Red Bull Illume Image Quest looks a little different this year. To celebrate the inclusion of a brand-new mobile category to the 4th edition of the contest, we talk to notable action and adventure sports photographers who know a thing or two about shooting on mobile devices.
First up, adventure sport photographer and selfie stick critic Michael Clark:
So what’s your approach to mobile photography?
"Generally, I use the phone when scouting or when I don’t have a DSLR camera with me. I’m an image quality snob, but shooting on mobile is liberating and fun. I get to play with a mobile phone, whereas a DSLR is much more serious. It’s amazing what mobile phone cameras are capable of these days."
Tell us about your experience shooting on the Nokia Lumia?
"The Nokia Lumia 930 that I shot with last year was so good. One of the best images I got on that entire trip was shot with the Nokia. And the fact that they were 20MP RAW images was amazing. I made a 20-inch print of an image shot on the Nokia and it looked great!"
You're on Instagram, right?
"Yes. I try to keep up and post solid images that inspire. I was late to the Instagram game – I was horrified by the terms and conditions, but gave in eventually because it’s such a great way to market your work and images. Having a solid Instagram account is a key part of my marketing these days, but like many photographers, I have a love/hate relationship with it."
How so?
"Well on one hand, it’s amazing to be able to post images and get an immediate response and love from the photography community. On the other hand, it seems like having plenty of followers has no relation to the quality of the work posted – and clients are going after followers regardless of quality. There is a staggering amount of amazing images being created every day too. It’s both scary and invigorating. It inspires me get out there and push the envelope creatively."
If you had one word for all the ‘selfie’ takers in the world?
"Stop! I was just in Yellowstone where one of the park rangers told me about three people being killed taking selfies only a few feet from a Bison – one of the most dangerous animals in the park. All you can do is shake your head. The selfie stick should be banned everywhere, forever."
Any tips on how to shoot better images on mobile?
"Keep it stable: Get a tripod adapter or use a wall, a fence or a friend’s shoulder for support.
Use the HDR feature: The HDR results from shots on my iPhone are vastly superior to what I can do in Photoshop or Lightroom. I don’t know how Apple do it, but the images don’t look fake or overcooked like so many HDR images.
Shoot in Raw: The fact that the Nokia Lumia phones can shoot in RAW is such a huge bonus. Check out the sea-kayaking image as an example."
Will you be entering Red Bull Illume 2016?
"Of course! Red Bull Illume is the biggest contest for the adventure sports genre. I am working on new images just for Illume."
Visit Michael's website for more of his work or follow him on Instagram.
The world's greatest action and adventure sports photography contest is back and better than before with the addition of a new mobile category. Find all information here and mark Dec 1, 2015 on your calendars! That's when submissions open.
Visit the Red Bull Illume Facebook page for regular updates.
Mobile Photography brought to light: Michael Clark

© Michael Clark