Graduate fast track to international success

‌A University of Wolverhampton graduate has been shortlisted for the Hasselblad Masters Competition.

Ashley Pearson, a Pho‌tography graduate from the Faculty of Arts, has been shortlisted in a global competition to make it to the final ten of the Studio Still-Life Photography competition hosted by Swedish Photography manufacturing company Hasselblad.

Considered to be one of the highest accolades amongst professional and commercial image makers, the Hasselblad Masters Competition has welcomed online entries of top images shot by professional photographers which have been shortlisted down to 10 finalists.

The finalists’ entries have been published on the website and categorised under the 10 key themes for consideration in the competition.

The entries are open for public voting on the Hassleblad website. The top 10 voted images will be announced as the 2016 winners.

The Hasselblad Masters Competition is open to all photographers who have been active professionals for three years or more who are using digital cameras.

University of Wolverhampton Arts Graduate and competition finalist, Ashley Pearson, said:

“Being selected as a finalist means a lot to me and holds great opportunities in the future and towards my long term goals with potential recognition and exposure in the industry.

“Photography has been my passion for years and my studies have enabled me to develop that passion and explore wider horizons of photography as well as gain confidence in what I do and how to enhance my work.

“I feel that the tutors continue support graduates and I know from experience that they are willing to help with advice should I need it.

 “My competition entry was from a photographic series demonstrating the physical effects of gravity on water at 20,000 of a second and I chose this because it gives the viewer an unusual image of what our eyes wouldn't normally see.”

Senior Lecturer in Photography, Dr Peter Day, said:” The Hasselblad Masters is one of the Photography industries most recognised awards.

“It is given to commercial and professional image makers who have achieved outstanding work in their area of expertise.

“Previous winners include some of the most recognisable names in Photography, so it's is with great pride and honour that one of our alumni has been shortlisted for this year’s award in Studio Still Life for 2015.

“Ashley Pearson has, since graduating, become a recognised image maker within Photographic Studio practice.

“This is no mean achievement in the short time since graduating from the University and shows how significant our undergraduate programme has become in developing the photographic talent of the future.

“Our studio facilities and teaching are without doubt amongst the best in the country both inside and outside education.”

Each of the 10 winners will receive a Hasselblad camera to keep. They will also be able to develop portfolios and professional experience with Hasselblad offering winners the opportunity to have their work published in books, showcased in international exhibitions and they will also be awarded trophies at the release of the Photokina 2016 book.

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For further information please contact Iyma Atiq in the Media Relations office on 01902 32 2448