatives inspire me to push my creative vision and technical skills and, I admit, influence aspirational purchases of their premium-priced products (albeit, usually secondhand).
As an amateur photographer transitioning from a 30 year career as a military search and rescue pilot and aspiring to become a fine art photographer, I have much to do. Mastering camera skills and developing a distinctive style and personal aesthetic are essential, as is improving my visual storytelling while exploring meaningful themes.
Completing the MA Photography program will provide a solid educational foundation, with my Final Major Project becoming the cornerstone of my portfolio. By experimenting with different styles and focusing on strong conceptual underpinnings, I aim to develop a signature artistic vision.
A well-curated website and online portfolio will help me connect and engage with a wider audience, as will submitting works for publications and exhibitions. Busy times ahead!
List of Figures
Feature Image: Scott MURPHY. 2024. Hasselblad X2D 100C [camera, closeup]. Photograph by the author.
Figure 1: Weimar CHU. n.d. Hasselblad Masters 2023’. 2024. [online]. Available at: https://www.hasselblad.com/inspiration/masters/2023/ [accessed 19 Jul 2024].
Figure 2: Swee OH. 2019. Hasselblad [online]. Available at: https://www.hasselblad.com/inspiration/heroines/swee-oh
Figure 3: Hengki KOENTJORO. n.d.. Hasselblad [online]. Available at: https://www.hasselblad.com/inspiration/ambassadors/hengki-koentjoro [accessed 19 Jul 2024].
Figure 4: Ismail FERDOUS. 2019-2023. Sea Beach series. Leica Oscar Barnack Award 2023 [online]. Available at: https://www.leica-oskar-barnack-award.com/en/series-finalists/2023/ismail-ferdous.html [accessed 19 Jul 2024].
Figure 5: Elliott ERWITT [online]. Available at: https://www.elliotterwitt.com/snaps?pgid=kcw7gc7a-f1bed327-d5a7-4917-b84f-7cfaeeeca102 [accessed 19 Jul 2024].
Figure 6: Leica Gallery Weltzar. Leica Galleries – About | Leica Camera AG 2024. [online]. AAvailable at: https://leica-camera.com/en-int/photography/leica-galleries/overview [accessed 19 Jul 2024].
Scott Murphy – Photographer 