Submissions open on May 1, 2023, for a new edition of the world’s greatest adventure and action sports imagery contest.
The Red Bull Illume Image Quest is back in 2023 for its seventh edition. Building on the success of the previous editions, the world’s greatest adventure and action sports imagery contest returns to shine the spotlight on the often-unsung heroes behind the camera – the photographers who go to the most extreme lengths possible to create images that grab your eye and capture your imagination.
Submissions for Red Bull Illume Image Quest 2023 will be open from May 1 until July 31, but as always, we suggest getting ahead of the game. Go out and create – for the contest all you need is an idea, a camera, a willing athlete and a great location. The contest is free to enter and open to everyone on redbullillume.comand on Instagram. It doesn’t matter if you’re an aspiring amateur, a seasoned pro, a social media enthusiast or a videographer, Red Bull Illume is open for amazing content from all the creators out there.
In 2023, there are 10 categories. There will be a category to celebrate every aspect of the genre from RAW shots fresh out of the camera to creative edited photos to the increasingly popular videos. However, this year participants are limited to up to 5 submissions per category, so only the finest selection will progress.
The following categories can be submitted on redbullillume.com:
Emerging – A fresh approach offers new angles. The up-and-coming category is for rising talents to compete on similar footing – submissions accepted only from photographers 25 years old or less.
Energy – Images that demonstrate the force that powers an action and show the energy, speed and strength required for an athlete to perform.
Innovation – Images that reveal a unique angle, a visual idea, a different format, light and flash effects… something never seen before!
Lifestyle by COOPH – Images that visually capture the creativity of the lifestyle, music and culture that surrounds adventure and action sports, or represents what happens before, between, and after the action.
Masterpiece – Images that illuminate your artistic skill, your personal best, your unique style – give us your best shot!
Playground by Radiant Photo – Images that showcase the landscapes, locations, platforms, and environments in which athletes play.
Creative – Images that have been enhanced digitally or in the darkroom through alterations made in the production or digital editing process. This is an open category, so anything goes!
RAW – Shots that are straight out of the camera showcasing the real image. Composition, exposure, lighting done in front of the lens and in the scene, not behind a screen. That’s the RAW category – un- cropped, untouched, no filter.
Submissions on Instagram with the tags @redbullillume and #rbi23submission:
Photos of Instagram – Photos submitted on the Instagram feed – the most gram-worthy photos. Stuff so cool the jury will have to stop scrolling.
Reels of Instagram – Videos up to 60 seconds submitted on the Instagram feed – the best footage of adventure and action sports.
Past winners of Red Bull Illume have gone on to achieve worldwide recognition. On top of exposure from the top voices, trend setters and publications in outdoor and action sports photography, there are awesome prizes and experiences for the photographers. Previous winners who have lifted the trophy and earned the fame in the industry, Will Saunders, Ben Thouard and Lorenz Holder, can be found on redbullillume.com.
Submissions for all categories of Red Bull Illume Image Quest 2023 will open on May 1, participating images must have been taken after August 1, 2021. Red Bull Illume can ́t wait to see your best images, celebrate your passion – and share your work with the world!
All the latest updates can be found on the Red Bull Illume website and social channels.