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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.