Since 2019, Hasselblad has given the spotlight to a selection of established female photographers – the Hasselblad Heroines – sharing their experiences, industry challenges, and inspirations through images and interviews. 

This year’s campaign will run for six months, sharing the outstanding work of Hasselblad Heroines past and present, across numerous genres. The exceptional work on display is consistent with Hasselblad’s high standards and is a testament to not only the best Hasselblad cameras and lenses, but also the dedication of the photographers to the medium. 

“The campaign will feature stunning images, engaging Q&As, and present behind-the-scenes clips from our Heroines to pay tribute to these talented photographers and inspire the next generation of female photographers,” says Hasselblad.

The four Heroines highlighted throughout March are all still-life photographers, from product to abstract, their work showcases the possibilities of the genre:

Annie Spratt is a film and digital photographer based in the South of England who creates beautiful scenes out in nature. Facing “discouraging voices” early in her career, she persevered and remained dedicated to creating her work, and now has accrued over 9 billion views and 50 million downloads on Unsplash, where she works as content management lead. On top of this, she is a mother to eight children and openly discusses her navigation of the work-life balance.   

Karen Thomas is a renowned food photographer based in London, UK, whose work has brought food to life for high-profile clients such as McDonald’s and Nestlé. Her superb use of lighting and conceptual ideas landed her awards at The Food Photographer of the Year and Tokyo International Foto Award competitions. Karen also shares her experiences in breaking into the industry, in an open and approachable manner. 

In addition to holding the position of ‘chief storyteller’ at Minecraft, Lydia Winters captures incredible products and watches with unique and creative photography. She shares her relationship with photography and how she manages to blend technical ability with the art of storytelling. 

Andrea Zvadova is a Slovakian-born photographer who focuses on redefining beauty standards through stunning macro and portrait photography. Her work champions uniqueness and diversity, and “invites audiences to embrace the richness of human expression”. As a self-taught photographer, she shares her journey through finding a style, that although unconventional, worked for her and that enabled her to stand out from the crowd. 

The Hasselblad Heroine campaigns are fantastic, and shine a light on incredible photographers and their individual stories in the hope of encouraging the next generation of female photographers. Learning from those who have gone before you is incredibly valuable for young female photographers, and as a father to one myself I am incredibly grateful that this discussion is being had – and shared. 

You can keep up to date with the campaign on the Hasselblad Instagram account and with the hashtag #HasselbladHeroines. 

You may also be interested in our guides to the best medium format cameras, the best camera for food photography, and the best camera for product photography. 

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CHICAGO – During Oscar week, all eyes turn to Unit Photographer Dale Robinette, who got the assignment on the Oscar nominated “Barbie.” The following on-set pictures were snapped during the production’s time in Los Angeles, which including the iconic cowpoke wardrobe of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.

“Uncle Dale” Robinette first contacted me via email in 2013, to give information about some photos he took on the film “Lovelace.” Ever since then he has been a reliable email pal, sending me image after image from the movie sets that he is “blessed” (his word) to work on. He has plied his skills in Hollywood as a Unit Still Photographer since 1988, after a career as a stage and television actor in New York and Los Angeles. Starting with a TV short called “The Big Five” (1988), he has worked his way up the ladder, and has built an impressive photo resume through familiar films like “Donnie Darko,” “Thank You for Smoking,” “Southland Tales,” “Red,” “W.,” “Up in the Air,” “The Help,” “Draft Day,” “One Night in Miami” and of course “Barbie.”

Robinette’s most famous picture is also one of his most reproduced. In 2016 he was assigned the film “LA LA Land” and photographed Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling during their “A Lovely Night” dance. The original camera shot is below. And his connection to “LA LA” got him the “Barbie” job.

“I received an email from a young woman, Kerri Smeltzer, who I had worked with before on ‘LA LA Land,” Robinette related, “She asked me, ‘Would you like to come to Los Angeles for a film?’ I said ‘Sure, throw my name in the hat with the others.’ She then told me, ‘No, we only want you.’ That film was ‘Barbie’”

The following is excerpts from a 2017 interview with Uncle Dale including a couple more images from the master on-set photographer.

HollywoodChicago.com: Much of movie making is encapsulated in the saying ‘hurry up and wait.’ How does that apply to a Unit Still Photographer?

Dale Robinette: I do a lot of behind-the-scenes shooting. If you look at any typical website for a film you will see images like the director speaking to the actors. The photo editors at the studios often judge a still photographers worth – not by the usual shots of the movie scenes – but by their unusual images of behind the scenes.

HollywoodChicago.com: Who or what was the key moment in your unit photography career that propelled you from the early days in the 1980s and ‘90s doing TV movies and horror films to more mainstream features like Donnie Darko?

Robinette: There was no specific moment. I never had a ‘five year plan’ or such…I just stumbled along. As I sharpened my skills, there were people who remembered me and in the movie business it’s a who-you-know, what-you-know, and-what-you-do kind of world. To me, there was no ‘decisive moment’ – I’ve just moved from movie to movie like most freelancers – but I’ve been very blessed lately.

Director and Stars: Greta Gerwig, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling for ‘Barbie’
Photo credit: Dale Robinette for Warner Bros.

HollywoodChicago.com: What best describes your role as a Unit Still Photographer on a typical movie set, as in when you step in and why?

Robinette: My method is when the cameras are rolling, that is when I do my work. I try to camp next to the “A” camera, and if the angle isn’t good, I’ll ask the First Assistant Director for 30 seconds at the end of the scene to get “The Shot” – because there is not going to be another opportunity.

HollywoodChicago.com: Which type of film set is most comfortable for a Unit Still Photographer, and which types make your job the most difficult?

Robinette: Basically I love to have room to work – it’s a nightmare working in a small set in a hot room with 30 bodies – and me sandwiched between actors and crew. I’ve been elbowed out of the way more than once by a belligerent boom man.

HollywoodChicago.com: Of any of the great studio films, made between let’s say 1939 through the end of the era up until the early 1960s, which one would you have liked to have been a Unit Still Photographer on, and why?

Robinette: I’d have to say ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’ I love that it’s in black-and-white, that the director Robert Mulligan had such a keen eye, that it featured Gregory Peck, and that it contained the vision and words of author Harper Lee. As an aside, I happened to know the Art Director on that film, Henry Bumstead, and he won an Academy Award that year. He also was Clint Eastwood’s favorite man and worked with him until he passed away in 2006.

I loved the courtroom drama, the period costumes and the humanity of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The story transports us away from the hectic world we live in to a simpler time, that was more civilized.

The Original Camera Image of Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling in ‘La La Land’
Photo credit: Dale Robinette for Lionsgate

In this week’s excerpt of “I Am Northwest Arkansas,” host Randy Wilburn speaks with Alice Gachuzo Colin, a Springdale resident who’s wholly invested in her city. She works with the Springdale Martin Luther King, Jr. observation, the voter registration organization: Get Loud Arkansas, and went headlong into politics when she ran for Springdale City Council.

A new, expanded edition of the documentary photographer’s Born Black arrives alongside an exhibition of his work at New York’s Jack Shainman Gallery

March 05, 2024

‘I relive it every single day.’ A Palestinian father and UNRWA photographer returns to the place where Israeli forces killed his four-year-old daughter while following evacuation orders to flee to south Gaza.

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In a blend of historical insight and artistic flair, a major exhibition at the Hellenic American Union is set to breathe new life into Neapoli, one of Athens’ oldest districts, famed for its intellectual legacy and cultural diversity. Opening on Tuesday evening, the showcase features a unique collection of rare photographs and contemporary art, aiming to reconnect the public with the area’s vibrant past and its significance in the evolution of modern Athens. The exhibition, which celebrates the district’s development from a spiritual hub to an anthropological melting pot, will run until May 25.

Historical Tapestry Unveiled

Neapoli, nestled between the Lycabettus and Strefi hills, saw its genesis post-1850 as Athenians ventured northeast in search of unclaimed land. Its proximity to the University of Athens catalyzed a construction boom, attracting not just local students but scholars from across the Greek diaspora. This influx turned the neighborhood into a cradle of intellectualism, housing many of Greece’s renowned thinkers and creators. Through the lens of both historical photographs and modern artistic interpretations, the exhibition seeks to capture the essence of Neapoli’s transformation from mere geographical space to a beacon of cultural and intellectual activity.

Linking Past and Present

The exhibition’s curators have meticulously selected pieces that not only document the architectural and social evolution of the district but also evoke the spirit of the times. Visitors are invited to embark on a journey through time, exploring how Neapoli’s streets, buildings, and its people contributed to shaping the intellectual landscape of Athens. The showcase serves as a reminder of the district’s role in fostering a vibrant community of thinkers, writers, and artists, whose influence permeated the broader cultural fabric of the city.

A Cultural Melting Pot

The area’s unique character is attributed to its diverse inhabitants, who arrived from various provinces and corners of the Greek world. This melting pot of cultures and ideas not only enriched Neapoli’s social life but also played a pivotal role in the district’s historical significance. By highlighting this multicultural aspect, the exhibition underscores the importance of diversity and inclusivity in contributing to the dynamism of urban life. It invites reflection on how historical narratives shape our understanding of contemporary cities and their cultural heritage.

As the exhibition draws to a close, it leaves us pondering the intricate layers of history that constitute urban identities. Neapoli’s story is a testament to the enduring power of community, intellect, and cultural exchange in shaping the cities we live in today. This showcase not only revives forgotten chapters of Athens’ past but also encourages us to appreciate the rich tapestry of histories that underpin our modern urban landscapes.