Looking for that extra edge in Red Bull Illume 2016? Want to find a route into the Top 275 and sneak into the prestigious Red Bull Illume Judges Photo Book? A well-composed, creative and truly breathtaking image will, of course, tick all the judges’ boxes and get you there. But what else?
We took a stroll through Red Bull Illume history and found some interesting stats that might guide you on your quest to triumph in the world’s greatest action and adventure sports photography contest.
Stat #1
In the 2013 edition of Red Bull Illume Image Quest, over 60 bike shots made it into the Top 250. That’s over 20% of all images submitted. These images, which included BMX, MTB and FMX shots especially dominated the Lifestyle category – taking up 15 out of 25 available spots. If your have an epic bike shot laying around that fits the requirements of the category, submit it to Lifestyle.
Stat #2
Another 20% of all images submitted are snow-inspired shots. The slight edge goes to snowboarding images, which make up just over half the total of snow shots. There are essentially three potential routes when submitting a snow photo: capture an epic spray, a sick line, or major airtime.
Stat #3
Want to make it in the Playground category? Get yourself the best shot by submitting your images in landscape format. In 2013, 17 out of 25 finalists in this category showcased the stunning wide spaces in which athletes play.
Stat #4
In the history of Red Bull Illume, some athletes happen to feature more than others. Snowboarder Travis Rice, mountain biker Matt Hunter, surfer Kelly Slater, wakeboarder Ben Horan and BMXer Stefan Lantschner have been mainstays in the Top 250 since the contest started. Not only have they appeared in every edition, but they’ve also featured multiple times across the different categories. The lesson? Snag yourself a big name, capture a never-before-seen shot, and break into the Top 275 in 2016.
Stat #5
A-group-of-bros-just-kicking-it shots also have a place in Red Bull Illume. In 2013, 9 of these images impressed the judges enough to make it into the Top 250.
Stat #6
Unique, one-of-a-kind images always do well. Red Bull Illume takes pride in showcasing only the greatest action and adventure sports images. A technically perfect, well-composed image, entered into the correct category will always give you the best chance to win – no matter what the stats say from previous editions.
Check out the Red Bull Illume galleries for some inspiration from yesteryear and get ready to put your name on the map by entering Red Bull Illume.
Less than 5 weeks to go till the submissions for the world's greatest action and adventure sports photography contest close, so get your submissions in NOW! Download the Ultimate Guide to Red Bull Illume here and mark March 31, 2016 on your calendars!
Visit the Red Bull Illume Facebook page for regular updates and check out Instagram for more visual action.
Red Bull Illume: By the numbers
In this new feature, Red Bull Illume takes a look at some of the interesting stats that have made up the contest since the first edition in 2007.

© Gian Paul Lozza / Red Bull Illume