Grant shares some of his most epic images he took over the years and talks us through the story behind each shot.

How do you prepare for a shoot in the snow and how long does it take you to get ready for it?

After shooting skiing full time for the last 20 years, I have developed a pretty efficient and organized system, where everything has its place. So, from the time I wake up till the time I’m out the door heading to the mountain is only 30 minutes, for international trips I can be fully packed in under an hour, which is important when I spend most of the winter chasing snow.

What does a typical winter season look like for you? Do you have a set schedule?

While the challenges of COVID will make this winter a bit more interesting than usual, my plan is to do the same that I always have, and that’s to remain flexible to follow the conditions. Just like when one place doesn’t have snow, and another does. COVID will probably also dictate a bit of where we go and when we go. Luckily, most of my clients work with me on a seasonal basis so I have the flexibility to take advantage of the conditions instead of having to be at a certain spot on fixed dates.

Bryce Phillips skiing powder at night under star trails in the Alta backcountry — Skier Bryce Philips and I did this shot up above the Alta, UT ski area starting around midnight. We didn’t get back to our rental car until something like 4AM, maybe even later. When we arrived at the car, we found that we got a parking ticket for parking overnight, but it was well worth it. © Grant Gunderson

skiing at Revelstoke Mountain Resort — Early season in Revelstoke, BC. It is one of my favorite areas to shoot early season, as they tend to get a lot of snow and the light is usually really cool then too. Skier: Dane Tudor © Grant Gunderson

What are your plans this winter then?

Luckily it is forecasted to be a relatively strong LaNiña this winter, which tends to favor my home resort of Mt. Baker, WA (my first year here was a strong LaNiña and we sent the world record for snowfall that season). So, my plan is to mostly stick around here and then, when conditions are right, head out and shoot at a variety of other ski areas in the US. So, mostly focusing on the US this season, but if the boarders open, I will be ready to take advantage of that and fingers crossed get to Japan, Canada and Europe, but I’m not counting on those trips happening like I have done in previous years.

What’s one winter shooting that stuck in your head for whatever reason?

My first season at Mt. Baker was the 1998-99 season. We got so much snow, due to exhaustion from skiing every day we got to the point where we said, if it doesn’t snow a foot overnight we are not skiing tomorrow, then it would snow a foot the next day and we would go skiing. Then we said we wouldn’t ski unless it snowed 2 feet overnight, and it did, finally we said if it didn’t snow a full meter overnight we wouldn’t go skiing the next day, and then it did. The only two times I saw the sun that season was in late April.

Sam Cohen, McKenna Peterson and Guide Monte Johnston heli skiing in Bella Coola — Bella Coola, BC, is an incredible location. They have the world's largest heli ski tenure, and the runs start in the top of the alpine and run all the way to the ocean below. Skiers: Sam Cohen, McKenna Peterson and Guide Monte Johnston. © Grant Gunderson

Zack Giffin skiing at Mt. Baker WA — Skier Zack Giffin and I shot this at home at Mt. Baker after a great day of skiing powder. We then had a pretty long ski tour back to the cars afterwards but it was worth it. This shot is also the reason why you will always find a very bright head lamp in my camera bag at all times. © Grant Gunderson

Any essentials you always have with you on a shoot?

Avalanche equipment and good radios are always at the top of the list. These days you will also find a thermos of warm tea, glove liners and hand warmers in the camera bag. The most important thing though, is good company. I always tell the athletes if we are not laughing and having a good time then we are doing it wrong.

How do you manage your gear when you're on a shoot?

When most people lift my camera bag, they tend to think it's pretty heavy, but I have become accustomed to it over the years. I like to carry enough equipment, so I am always prepared to get any shot as the mountain environment is always changing, you never know exactly what you are going to be working with. If we know we are working in certain situations, for example Heliskiing in Alaska, then I tend to bring some additional bigger glass as well as a harness and a setup for shooting doors off of the helicopter.

Adam Ü and Duncan Adams ride the double chair at the Seki Onsen ski area on the deepest pow day of there lives — To me, nothing encapsulates the soul of skiing like old double chairs on big powder days do. Maybe that's because it's what I grew up with. This shot was from my first ever ski-trip to Japan and was the deepest day any of us had ever skied. © Grant Gunderson

How do you capture every moment of action and don't miss anything?

When I was younger, I tended to gravitate towards and focus just on the big action moments. However, over the years I’ve gained enough experience that I can now predict when those cool in-between moments are about to happen so I am ready for them. Especially those ones that happen candidly after the athletes think the camera is back in the bag.

Elyse Saugstad skiing in the Mt. Baker backcountry — A hand full of days before this shot was taken, skier Elyse Saugstad had just survived a massive avalanche at the Stevens Pass ski area that killed 3 people. So we where just out for a mellow day of ski touring and ended up finding some great light. © Grant Gunderson

What do you have to consider when skiing and shooting in the backcountry?

The most important thing when working in the backcountry is safety. It’s good to stack the odds in your favor and regularly practice your avalanche and rescue skills, hopping that you will never need to use them, but when you need them you are ready. But it’s even more important to make sure that everyone in the crew knows that it is 100% okay to walk away from a terrain feature and that there is never any pressure to push it beyond what they are comfortable with. There is never any reason to push it with avalanche conditions. The mountains will always be there and if you try to force it when it’s not the right time you will eventually end up paying the price for it.

MArk Abma skiing at Mt. Baker — I was on a road trip chasing powder around the Pacific North West with skier Mark Abma, when the forecast changed. With Mt. Baker unexpectedly getting a big dump of snow overnight. We raced back and got there just in time to catch the last of the day's light before the sun disappeared behind table mountian. © Grant Gunderson

Is skiing your favorite sport to shoot?

Definitely! Skiing has been my passion ever since I could remember. I do love shooting biking as well, but I limit that a bit after shooting skiing full time all winter, I try to keep summer on my bike mostly for my own personal escape.

How did your relationship with photography begin?

I’ve never had any formal training in photography (I was sent to college and graduated with an engineering degree that I have never used). I started out in high school just taking photos of my friends skiing and it just snowballed from there. Luckily most of my friends were quite good skiers so by the time I started college I was already having some success with clients and magazines buying my images, which afforded me the opportunity to go to more exciting locations and slowly build up my arsenal of photographic equipment.

KC Deane, Adam Ü, Carston Oliver, and Johnny Collinson walking through a tunnel at Myoko Akakura Ski Area/Tsubame Onsen, Niigata, Japan — One of my favorite areas of Japan has these fantastic ski runs off of the backside that drop you down to this isolated mountain village, where the only way in and out is this tunnel. We went back a few years ago, and tried to do the same, but there was so much snow the tunnel was fully buried on both ends! © Grant Gunderson

How do you make your images unique?

I am always asking myself, how do I shoot this in a new and different way? Whether it’s trying a new angle or combining photographic techniques in different ways, I’m always trying to experiment with something new to keep it fresh.

What advice would you give to someone who's just starting with outdoor photography?

Stay true to yourself and work on developing your own vision for what you want to capture. From day one I have always told myself that as long as I create images that inspire people to want to go and spend times in the mountains, I will be successful. 20 years later that’s still true and is still my guidance, so don’t overthink it.

Chris Rubens skiing at Mt. Baker — This image was taken in the midst of storm skiing while a big pacific cyclone was hitting the Mt. Baker area and leaving a ton of snow. It was snowing so much that day I ended up ruining three camera bodies! © Grant Gunderson

Where can we find more of your work?

On my Instagram and on my website. You can also find my images in most ski and outdoor publications globally.

Wiley Miller skiing at Mt. Baker — The first day of the season I badly broke my ankle and completely tore every ligament. Not wanting to totally miss out on the season, I would cram my mangled foot into a ski boot (its kinda like a cast I guess) and do my best to limp around following thew crew as best as I could. This shot of Wiley Miller was from one of those days. © Grant Gunderson

Red Bull Illume 2021 Photobook - Limited Edition

This limited-edition photobook features the top 256 images of the Image Quest 2021.
Be the first to see those inspiring images printed and order your exclusive copy now!

Buy Now

How did Red Bull Illume change things for you?

My first image in Red Bull Illume in 2013 still gets brought up by people today almost ten years later. It left a mark and I’m pretty fortunate to be able to share such a special image.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Paris Gore 2 — © Paris Gore / Red Bull Illume

How did you get into photography?

My parents had a bluegrass band growing up and my mom would hand me her 35mm camera while they played shows and I ran around taking pictures at a pretty young age. I guess that would be the start, but years later I took a photography class in high school and was pretty hooked on it. My teacher gave me a lot of flexibility to go shoot the team sports. I was also into mountain biking at that time and just put it together one day to shoot mountain bike. That's when it really all came together and could see that it was something I was really interested in doing. By the time I was headed to college, I realized I could possibly make a career out of photography so I went to photo school in Seattle. Now, 12 years later, it's the only job I've held.

How do you build important relationships that help you professionally?

I treat everyone with respect and make no judgements of someone; they could be your next client. I've been great friends with one of my biggest clients for nearly ten years and had some great times together. Just being a fun person and a quality human goes a long way in the professional world.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Paris Gore 1 — © Paris Gore

How do you reach out to potential new clients?

I've tried most of the methods, I’m not really sure what works the best, but I really believe in more of an in-person approach. I just get a lot more done out of a conversation than sending emails into space that someone might never see. I've had good luck going to trade shows and chatting up potential companies I would want to work with.

What sets your images apart?

I like to shoot big scenes and show nature, elements, scenery around the action. I don't think it sets me apart from anyone else, but I just like to convey the feeling of where I'm at and hope that someone can feel like they are right there experiencing the moment.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Paris Gore 3 — © Paris Gore

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

From the other photographers that I've looked up to for years and new ones. It just puts the fire in me to do better and get out of my comfort zone.

What tips do you have for young photographers?

Photography will evolve with experience, so just keep shooting what you like to shoot and the rest will follow. Put yourself out there, meet new people, athletes, industry marketing folks, be apart and stick out in your community, be humble and don't get dejected. It takes a long time to make it happen but it's sure worth it in the long run.

Check out Paris' website and follow him on Instagram to see more of his professional work.

Where does your photography passion come from?
I don’t think it can be summed up as one thing, there’s a lot to be inspired by everyday (light, color, people, nature) that makes me want to pick up a camera and take a photo. And there’s always more to learn and improve on that keeps me intrigued.

Why do you focus on biking?
It’s just what I know, I’ve followed and been around two wheels for as long as I can remember and it’s how my career as a photographer began. As much as I love shooting biking, I definitely try to spend time photographing outside of my niche.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Toby Cowley 1 — © Toby Cowley

How do you capture the perfect moment?
These days with cameras that shoot 30fps it has become a lot easier to get the timing right on a shot. Unless I’m shooting film, and then it’s a combination of knowing the sport/trick and luck.

Tell us a little bit more about the image you submitted to the Image Quest 2021. How did it come about? Was it spontaneous or planned in detail?
One of my favorite things about photography is playing with light and shadows, so when I noticed the shadow spilling onto the sphere it seemed like a good opportunity to get some separation between Brandon and the feature.

How long did it take you to get the shot?
It only took a few takes, there was a pretty small window where there was just the right ratio of shadow to light. So fortunately Brandon was able to ride the sphere pretty consistently every time and everything came together relatively quick.

Check out how this incredible image came together and watch the behind-the-scenes video featuring athlete Brandon Semenuk here!

Red Bull Illume 2021 Toby Cowley 2 — © Toby Cowley

How important is the relationship between athlete and photographer?
Communication is key for both the athlete and the photographer, if the rider is planning to do a trick only once, it’s important for me to make sure I know what trick they’re doing and then figure out which angle shows that trick the best. If I have an idea for a shot, I’ll run it by the athlete so that we’re on the same page before they drop in.

When are you happy with your images?
When light, riding, composition all comes together, that’s definitely when I’m the happiest.

What’s up next for you? Any exciting projects you can share with us?
I can’t give away too much but I’m just finishing up a bigger project that will hopefully be released next month. And then a couple smaller shoots in the next couple weeks, I’m excited for a busy summer!

If you want to see more of Toby's work follow him on Instagram @tobycowley or check out his website!

2021 was an edition like no other, with the one-of-a-kind Winners’ Unveiling Week from November 29 to December 4, in which all of the finalists and winning images were revealed on Instagram Live. The overall winner, Will Saunders, received his trophy on the final night on the snow-covered mountains in Aspen Snowmass, CO, USA.

Visiting a tour stop is just one of the ways you can experience these incredible images, or you could buy your very own. What are we talking about? Well, for the first time ever, you can own a high-end print and turn your home into an art gallery. Check out all the limited-edition prints that are available to order on COOPH, including Will Saunders' winning shot. It's a totally new way to experience these incredible images, thanks to our partners WhiteWall and COOPH.

Can't choose which winning image you love the most? The limited-edition Red Bull Illume Photobook contains the top 256 images from the contest, all within the pages of this high-quality hardcover book. There are only 3,000 copies available, each individually numbered and stamped. It's the ultimate collector's item and makes an incredible gift for any photography lover. Order your very own copy here.

How did you become a photographer?

I wouldn’t actually say I'm a photographer, it's more of a lifelong passion for me. My mother always had a camera ready when we were growing up. Then my brother studied photography at secondary school but stopped after a year. I picked up his camera and started to play around a bit. We did a lot of surf adventures around the North Island of New Zealand and I thought it would be good to get some photos from that. Then the travel bug really kicked in and 46 countries later I still absolutely love travel photography. I started with print film then progressed to slide film mostly in Europe and Africa, then finally digital.

You’re a teacher, do your students know about your second life?

Absolutely not! 99% of students are convinced teachers do not have lives. They assume we are born teachers. I bumped into two students who were swimming at a local river. I was abseiling down the side of the waterfall. Needless to say, they were quite surprised.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Rod Hill 3 — © Rod Hill

What sports do you focus on and why?

I would love to shoot more sports but access is not that easy. I have no press credentials and turning up to photograph kids playing soccer or something could be misconstrued! So, focusing on kayaking has allowed me to shoot as much and as often as I like. Kayakers are very photogenic too. Also, I can try my hand at bird and nature photography while I wait for kayakers. The rivers are exceptionally beautiful. I would like to get more mountain bike photos because that was a sport I was heavily involved in for quite a long time but for the foreseeable future, rivers, birds and kayakers fill the day!

Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration is an interesting concept. I don’t really get inspiration to shoot photos as such. I get inspired to live life as best as I can. Getting photos I'm proud of just happens to be part of that.

What makes a ‘good’ image in your opinion?

Aside from the technical aspects such as composition and the rule of thirds, I think a good photograph starts and finishes with interesting light. I try to avoid cropping so everything in the photograph should be there for a reason. I really like Michael Clark’s and Lorenz Holder’s images. They always have lots of layers to them.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Rod Hill 4 — © Rod Hill

How has winning the Energy by Red Bull Photography category changed things?

I'm still the same person – wet and often freezing cold on the side of a river waiting for kayakers to go by. On a personal level, I am super proud of my achievement. Being only the second Kiwi to win a category behind the legend Dean Treml is also quite humbling too. It has legitimized my passion but I still have so much more to learn.

What’s next?

I am in the early stages of sorting a trip to Mexico with George Snook and hopefully Rafa Ortiz with the help of Red Bull Photography. It was part of the prize from Red Bull Illume. I am also working on a new project closer to home, Tree Trunk Gorge to be exact. I have some ideas for there. It's quite steep and sketchy but nothing a couple of ascenders, harness, a really long rope and maybe a drone wouldn’t fix.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Rod Hill 8 — © Rod Hill

Any tips for up-and-coming photographers?

There is always someone better than you. Guaranteed. You need thick skin, persistence and YouTube. I have found the better the photographer the more likely they are to help with advice. Although he wouldn’t remember, Michael Clark was very helpful several years ago and also a pro sports photographer from Napier, New Zealand - Alphapix - he has been really helpful. Really getting to know athletes is also another area often overlooked. Not being a dick also goes a long way.

Follow Rod on Instagram @rod_coffee or check out his website to see more of his work!

2007

Professional snowboarding photographer Thomas Stöckli became the first ever Energy category winner in 2007 with this shot of Reto Kestenholz in St. Christoph, Austria. He was subsequently a finalist in the 2010 edition.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Energy winners 2 — © Stuart Gibson / Red Bull Illume

2013

This epic shot of cliff diver Todor Spasov was taken by Swiss photographer Romina Amato, who got this unique angle from a boat. “I like pictures where it leaves the viewer asking, where is he coming from? Will he survive this? Does that guy seriously think he can fly?”

Red Bull Illume 2021 Energy winners 4 — © Luke Shadbolt / Red Bull Illume

2019

Ben Thouard didn't just win the Energy category with this shot of Ace Buchan in Tahiti. It went on to be crowned Red Bull Illume Overall Winner. “Shooting surfing from underwater is a whole new world and I love it,” he said at the time.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Energy winners 6 — © Rod Hill / Red Bull Illume

Red Bull Illume 2021 Energy winners 1 — © Thomas Stöckli / Red Bull Illume

2010

An image just as powerful today as it was 12 years ago. Taken by legendary Aussie lensman Stuart Gibson, it shows Ryan Hipwood big wave surfing in Tasmania. “The day I got that photo was a really special day in my career,” Gibson recalled.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Energy winners 3 — © Romina Amato / Red Bull Illume

2016

“A salute to the power and randomness of the ocean, or a mocking attempt at some kind of manipulated sorcery, showing man’s unending quest to control nature.” That was photographer Luke Shadbolt’s take on this 2016 winning shot. Inside info? He didn’t spot surfer Renan Faccini was in the shot until afterwards.

2021

“This shot was not supposed to happen,” recalls Rod Hill, an unassuming chemistry teacher from New Zealand. Kayaker River Mutton was about to go home but decided on one last run. Then the sun suddenly came out. “Straight away I knew this was going to work," Rod said.

Looking for more inspiration or want to see the incredible images other photographers submitted? Then check out our gallery here which features the top images of each edition!

Red Bull Illume 2021 SES Tour Citycenter Celje 2

The finalist image by Kevin Molano is on display in the exhibition. © Mediaspeed / Citycenter Celje

The next Red Bull Illume Exhibitions will be in EUROPARK, Maribor and ALEJA, Ljubljana in Slovenia. Both tour stops are part of our partnership with SES Spar European Shopping Centers which displays the 56 finalist images inside their premium shopping destinations across Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary and Italy. All exhibitions are completely free to visit and can be combined with a shopping trip.

EUROPARK in Maribor – June 23 to July 3

Nestled between the Drava River and the green embrace of the Pohorje forests lies Maribor, the starting point for all kinds of adventures – from skiing to hiking and climbing. It’s the perfect location to host the next Red Bull Illume Tour Stop. The top 56 images will go on display at Maribor’s EUROPARK, from June 23 to July 3, 2022.

For more than 22 years the 2-level and light-flooded EUROPARK with around 120 different stores offers a variety of international and national brands and now, for the first time ever, the Red Bull Illume Exhibition.

Since the shopping mall is located right in the center of Maribor, it can be easily reached by any means of transport and it is the perfect place to meet with family and friends to discover the illuminated images. The exhibition is totally free to view during the centers’ regular hours from 9am to 9pm weekdays and 8am to 9pm on Saturdays.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Tour Stop Europark Maribor 2 — © Bojan Mihalič

ALEJA in Ljubljana – July 5 to July 16

The exhibition will then move to Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, gateway to the Julian Alps. Once again, the images will be displayed on 2x2 meter lightboxes and showcased from July 5 to July 16 at ALEJA in the heart of Šiška, just to the north of downtown Ljubljana.

The modern shopping mall is located in one of the most popular districts of Ljubljana and has been constructed from 2017 to 2020. It impresses with its mixed-use structure and combines shopping, culinary delights as well as leisure facilities. With 80 different brands, a fitness park, a running track and several relaxing areas ALEJA offers a great variety for every interest and age and goes far beyond the usual shopping trip. It is open Mondays to Saturdays 8am to 9pm.

Red Bull Illume 2021 SES Tour Aleja Ljubljana 1 — © ALEJA

Both venues are ideal places to check out the incredible winning images of Red Bull Illume and be awe inspired by the world’s greatest adventure and action sports photography. If you happen to be in either of the two cities be sure to explore the exhibits.

Here are the upcoming tour stops throughout the SES Spar European Shopping Centers if you can't make it to Slovenia.

Tell us about Iceland
After our Baikal project, we planned a new one for the following year, which unfortunately we had to cancel due to the pandemic. We had already defined some new locations, but these were not feasible due to travel restrictions. It was supposed to be the follow-up project to Baikal, a mixture of road movie and climbing story. In autumn 2021 we decided to fly to Iceland to look for new ice climbing spots. The team consisted of Dani Arnold, Martin Echser, Lukas Kusstatscher and Davide Guzzardi. The aim was to produce photos and video. As is well known, the landscape in Iceland is spectacular, but the constantly changing, sometimes extreme weather conditions in winter made the project even more special.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Thomas Monsorno 1 — © Thomas Monsorno

Which equipment did you take with you?

In addition to my camera equipment and my drone, I also had my new Leica Q2 (category winner prize) with me, which I had received from Red Bull Illume a few days before starting the trip. The Iceland project was of course the perfect playground to test this 47mp camera. I always had it with me at every location because it is very light and compact. The low weight was a great advantage on the sometimes long ascents. I also didn’t have to worry about the constantly changing weather conditions (snow, wind, rain, cold) due to the robustness of the camera. The 28mm lens was a great focal length for me, although there is also a 35mm, 50mm and 75mm crops mode. For me it is a perfect allround camera, which I will always have with me for future projects!

Red Bull Illume 2021 Thomas Monsorno 10 — This is one of the images Thomas shot with his Leica Q2. © Thomas Monsorno

What’s important to consider when shooting in such extremes?

When shooting in such extreme conditions, planning and equipment is of course very important. This certainly begins in advance, when you study the weather forecast through to choosing the right clothing and equipment. Some of the climbs are long, and the weight of the equipment means you have to be in good physical shape to keep up with the pro athletes. In most cases, the equipment is reduced to the essentials, so you can save a few kilos in weight. I always carry the batteries directly on my body to protect them from the cold.

Walk us through the creative process

The first step is always the selection of the location. If I find an inspiring location, then I think about what activity could be combined with a shoot here. The next step is then to contact an athlete to discuss the feasibility of the project. Then a team is put together (usually with a filmmaker, etc.) and the project is put on paper. At the end, the partners/brands will be contacted. The process of planning is always teamwork. It has happened that a global campaign has emerged from an initially free project when the brands have recognized the potential.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Thomas Monsorno 3 — © Thomas Monsorno

Why ice climbing?

There is something very fascinating about watching Dani Arnold ice climbing. Every movement is very considered, you have to be very strong mentally and physically to climb at this high level. In addition, there is always the cold, which certainly doesn't make it any easier to call up the full performance. Compared to other sports, the movements are relatively slow, which is often an advantage when taking photos, as the photographer has time to move and can shoot a route from many different angles and perspectives. I also find the element of ice very fascinating, as it is constantly changing. There are beautiful ice structures, the nature is just fantastic!

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

I usually find the inspiration for my work in nature and when researching on the internet. There are also numerous artists who I find very inspiring.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Thomas Monsorno 6 — © Thomas Monsorno

What was the reaction to being a Red Bull Illume category winner?

The feedback was really overwhelming. So many people have congratulated me, written to me and sometimes simply approached me, even if I thought they wouldn’t be that interested in photography. Personally, it was a very nice experience and in some way a confirmation that the path I had taken was the right one and that the work of the last few years had paid off. I noticed that Red Bull Illume has a very high status in the scene, which is noticeable on a professional level.

Anything else coming up?

After Iceland we flew almost immediately afterwards for a five-week project to the Maldives. At the moment I am at home in South Tyrol, where I will also spend the summer. A few local projects are planned here. We don't have any concrete plans for next winter, but in all probability there will be a new project with Dani Arnold and co.

Check out Thomas' website and follow him on Instagram for more fascinating imagery!

Red Bull Illume 2021 Gallery Underwater 1

This image by the Italian category winner Thomas Monsorno is exhibited in the shopping mall IPERCITY. © Thomas Monsorno / Red Bull Illume

From May 11 to 29, 2022, the 56 finalist images from the Red Bull Illume Image Quest 2021 will be exhibited in Padua, Italy, at the modern and fashionable shopping malls of IPERCITY and LE BRENTELLE. Both shopping malls are characterized by their bright ambiance and open architecture, and are well known for attracting locals and tourists alike thanks to the variety of Italian and international brands on offer. These exhibit tour stops in IPERCITY and LE BRENTELLE are part of our partnership with SES Spar European Shopping Centers which displays the winning images inside their premium shopping destinations across Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary and Italy.

The images are displayed on innovative 2x2 meter lightboxes provided by the German based manufacturer CCS Fabric Frame. This allows the outstanding quality of the images to be appreciated in a new way by audiences more used to seeing the images on a smartphone or computer screen. It also celebrates and honors the hard work and dedication of the photographers.

For your chance to view and appreciate the very best in adventure and action sports photography, head to IPERCITY and LE BRENTELLE shopping malls in Padua. The 56 images are shared across the two venues meaning you need to go to both to see every shot. The exhibitions are free to view and everyone is welcome during the centers’ regular opening hours. IPERCITY and LE BRENTELLE are easy to reach and are located off main roads, accessible by all means of transport.

Mondays to Saturdays 8:30AM – 9PM
Sundays 9AM – 9PM

So grab a gelato and enjoy a stroll through the impressive display of talent at the Red Bull Illume Exhibition while also taking in the great shopping to be had at that IPERCITY and LE BRENTELLE in Padua, Italy. The exhibition runs until May 29, 2022.

Here are the upcoming tour stops throughout the SES Spar European Shopping Centers if you can't make it to Padua.

Are you photographer or kayaker?

I am not a technically skilled photographer. I’m a kayaker completely focused on kayaking and I accept that I will make mistakes and miss a lot of shots and opportunities. There is a lot I don't understand about the craft. I research and buy equipment and ultimately I am around a combination of skilled athletes and incredible whitewater fairly often which makes things a little easier for me. When I want to shoot, I try to make as few mistakes as possible. Find a frame, try to get everything in focus...

What is the most difficult thing about shooting whitewater?

Having wet hands all the time in a wet environment.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Benny Marr 2 — © Benny Marr

Talk us through your prep?

I bring my camera with me when I go to the river. I try to make sure my shit is charged and the cards are formatted but I am usually forgetting something. Kayakers are often bringing cameras down the river with them in waterproof bags which provide a bit of protection for the gear. Sometimes we are running waterfalls and the cameras take the same hits that our bodies do so we need to protect them. I love a great photo and I try to observe and learn from the elements of how other people work so I will be motivated to move around on the river more to capture something that I and the kayaker will be happy to have to post, share, or sell – or have a memory of a cool moment.

pla21 0730040737801 25589 web — © Benny Marr

Do you prefer being behind the lens or in front of it?

I am way better at whitewater kayaking than I am at whitewater photography! It is better for me, career-wise, to be in the photo than to take the photo. We can make some extra cash selling photos but I am more stoked to be in a photo in the Red Bull Illume book than to have taken a photo which made it into the book. Nice for the ego either way!

Red Bull Illume 2021 Benny Marr 6 — © Benny Marr

You’ve kayaked the Zambezi. Why’s it special?

The Zambezi river is a live winding border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The river falls around 100 metres over Victoria Falls and into the Batoka Gorge. As kayakers we have all known about and planned trips to the Zambezi for years. Just to be able to travel to Africa is an incredible privilege and experience. Too often taken for granted. Sitting underneath Victoria Falls every day for a month and running some of the baddest rapids on the planet, I understand that privilege differently because I've worked hard on the skillsets required specifically to spend time beneath the falls. It is unique to paddle through a canyon or gorge like the Batoka with such easy access. River Right and River Left provide ample opportunities for a kayaker with a camera to hop out to shoot photos or film something. While there are no hippos in the classic whitewater section because they don't survive falling off Victoria Falls, there are many crocodiles who have done just that. Small baby crocs survive the plunge and grow up in the gorge adding elements of curiosity and danger to the kayaker's journey every day.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Benny Marr 9 — © Benny Marr

Steve Fisher is a big inspiration right?

Steve Fisher was the best all-around kayaker on the planet when I was growing up. His career is still very relevant and impressive. When he was in his late teens or early twenties he went to the Zambezi River to work as a guide and video/photo kayaker. He and a group of kayakers living on the Zambezi started making videos and as a kid I devoured them. It influenced how I kayak, how I navigate rivers and how I see high volume whitewater and big lines.

Scott Lindgren was also an influence?

Years after the Wicked Liquid movies by Steve Fisher and Alex Nicks were out, Steve started shooting with Scott Lindgren. Scott brought together footage from around the world for the Burning Time movies and created some really beautiful work on the Zambezi River. It was a lot higher quality than anything we had seen from the area so we could understand the river better. Steve was peaking in his skill and sendinees in the big water as well. Excellent combination. Steve’s big water style affected me for sure and Scott being willing to invest time and money into quality equipment and kayaking movies was great for the sport.

When are the perfect conditions for shooting the Zambezi?

It is always good, rain or shine.

Check out the incredible behind-the-scenes video here!

Follow Benny on Instagram and check out his website to see more of his work.