Tell us a little about you!
I am Jaanus Ree I am from and based in Estonia. I started my photographic career with shooting windsurfers as I did it myself as well. I enjoyed photography so much that I also started to find challenges with other sports. Today I am known mostly as a rally photographer but I do work with some other athletes as well occasionally.
Your image of the cat in the Image Quest 2016 was one of the most innovative angles we’ve ever seen. How often do people ask you if it was Photoshopped?
Thanks! Often, too often. But to be honest I was expecting that and this is why we also shot the same shot on a film once we had secured it on digital. It was on black and white film and camera jammed after every exposure. I was pretty sure it did not work. Imagine the surprise when I got it back from development and everything was perfect. However, I submitted the color one as it looked better.
Are you always thinking of what could be the next innovative image, or do you prefer to let it come to you?
Both! With the cat photo my girlfriend had asked me to shoot some photos of our cat. So, I thought up something a little different...!
With skate shot everything was there, it was just a quick thought and realization.
With so many images available on social media sites, is it harder to create a newly innovative image now compared to the last Image Quest?
Actually, I think it’s even easier… you have so much of inspiration so easily reachable!
Are there any photographers out there that you think are truly innovative?
Definitely! Lorenz Holder, Dan Vojtech, Dave Lehl and many more! All of the past finalists of the Red Bull Illume competition have something seriously innovative in their works, that’s what makes the Image Quest so great!
What’s the best piece of advice you could give photographers that want to enter the Innovation category?
Take risks to capture something different!
Will you be submitting to the Red Bull Illume Image Quest 2019?
Yep! First shots already uploaded!
You can submit to the Innovation by Sony category right here!