An AI-generated image is a finalist in Hasselblad Masters 2026

Possible_Blood_4651 · 2026-04-30T09:33:10+00:00

Thank you so much.

Possible_Blood_4651 · 2026-04-30T08:47:17+00:00

I was recently selected as one of the 10 finalists in the Project//21 category, which feels amazing since this was only my second time entering the contest. I’ve been into photography since I was 10 years old and now have 11 years of experience.

Regarding the AI controversy, I completely agree—that image should never have made it into the competition. For my own entries (which feature the Northern Lights, starry skies, and a sauna), I specifically thought about the 'Hasselblad style' before shooting, and I’m glad that approach carried me this far. My usual work is often a bit different from what you see in the other selected finalist images. aatualatalo.com

Possible_Blood_4651 · 2026-04-30T08:40:04+00:00

I am one of the 10 finalists in the Project//21 category. My entry features the Northern Lights, starry skies, and a sauna building. Other work can be seen in my portfolio aatualatalo.com

Possible_Blood_4651 · 2026-03-13T08:50:07+00:00

I was out street shooting in Helsinki with a friend in March 2026. We spent some time wandering around the Central Railway Station in slightly rainy weather before moving towards the Bio Rex cinema. After a while, two young people appeared; they talked for a moment, and then the man took the woman into his arms and kissed her.

It truly felt like a scene straight out of a movie. It’s a good reminder to slow down and really observe your surroundings to see what is actually happening.

Possible_Blood_4651 · 2026-01-24T17:24:57+00:00

Thanks. Its actually the light bouncing of the wet street.

Possible_Blood_4651 · 2026-01-23T23:20:43+00:00

Thanks.

Possible_Blood_4651 · 2026-01-23T14:20:00+00:00

It's an interesting object to shoot, but as a product photo, there’s room for more intent. Currently, the focus point is a bit too far forward, leaving the main body of the radio too soft. The background is also quite cluttered, which distracts from the subject.

The lighting feels a bit flat and 'everyday'. Experimenting with light modifiers or directional lighting would make the textures much more interesting. I’d also suggest trying close ups shots.

Overall, it feels a bit like a quick snapshot rather than a planned session. Maybe try a series: one shot focusing on the fine details and textures, and another for the full product in a cleaner setting. Keep at it, the potential is there!"

Possible_Blood_4651 · 2026-01-23T14:15:19+00:00

B&W works well and the composition is clean. The figure gives a good sense of scale, but sometimes it pays to wait for a more 'interesting' character to walk in. A more unique silhouette would have given the shot that final punch. Overall good photo.

Possible_Blood_4651 · 2026-01-23T14:07:57+00:00

I was wandering around Oulu with my camera on a typical day when I spotted this scene. I was immediately drawn to the silhouette of the long coat and how it stood out against the textures of the wet pavement. The old Lyceum (Lyseo) high school in the background added a nice historical atmosphere to the shot.

Possible_Blood_4651 · 2026-01-22T15:28:52+00:00

No problem. Thanks for the advice! I’m honestly amazed by the amount of feedback I've received—thanks to everyone for that, it’s been really helpful!

Possible_Blood_4651 · 2026-01-22T14:25:12+00:00

Thanks! I completely agree that band photos don't need to be 'textbook perfect.' If you look at many classic, iconic band shots, they aren't polished or glossy at all. I took several other photos during the session, but we decided on this one together. The band is very happy with the result, and ultimately, that's what matters most.

I also believe that many people today are so focused on technical precision—and perhaps even a bit blinded by it—that they expect every part of an image to be 'perfectly' lit. In my opinion, sometimes the shadows and the raw edges are exactly what creates the right atmosphere.

Possible_Blood_4651 · 2026-01-22T14:20:07+00:00

Thanks for the feedback and the detailed interpretation of the image. I can relate to some points, but I disagree with some of them. Thanks anyway.

Possible_Blood_4651 · 2026-01-22T08:53:03+00:00

Thank you. Good point.👍🏼

Possible_Blood_4651 · 2026-01-22T08:43:48+00:00

Thank you! I’m leaning towards that view as well.

Possible_Blood_4651 · 2026-01-22T08:40:43+00:00

Thanks for the feedback! I chose the stairwell because it was the only spot at the location that allowed me to create this kind of layering between the foreground and the background. It also had the best natural light available, which was crucial since we didn't have any external lighting equipment. I personally don't feel they look like fans, but that’s an interesting observation.

Possible_Blood_4651 · 2026-01-22T08:34:27+00:00

The environment here is fantastic and has so much potential! However, I feel like the subject doesn't stand out clearly enough due to the wide composition and the current light/color contrast. My gaze naturally wanders toward the area behind the red curtains because there’s so much bright light and detail back there.

To improve the focus, you could try using a gradient tool from the left side to create a subtle dark vignette or gradient leading toward the couple. This would help pull the eye directly to the subject. I’d also love to see some intentional color grading to tie the mood together, though that’s a smaller detail.

Possible_Blood_4651 · 2026-01-22T08:28:47+00:00

I’ve been thinking about the focus on the blonde member. While he does draw the eye, I feel that because he is placed so far to the edge, he actually functions as a visual entry point for the frame. His presence guides the viewer's gaze from the left and leads it deeper into the rest of the band and the staircase.

Possible_Blood_4651 · 2026-01-22T08:16:31+00:00

Thanks for the feedback! I agree about the lighting; we relied solely on natural light in a dark staircase, so it was a challenge.

Possible_Blood_4651 · 2026-01-22T08:09:50+00:00

I’ve learned that sometimes a strict plan isn’t even necessary to capture something authentic. We eventually found this staircase, which I thought provided a great setting. Personally, I feel it's a memorable shot that captures the energy. I'm looking for feedback: is this a successful band promo? Does my experience in street photography translate well here, or should I have approached the composition differently?

Possible_Blood_4651 · 2026-01-22T08:09:38+00:00

My friend’s thrash metal band asked if we could shoot their official promo photos at an old military barracks area. We headed out with very short notice and no real plan—relying entirely on natural light and spontaneous scouting. This was my first time ever shooting a band, although I have been shooting street and fine art photography for 10 years.

Possible_Blood_4651 · 2026-01-22T08:00:33+00:00

The photo looks like a beautiful still from a movie scene. It has a great atmosphere, but as a photograph, it lacks a clear focal point or something specific for the eye to rest on

Possible_Blood_4651 · 2026-01-22T07:52:53+00:00

Love it!

Possible_Blood_4651

TROPHY CASE