Why have you chosen to submit your image to the Image Quest 2019?

I was so impressed and inspired by the submissions of the Red Bull Image Quest competitions in the past that I knew I wanted to be a part of it someday. This is by far the greatest adventure sports photography competition in the world, where photographers capture the spirit of adventure and exploration, where minds and bodies are pushed to the very edge of human limits. To me the sport of freediving fits right into this world, not only as a sport but also as a lifestyle, so I am extremely glad to be selected amongst the very best and represented in this category [Lifestyle].

Can you tell us a little bit about your experience with Red Bull Illume 2019?

The Red Bull Illume 2019 Winner Award Ceremony on top of the Kronplatz Mountain at 7000ft was out of this world, capturing the essence of Red Bull's spirit in style. It was one of the most spectacular photography competition that I've ever been a part of with so many amazing talents and like-minded individuals from across the globe, who all shared the same love and passion for photography and creating stunning images of their sports.

"I experienced a very powerful moment, something so good that I had never felt before."

Your image made it to the final stage, congrats! How did the shot came about?

This shot is an image of a freediver coming up from a competition dive at the AAS Freediving Depth Championships. A rather intense moment where the athlete is awakened from the dark, quiet, lonely depth of space, to the bright, loud, and hectic environment of the surface above. To me, what makes this image even more special is that I've watched this athlete grow over the years, overcoming her own fears one step at a time, from when she could barely dive to a few meters down, to now where she's diving to depth of over 50 meters on one breath of air.

What’s the story behind your love for free diving?

My relationship with the ocean started at 13 years old when I got my first open water scuba certificate, but it was not until the age of 30 when I discovered freediving that transformed the way I saw the ocean. I realised that there was a lot more to freediving than just holding your breath, or the thrill of adrenaline, or to show off or anything like that. When I completed my 16m depth requirement during my first freedive course, I experienced a very powerful moment, something so good that I had never felt before. I was immediately hooked to this new sensation, and I knew right away that this is a sport that I would continue for the rest of my life.

What came first for you: free diving or photography?

I picked up my first 'non-point and shoot' camera when I quit my job at Google to travel the world, self learning on the go with just a basic understanding of aperture, shutter speed and iso. A year later after returning home, I won a grand prize at a major photography competition, and that was when photography became a little more than just a hobby. That same year, I discovered freediving and fell in love with it straight away. Naturally, I took the camera underwater and that's how it all began. So in a way photography came first, but freediving is what got me interested in underwater photography, and I am happy to have found a way to combine the two together.

What fascinates you about underwater photography?

What I find fascinating about shooting underwater on a breath hold is that it has the ability to reset my mind to really focus on the present, washing away everything and anything that goes on above the surface. Everything works differently underwater than it does on land, both physically for our bodies and technically inside the camera, and I find it very interesting to balance these two together. We know so little about the ocean, like we know so little about freediving, and while we can spend all day studying about it from the surface, admiring the weird creatures and science within it, it's quite hard to grasp the true wonders of it all until you dive down and experience it yourself. I hope my images will inspire more people to take that plunge to look closer into our oceans and into ourselves.

"... all while holding your breath and worrying about your own safety as you go deeper and deeper."

One of the biggest challenges when shooting underwater?

When you’re dealing with shooting freedivers who are diving at speeds of one metre a second, things can get really complicated. Not only do you have to adapt to the loss of light at different depths, but also the change in pressure while diving head down with a camera in your hand. Trying to keep steady while fighting against things like current, waves, thermocline and varying visibility, all while holding your breath and worrying about your own safety as you go deeper and deeper. All of this happens at the same time, and that is the most difficult thing about freedive photography.

What do you always have with you equipment-wise?

You absolutely need a good set of underwater housing, and a good pair of fins! To me Nauticam housing is the ultimate when it comes to housing my Sony gears and Molchanovs short fins does wonders for freedive photogaphers like myself. As I shoot mostly wide, my choice of lens is usually the 16-35mm fisheye and a decently sized dome port for above under shots. Also, as I'm near the ocean a lot, one thing I find essential is having a good backup solution. Personally I use a QNAP NAS to backup my files over the network and this really helps with my workflow and a peace of mind knowing that my data is safe even when I'm overseas. I also like to bring a solar panel charger to take advantage of the sun whenever possible as well as Litra lights for occasional night shoots.

Where can we find more of your work?

You can find my work at www.koheiueno.com and Instagram @kuenok. I am also working on some collaborations with art galleries in Singapore and Australia, once I have more details, the information can be found on my website.

Read the latest stories

Category finalist 2013: Spirit; Photographer: Dave Lehl; Athlete: Casey Capper, Andy Orley; Location. Monument Valley, UT, USA

How would you describe your style of photography?

I always try to integrate my subject in the environment and to achieve a clean and calm look, so the focus is just on the subject.

What makes a "perfect" image to you?

A perfect photograph makes me want to look at it for a long time without getting bored.

The location of the image you submitted to the Red Bull Illume Image Quest 2019 is really stunning. How did you find it? What's the background story here?

It's an empty Aquapark on the island of Gran Canaria. I knew it existed because Tom, the athlete in the image, had been there before. At first, we were kicked out immediately, but we were polite because we knew that the security was just doing his job. He was impressed by our manners, so while we were walking out he said to us, "Hey guys, come back at 5 and you can skate." We did that and he was really nice to us.

Marcus Bronst photographed on film. © Erik Gross

Where's your favorite spot to take images?

There's no specific one, any spot that has good natural light.

How do you find new, undiscovered and stunning locations?

Sometimes via Instagram and other photographers, sometimes via Goggle Maps, or by asking the locals.

Steffen skatet Fredvang-Brücke vor Bergkette im Sonnenuntergang — Skating on the Fredvang Bridge on Lofoten Islands © Erik Gross

What exactly are you looking for when you look for new places and locations?

I always try to find out when the lighting conditions are the best and what would be the best angle to shoot from. I prefer it when there's no fuzzy background behind the subject, e.g. the sky or a clean wall.

How do you present well-known places in a new and interesting way?

With different angles or lighting conditions. Alternatively, I try to shoot from the top if nobody has done it before.

If a place is very crowded, e.g. with tourists, how do you keep the people out of your image?

I think it can make an image even better when people are in the foreground!

How far would you go to get the perfect shot in the perfect location?

Hard to say, getting up early, hiking to the spot and bad weather conditions are no problem for me. But, of course, the skater must still be able to do the trick. However, I would do a lot to get the image I have in mind.

Digitized with Negative Lab Pro v2.1.0 — © Erik Gross

Do you have some tips on how to find new spots and locations?

Just try to keep your eyes open. Sometimes a boring looking spot looks amazing from another angle or if the light hits in a certain way - that can change everything! Even when I'm not skating I'm constantly on the look-out for good locations.

Steffen Krones skating on Lofoten Islands © Erik Gross

Where can we find more of your work?

On my website and on my Instagram!

Reconnecting with old friends: A series by Christian Heilwagen

We talked to photographer Christian Heilwagen about his lates project with his friend, downhill-biker Jonas Hohmann.

On one side an athlete always on the run hunting for the next competition, on the other side a photographer with a calendar full of events. When it is hard to find time, photography can reconnect old friends and create memories that last.

The story about their day out and the stunning images they came up with we put together in the story below.

"...a meeting which had to be, before the ways separate again, because Jonas lives only about 40km away from my home town.

Jonas, who just came back home from a 3 week trip, asked me if it wouldn't be a good idea to take some images during his stay. Without hesitation I said yes, since it’s not often that we both have time!

He mentioned that he was thinking about some cool, flowy enduro pictures. The weather was perfect, I packed my bike and decided to only take one camera-lens combination with me.

We drove to several spots, and felt more and more enthusiastic about what the region around Eisenach [Germany] has to offer. My idea was to create enduro pictures that are in harmony with nature and less action-packed."

Location: Waldgebiet Sängerwiese / Thüringer Wald

"I also wanted to integrate elements like light and shadow as well as dust into the picture."

"A few shots later, the photo story of the day was done. Jonas, his sponsors and the team were happy with the pictures.

Now Jonas is starting his season, and my schedule is also increasingly full with sporting events."

I know a spot: Vegard Aasen

In this new series we focus on something that defines an image like nothing else; the location. Whether it's the center of attention or literally just a backdrop - a unique scenery and a stunning environment are fundamental parts of adventure and action sports photography.

In each episode we are talking to a different Red Bull Illume photographer and get behind their strategy on location scouting. What equipment do they take to remote locations, how do they find new spots and how far would they go to get that perfect shot?

First up: Red Bull Illume 2019 semi-finalist Vegard Aasen. He told us what angles are important to capture moments of action in unique places, which app you should download and why good old maps (not the Google ones!) sometimes are your best friend.

How would you describe your style of photography?

Oh, this one's though! Ambitious maybe? My images are clean with only a few elements in them.

What makes a "perfect" image to you?

I don't think the perfect image exists. At least I haven't seen one yet! For me, a really good image gives me a feeling of some sort. This can be achieved in many different ways and also depends on the style of photography. With action sports photography, sometimes the images without the element of action are the ones that speak to me the most.

Where's your favorite spot to take images?

Preferably on a really remote location, with no one else around except me and the people involved in the photoshoot. As a wildlife photographer I prefer to be all by myself, however, as an action sports photographer I prefer to do shoots with close friends. Hurrungane [Norway] is my favorite spot that's close by; it's an alpine mountain range that's an hour drive away from my house. Google it and you will understand why.

How do you find new, undiscovered and stunning locations?

It is hard to find totally new locations, unless you go to really remote places (this might be one of the reasons I like it so much). If you don't want to do that my tip would be to do unique things in already discovered locations. I use Instagram, Facebook and Google a lot to look for new places that might work and I do lots of location scouting. But the only way to know if a location will work is to go there.

What are you looking for when you are location scouting?

Not for anything specific, actually, unless I have a certain image in my mind. I usually look for something that stands out in some way and works in a photo. That could be a cool-looking mountain, a cave, a building, a tree or just structures.

How do you present well-known places in a new and interesting way?

I don't go to those places often, but when I do, I try to find a new angle, interesting light conditions or put in an element that never has been there before. For example, a BMX in an ice cave...

If a place is very crowded, e.g. with tourists, how do you keep people out of your image?

The easiest way to do that is to go there when no one else is. You will also get the best light conditions then. I really have not had a problem with crowded places before.

How far would you go to get the perfect shot in the perfect location?

I think if the image is worth it I'll invest a lot of energy to make it happen. I have dragged around studio flashes in waist-deep snow in the middle of the night more than once. There are always images that end up being a 2-year-project, because they require perfect conditions. Unique photos often demand a good amount of time, planning and equipment. It's a real bummer, if everything is almost perfect, but the flash you would have really needed was too heavy to bring with you.

Do you have some tips on how to find new spots and locations?

Use maps, save images on Instagram so you remember them and buy running shoes to go on location scouts in remote places! I would also recommend downloading an app that shows the position of the sun at all times.

Where can we find more of your work?

On my website and on my Instagram!

Tell us a little bit more about your journey, what was the goal?

Last year I completed my 37-day solo cycle through the whole of South Africa. Starting in Limpopo and ending in Cape Town, I covered 2,400km in total in order to raise funds and awareness for the Warrior on Wheels Foundation.
When I was 8 years old, I was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, a virus that attacks the nervous system and can cause inflammation on your spinal cord. Not only could I not physically handle the everyday-life activities, I also wasn't able to do what the rest of the kids could do, like participate in sports and be active outdoors.
That's why I try to support the Warrior on Wheels Foundation. They aim to empower children with disabilities, enabling them with opportunities to be adventurous in nature. By completing this cycle - even with minor lasting nerve damage in certain parts of my body - I hope to inspire those children.

So how did the journey go? Were you nervous beforehand?

It was quite a challenge, I'm not a cyclist and I naively only trained for 1 day and a total of 32km the week prior. It definitely took me a few days to get into the swing of things and to become friends with my saddle. Unfortunately, after a week the tendons and ligaments in my right knee became very inflamed. That set me back a few days which I thankfully made up in due time. I would say the mental strength is just as vital. I had to learn how to stay motivated and positive when I had long days ahead of me. Having South Africa's landscapes around me and getting to capture it along the way definitely helped. That and the kind people I met on the journey. All in all, there is nothing as rewarding as coming out the other side of such a demanding expedition.

How did you feel when you finally crossed the finish line?

When I saw Table Mountain for the first time in over a month I might have shouted with joy. Those final 100 meters, seeing my friends at the finish line, along with a few kids from the Warrior on Wheels Foundation, were truly special. It concluded the end of a 2-year dream which felt amazing and sad all at once.

Team 7C CBZ WILIER 2
in the morning light during stage 4 of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race from Oak Valley Estate in Elgin, South Africa on the 21st March 2019.

Photo by Justin Coomber/Cape Epic

PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIATE CREDIT IS GIVEN TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER AND ABSA CAPE EPIC — Team 7C CBZ WILIER 2 in the morning light during stage 4 of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race from Oak Valley Estate in Elgin, South Africa on the 21st March 2019. © Justin Coomber / Cape Epic

This trip and your story are super interesting, do you always try to take on photo projects with a meaning behind them?

Yeah, I think you add more value to a project if it has some sort of deeper background to it. The projects I like to do have some kind of story or narrative to back up the images, it adds layers to the complete story, making it more compelling and interesting, in my opinion.

What is one thing you learned from this once-in-a-lifetime trip?

So much, aside from the physical aspect and seeing that you are able to push so much more than you thought you were capable of. These mental and emotional obstacles that I had to overcome are what I really hold on to.

What equipment did you take with you?

Photographic equipment was the last thing on the list when it came to preparing for this trip. Once I had covered all my bases with the equipment I needed on the road, I looked at what space I had left and managed to fit in my camera and a lens or two (24-70mm f2.8, 50mm f1.4 and my 70-200 f2.8). In retrospect I could have left the 70-200mm one behind as I only used it once or twice and it added a lot of unnecessary weight. I also took a small tripod and a set of polarizing filters for some long exposures. A small solar charging panel and a power bank are a definite must as well!

Experience more of Justin's journey across South Africa on his blog!

How did your relationship with (adventure) photography begin?

I have always had a keen interest in photography but never thought it was something you could pursue as a career. Then, after taking a gap year as an outdoor adventure guide, I was looking at my passions and tried to find out how to make them into a possible career. That's when I discovered you could merge adventure/sports and photography in one thing and make a living out of it. I haven't looked back since.

What makes the "perfect" image to you?

When someone looks at an image and their first reaction is pure awe and they want to know more about the image. How, where, why or any questions like that, that's what I aim for. Ultimately, it should stir them and provoke some sort of emotion or thought.

Where do you find inspiration for your images?

As cliché as it sounds, but I find it everywhere. It can be from music, art, nature, sports or absolutely anything that I find intriguing.

Any dream projects you wish to accomplish in the future?

Absolutely, I have got a few in my mind and I'm sure there will be many more in the years to come. I am acutally working on my next expedition that I will hopefully reveal within the next few months.

Where can we find more of your work?

You can take a look at my work on my website or follow me on my Instagram.

Rider at stream crossing during stage 1 of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held from Hermanus High School in Hermanus, South Africa on the 18th March 2019.

Photo by Justin Coomber/Cape Epic

PLEASE ENSURE THE APPROPRIATE CREDIT IS GIVEN TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER AND ABSA CAPE EPIC — Rider at stream crossing during stage 1 of the 2019 Absa Cape Epic Mountain Bike stage race held from Hermanus High School in Hermanus, South Africa on the 18th March 2019. © Justin Coomber / Cape Epic

Photographer: Dean Treml / Red Bull Illume 2010 Athlete: Steve Black Location: Hamburg, Germany

How did the relationship between you and wakeskating begin?

On the California Delta - Discovery Bay to be exact. It was my second summer at wakeboard camp and my wakeboard coach - Josh Smith - encouraged me to try wakeskating. I loved the freedom of being able to move my feet around the board and was instantly hooked. It’s all I could think about from that point forward. Shortly after, I purchased my first wakeskate. It was Nick Taylor’s Anna Maria Island 38.5 Integrity. I still have this board and take it out for a spin every now and then.

What came first: Wakeskating or photography?

I started playing around with my dad’s film cameras when I was about seven years old. However, wakeskating came before I began photographing professionally. It’s wild how a few planks of wood can rule over a decade of your life. Watching wakeskate films like Aquafrolics was proof that traveling the world with a wakeskate in hand was quite doable. And ever since that film I had dreams of doing just that. I purchased my first DSLR with the intention of documenting my wakeskate travels.

© Mahallia Budds / Athlete: Jennifer GilanFarr Mitchell

Where do you find inspiration for your images and how important is your personal environment for your creativity?

Inspiration for my images comes from the amazing, talented athletes that I have had the privilege of working with. We all tend to love big backdrop landscapes, pushing our limits, trying new things, and traveling to the far corners of this planet to scope out those magical, euphoric places.

I am so fortunate to be able to travel the world doing what I love, but California will always be my home. Most of my time is split between Lake Tahoe and Santa Cruz, where I spend my days wakeskating, surfing, free-diving, splitboarding, fishing, bird watching, and mountain biking. Being able to fully immerse myself in these activities inspires me to capture those moments that define our outdoor pursuits.

© Mahallia Budds / Athlete: Andrew Pastura

What’s one of the biggest obstacles to overcome when shooting wakeskating?

Timing - the detailed technical aspects, against large landscape backdrops. Currently, flying out of the country due to the travel ban, and flying in general due to the COVID risk.

How long does it take you to capture the ‘perfect’ moment that you are also happy with?

It varies. There was one photo that took about two years to capture, other moments happen naturally with ease.

© Mahallia Budds / Red Bull Illume / Athlete: Cole Kraiss

Any stand-out memories or moments in your career?

I am lucky enough to look back and say that my career is filled with these moments. When the first cable park was built in California (Wake Island Waterpark), Noel, the owner, traded me a season pass for my photos - it was the coolest feeling. Also, when Jennifer (GilanFarr) Mitchell invited me on her ladies’ only wakeskate adventure touring alpine lakes amongst the Eastern Sierra Mountain range. I shot my first magazine cover on that trip and I now call those women my close friends. The pictorial I shot with Cole Kraiss in the Philippines; if a “perfect” shot did exist, that spread contains a few.

In the Top 260 images from the Image Quest 2019 were only 4 female photographers, you included. How do you feel about the male dominated action sports photography scene? What’s your personal experience here?

My mentors and biggest supporters have been male figures (editors / photographers / athletes) within the action sports industry. I wouldn’t have accomplished the milestones if it weren’t for the guidance and trust that I received from them. Having said that - being the minority - I definitely grew a thicker skin. If you are an aspiring female photographer or female athlete working towards personal goals in action sports - stay true to yourself and know your worth - dignity goes a long way.

Where can we find more of your work?

You can follow me on my Instagram or visit my website.

© Mahallia Budds / Athlete: Blake Bishop

The Exhibit Tour will move to each shopping center and aims to bring the public closer to the world of adventure and action sports. You can be sure to catch tons of inspiration from the finalists of the Image Quest 2019 and the winners of the Red Bull Illume Special Image Quest 2020. Each exhibit will display these mind-blowing images on 2x2m lightboxes, an experience we're sure you’ve never seen before!

The next stops will be:

•   HUMA ELEVEN, Vienna (AT) October 17 - November 4
•   FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON, Bolzano (IT) October 1 - November 4
•   ZIMBAPARK, Bürs (AT) November 03 - November 18

It doesn’t matter if you're an aspiring photographer, a lover of nature, or just a shopaholic open to inspiration, these images will take your breath away.

Trust us, you don’t want to miss it!

Want to showcase this unparalleled exhibition in your venue or at your event? Contact us here today!

Johan Nordhag with a Bs Handplant with swedens biggest waterfall, Tännforsen as backdrop.

Can you give us some background about yourself? How did you become a professioal photographer?

I grew up in a small village called Rengsjö located in the Swedish countryside. My love for action sports started when I watched my older brother take his first turns on his snowboard. From that day on I was hooked. In 2010 I suffered a nasty knee injury that required multiple surgeries and years of physio. Somehow that made me get into photography. It felt good to still be in the sports that I loved but with a camera instead. Since then I've had covers on some of the biggest snowboard/skateboard mags out there and traveled the globe to shoot. A couple of years ago photography was my hobby. Today I'm stoked to say it's my profession.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Everywhere! From following other photographers to just scouting cool locations.

In your opinion: What makes your images unique?

I've always worked a lot with flashes and I think that adds quite a unique touch to my images.

What are your plans for the future?

I've got some cool photo projects on my to-do list that I'm going to make a reality. Who knows, maybe you'll see them in the next edition of Red Bull Illume!

You are specialized in snowboard photography, but seeing as we are in the peak of summer you must have a LOT of free time right now. Seriously though, how does your work change in the warmer months?

I shoot a lot of skateboarding and other action sports instead. And to make money I shoot commercial stuff. It's really hard to live out of just shooting snowboarding so I have to do other stuff as well, mostly commercial.

When you are shooting in summer are there certain factors you need to be more aware of and vice versa? For example, light conditions?

Yes, especially when it comes to shooting during the summertime here in Sweden. The days are much longer then and we get 14 hours of hard light. During the winter we have that soft morning and evening light, like all the time, which I prefer to shoot in.

What's easier to shoot: Summer or winter sports?

Summer sports for sure! No water/snow that can mess up your equipment and you don't freeze your a** off all the time, haha!

I bought a rubberboat for shooting in the water ponds at Folgefonna. I took a bunch of cool pictures of Måns and Ludvig but we wanted to do a double shot with blue sky. After almost two days in the boat with shitty weather and numerous attempts we finally got it! — © Daniel Bernstål

How does your equipment change from winter to summer?

It doesn't really change at all. But if I'm up on the mountain I try to bring as little equipment as possible. Flashes and stuff can weigh a ton and don't make you mobile.

Do you have a set schedule for shooting? E.g. from November to April you exclusively shoot snowboarding or do you need to be more flexible?

I'm really flexible on this point. I used to shoot snowboarding exclusively during the wintertime but nowadays I shoot it when I have time between commercial jobs.

In current times travelling is not really an option, how does that affect you as a professional photographer?

It doesn't affect me that much as most if my jobs are based here in Sweden. I only do a handful of jobs abroad every season.

Where can we find more of your work?

Check out my Instagram where I post frequently, or my website.

Found this super narrow full pipe and just had to take a picture of it in full autumn bloom. Called one of swedens most talented skateboarders William Forsberg who delivered this ollie to fakie. — William Forsberg Ollie to fakie. © Daniel Bernstål

Red Bull Illume Image Quest 2019 Finalist Innovation by Sony Category. Athlete: Nils Arvidsson, © Daniel Bernstål

Red Bull Illume Image Quest 2019, Finalist Masterpiece by Eyeem Category. Athlete: Alfred Björebo, © Daniel Bernstål

Red Bull Illume Image Quest 2019, Finalist RAW Category. Athlete: Alfred Björebo, © Daniel Bernstål

I was randomly out checking spots a few weeks ago when I stumbled across this new artwork in my hometown. The first thing I noticed was the transitions in metal, perfect for skateboarding! The only problem was there were pretty big holes in them so you only had a small margin to skate on. I called my dear friend Rickard Nilsson which is in my eyes one of the best skateboarders to come out of this small country. He was up for the job and after a few tries he nailed the frontside blunt. So stoked on how this photo came out and it’s definetely one of my favourites of all time! © Daniel Bernstål

If you take a look at Robin O'Neill's portfolio all you want to do is get outside and hop on your bike, put on your skis or simply go for a long run. Her images don't just capture moments outside, they are truly honoring them! But the Image Quest 2019 Finalist (Category: Energy) not only captures unique outdoor adventures, she's also focusing on the human perspective behind every image. Read our interview to find out more about Robin's projects, her inspiration and her advice!

Could you tell us a little bit about your the beginngs of your carreer as an outdoor photographer? How did it all start?

During the summer of my third year at university, I decided to do some international non-profit work to mix things up. I spent my time on a project in South America, documenting the world around me on my dad’s 35mm film camera that I taught myself to use en route. There was no turning back from there - I was hooked on both travel and documentary photography.

How do you choose what projects you like to shoot?

I am drawn to projects that involve self-propelled access by ski, bike, or foot; assignments that involve collaboration with like-minded impassioned people, and that contribute positively to the world. Sometimes I select these projects and sometimes I’m fortunate enough that they select me. I have built a body of work that shows my style and what I am passionate about, which has helped build momentum in attracting projects that I’m passionate about.

Any projects that you would describe as "close to your heart"?

There are the projects that are simply meant to create an advertising campaign, which I do enjoy, but the projects that are closest to my heart involve a philanthropic aspect. These are the ones that develop meaningful connections, cultural exchanges, and a good challenging adventure.

Most recently, I was approached by an Arc’teryx sponsored ultra runner wanting to do a story in Nepal. So I began to dig deeper into how we could plan an adventure that would also make a contribution to the area we would explore. I landed on an NGO called the Mira Rai Initiative. This is a group that sponsors five young Nepalese girls every year to train as trail runners, teach them English, and give them training to become guides. This is something I could get behind and incorporate into our project. Not only do I get to trek and trail run while shooting for a company I love, I could also give a young female guide the opportunity for leadership training and exposure.

Why did you choose to submit your image to Red Bull Illume?

To be honest, I had never considered entering an image to the Red Bull Illume contest - an intimidating competition, packed with testosterone, and talent. But luckily and to my surprise I was messaged directly by Red Bull Illume saying that they liked my work, and would I consider entering the competition this year. This invitation stripped away the intimidation of entering, and I submitted to the esteemed event with no thoughts I would ever make it past the first round.

WHO: WHERE: Lantang Valley, Nepal — Lantang Valley, Nepal. © Robin O'Neill

Mountainbiking, Trailrunning, Skiing .. you are shooting quite a lot of different sports, what’s the one you enjoy the most?

Oh, that’s a tough question! Probably the most rewarding is ski photography. It’s the most elusive, as so many conditions have to come together to create a great shot. There is no track to follow, so you have to read the terrain for where the athlete is going to go. And there are no do-overs in ski photography, because once there are tracks visible in the shot, it’s done. When you nail it, it’s the best feeling in the world.

Any stand-out memories or moments in your career?

With absolutely no prior experience photographing skiing, I created an award-winning show in Deep Winter, a Whistler ski photography competition against leaders in the ski industry. News travelled fast and the following week, I received a call from Dave Reddick, the photo editor of POWDER magazine, asking if I would be interested in going winter camping with an A-list crew to shoot ski film. Knowing I would be completely out of my league, I agreed (of course), and was catapulted into my first real ski shoot. Before I knew it, not only was I having my first experience in a helicopter, I was roped in with the doors off, legs dangling, and shooting the biggest line of Eric Hjorleifson’s career. No pressure. I remember that moment well!

Do you have any tips for up and coming photographers?

Always be shooting; it’s a muscle that you have to keep strengthening. Try to stay away from comparing your work to others. It’s inevitable, but always gets in the way of your creativity. Lastly, learn about business. It’s a lot of hard work to ensure making a living as a photographer, and business is something that I have to embrace. It’s all worth it though.

Eric Hjorleifson, Alaska © Robin O'Neill

How do you cope with the current COVID-19 crisis? What’s your experience as a professional photographer?

What a weird time! All of the shoots that I had lined up previously were cancelled, of course, so I’ve been forced to think about how to deal with the loss of income while keeping my creativity and presence alive.
My first thought was ‘what I could do to show my support?’ That is when I began taking photos of the “unsung heroes” -- front-line workers who were still on the job while our province was in a state of emergency. These are the people who never receive, nor ask for any recognition, but are the ones who really keep our day-to-day lives moving forward. This included bus drivers, grocers, waste removal workers, and janitors, to name a few. Although this personal project was meant only to find a way of showing thanks and keeping creativity flowing during a time of upheaval, it led to a collaboration with a brand that I work with and a paycheck! I also have dug deep into my non-urgent folder, and have spent more time connecting personally with work colleagues. This way when restrictions and budgets open up again, I’ll be ready.

What’s next for you?

COVID has certainly made ‘what’s next’ a little unpredictable. I do have some specific places in the world and people in mind that I’d like to document in the year ahead, but those ideas will have to stay secret for now until they are nailed down. I will definitely continue to create projects and partner up with brands to put together winter and summer adventures that inspire and motivate people to get outdoors, push their limits, and live their lives to the fullest. I also really hope to continue working with NGOs to document and bring more support to world health issues and humanitarian efforts.

Where can we find more of your work?

If you want to see what I’ve been working on, my project from Nepal just got released by Arc’teryx and can be found here. Also, POWDER recently profiled my ski work.

My profile is continuously being updated on Instagram. For a wider body of work, please check out my website.