So after Illume, you’re living the highlife right?
"That’s right…! No… I’m still playing dirty in the bush – I’m still an adventure photographer. Since 2013 I’ve been on a kayaking trip to Mongolia and twice to Alaska for a ski project and I’m going back next year. Right now I’m about to go on a climbing trip to Tasmania. It will be awesome."
What effect did Illume have on your career?
"One of the first things I got was sponsorship. It started a chain reaction which was great. As for work, it probably did open up some opportunities. I can’t give specific examples but I remember a guy telling me years ago: you should never shoot for contests but you should enter them. If you win or are a finalist it does boost your career."
So what are you shooting these days?
"Everything… I think people pin hole me into BASE jumping but I’ve always shot everything, I go through phases. Last year I shot a lot of highlining. This year I’ll be shooting everything from surfing and freediving to skiing. This year could be big."
How was the winner award ceremony?
"It was definitely awesome. How many competitions fly in all the finalists? Red Bull Illume is an incredible platform – it’s a great celebration of adventure photography. No other contest gives us the recognition. There’s no way adventure photography is going to get into the World Press Photo."
But…
"I did get a little pissed off with other photographer finalists who didn’t know me, who would say, ‘oh, you’re a spectator?’ and I’m like, ‘no, I’m a photographer and finalist too’!"
Ouch!
"Certain people made those assumptions that you weren’t a finalist because you’re female and that gets a little frustrating. I think there will be a few more female entries from younger female photographers and I’d love to see a couple more but it’s simply the numbers, there’s only a handful of us for sure."
Why aren’t there more women photographers?
"I hate it when people bring up, ‘where are the females?’ This comment makes me feel that this is a problem but there are female photographers and we may as well celebrate who is there so others who want to get into the industry can perceive there are successful role models out there."
So looking forward to entering this time around?
"I do have a lot of images up my sleeve but who knows. It all depends on the judges. I may be there or I may not!"
What about the mobile category? Something for you?
"I’m temped to take a couple of shots with my phone. You can’t ignore it and the technology has advanced so much and you don’t always have your 5d in your back pocket. It doesn’t match a pro camera but it’s a bit of fun, so why not?"
Check out Krystle’s Facebook and Instagram feed for more of her work.
The world's greatest action and adventure sports photography contest is back and better than before with the addition of a new mobile category. Download the Ultimate Guide to Red Bull Illume here and mark March 31, 2016 on your calendars! That's when submissions close.
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The Illume Effect: Krystle Wright
If there’s one Red Bull Illume photographer who lives the adventure life, it’s Krystle Wright. Here she tells us about the Illume Effect – and why female action sports photographers should be celebrated more.

© Krystle Wright