Your plans for Red Bull Illume this year?
I haven’t yet completed my submission for 2021, however I’m excited to go through some new imagery that I’ve captured the past two years! I’m also planning a trip to the Pacific northwest in pursuit of a crazy image I’ve had stuck in my head for a few years now, and the submission deadline is the perfect motivation.
What tips do you have for a winning image?
Surround yourself with passionate and hard-working individuals. Most importantly, just have fun, that’s why we’re all creating, right? Finally, have persistence, laugh at the negative circumstances, and keep stepping up to the plate with a positive attitude.
Tell us more!
Incredible moments are constantly occurring around the world, sometimes in the most obscure and unpredictable locations. Capturing something special comes down to putting yourself in the right position. As a photographer, there are times when I happen to be in the right spot at the right time, and there are also instances where I have a very specific vision of what I want to create. Regardless, those incredible moments are fleeting and very difficult to capture. With experience it’s easier to recognize opportunity, however regardless of skill level you still have to capitalize on the opportunity. With that said, it’s important to pursue YOUR vision, not allowing outside opinion and or common methods to dictate YOUR imagery outcome.
What impact did Red Bull Illume have on your career?
Red Bull Illume has provided me with an amazing platform to showcase my imagery and also gather inspiration from around the world. Simply put, Red Bull Illume has given me an opportunity to connect with a larger audience of adventure seeking individuals, talented photographers and cinematographers to help inspire future imagery, and industry professionals to collaborate with on future projects.
What’s the best part about being an action and outdoor photographer?
My favorite aspect of my career is interacting with talented, creative, passionate, and hard-working individuals, while sharing special experiences with them in memorable places. It’s truly amazing how interconnected the outdoor community is, and each individual within has such a unique skill set of tools and experiences, which creates an endless resource to tap into and learn from. I love watching those relationships develop and grow overtime, linking up with an athlete or a client for shooting purposes, and overtime they become your friends and family.
How and when did photography first come into your life?
At 12 years old, I saved money from mowing lawns, cleaning vehicles, and my birthdays to purchase a Pentax ZX-M film camera. I don’t remember a specific reason for purchasing the camera, however my older brother Sam purchased one at the same time which was a huge motivator. Looking back at my childhood, I recently realized that my Grandpa loved photography, and after he passed, my Dad acquired his camera…therefore it was always around while growing up, my Dad often shooting us playing sports.
When did you know that photography was going to be your career?
For many years leading up to self-employment, I questioned my path often. I almost went in a different direction many times. After years of staying productive, trying new things, working hard and having fun, I began to pick up more and more photography jobs and publication. With that said, in the summer of 2015 (a year before I went self-employed), I vividly remember shooting mountain-biking one evening and capturing some incredible images. That evening I immediately knew where to focus my energy for the future. I was a photographer.
If you look back now, what are some stand out memories in your career?
The images themselves stand out as the most important accomplishments. But my first published full page in 2008, and my first cover in 2015 will always carry weight. Finally, most importantly, the Red Bull Illume RAW Category win in 2019.
Inspired to enter? Submit your images here!
You can find more of Noah’s work on his website and on Instagram @noahwetzel and Facebook @NoahWetzelPhoto.