Can you give us some background about yourself? How did you become a professioal photographer?

I grew up in a small village called Rengsjö located in the Swedish countryside. My love for action sports started when I watched my older brother take his first turns on his snowboard. From that day on I was hooked. In 2010 I suffered a nasty knee injury that required multiple surgeries and years of physio. Somehow that made me get into photography. It felt good to still be in the sports that I loved but with a camera instead. Since then I've had covers on some of the biggest snowboard/skateboard mags out there and traveled the globe to shoot. A couple of years ago photography was my hobby. Today I'm stoked to say it's my profession.

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Everywhere! From following other photographers to just scouting cool locations.

In your opinion: What makes your images unique?

I've always worked a lot with flashes and I think that adds quite a unique touch to my images.

What are your plans for the future?

I've got some cool photo projects on my to-do list that I'm going to make a reality. Who knows, maybe you'll see them in the next edition of Red Bull Illume!

If you take a look at Robin O'Neill's portfolio all you want to do is get outside and hop on your bike, put on your skis or simply go for a long run. Her images don't just capture moments outside, they are truly honoring them! But the Image Quest 2019 Finalist (Category: Energy) not only captures unique outdoor adventures, she's also focusing on the human perspective behind every image. Read our interview to find out more about Robin's projects, her inspiration and her advice!

Could you tell us a little bit about your the beginngs of your carreer as an outdoor photographer? How did it all start?

During the summer of my third year at university, I decided to do some international non-profit work to mix things up. I spent my time on a project in South America, documenting the world around me on my dad’s 35mm film camera that I taught myself to use en route. There was no turning back from there - I was hooked on both travel and documentary photography.

How do you choose what projects you like to shoot?

I am drawn to projects that involve self-propelled access by ski, bike, or foot; assignments that involve collaboration with like-minded impassioned people, and that contribute positively to the world. Sometimes I select these projects and sometimes I’m fortunate enough that they select me. I have built a body of work that shows my style and what I am passionate about, which has helped build momentum in attracting projects that I’m passionate about.

Any projects that you would describe as "close to your heart"?

There are the projects that are simply meant to create an advertising campaign, which I do enjoy, but the projects that are closest to my heart involve a philanthropic aspect. These are the ones that develop meaningful connections, cultural exchanges, and a good challenging adventure.

Most recently, I was approached by an Arc’teryx sponsored ultra runner wanting to do a story in Nepal. So I began to dig deeper into how we could plan an adventure that would also make a contribution to the area we would explore. I landed on an NGO called the Mira Rai Initiative. This is a group that sponsors five young Nepalese girls every year to train as trail runners, teach them English, and give them training to become guides. This is something I could get behind and incorporate into our project. Not only do I get to trek and trail run while shooting for a company I love, I could also give a young female guide​ ​the opportunity for leadership ​training​ and exposure.

Why did you choose to submit your image to Red Bull Illume?

To be honest, I had never considered entering an image to the Red Bull Illume contest - an intimidating competition, packed with testosterone, and talent. But luckily and to my surprise I was messaged directly by Red Bull Illume saying that they liked my work, and would I consider entering the competition this year. This invitation stripped away the intimidation of entering, and I submitted to the esteemed event with no thoughts I would ever make it past the first round.

What makes a great story?

Aah! Such a hard question to start with.
To me, there are several ways to make a story a great story, but for now I will only speak about actions sports filmmaking, because it’s a big big big topic.

Firstly, the action tells the story. At some point, you don’t need to say more because all the action that you show in the video actually makes the story, telling you something about the athlete. It can be fun, original, crazy, unbelievable or totally new… or just well executed. No rules here, it’s the athlete’s mind and skills that speak for itself.

Secondly, you have the documentary side of action sports. 
To me, the great story also comes from the characters and the subject. 
The film is there to make you understand and feel something about them and what they are doing. At the end, if you feel something this means it is good, and the more you feel the more great the story.

It really is a personal point of view. I mean, I really loved some movies that other people didn’t like.

Lastly, a great story comes along with the cinematography.
The story in filmmaking is not only about the words, it’s about the cinematography, the music, the sound design, the colorgrading, the concept, and the set design.
As a filmmaker, you have the biggest toolbox of all the storytellers, because you can use everything to tell your story.

So yeah, a good story in action sports is about the sport first, and on the other side comes the people and the background story. And last but not least, the package. Great filmmaking is about making the story even more great.

How do you find great stories?

Maybe I’m lucky on that, because most of the time stories come to me, from a friend, an athlete or a brand I’m working with.
Stories are all around us, sometimes you just have to open your eyes and your mind to find them.

As we speak, I think I have more than 10 personal film ideas on paper. It’s too much, haha. 
Some of them are in my head for years now. Year after year the time eventually comes and I get to make one of them.  

For me, the most important part is to work on writing the ideas of the story you have to tell. I mean, this is a long process, you have to understand the subject, the people, the sport. You have to find the way you want to tell the story, with your personality. 
And you have to find the way you want to film it.
I feel that the stories I’m the most proud of, are the ones where I was truly capable of making it personal. Like, I was using these stories about people for sharing something that I am really concerned about. It’s the feeling of connecting with the people in the story, when you recognize something in yourself, something you care about- that’s when great things happen.
 

In a world where it seems everything has been done already, what does “unseen” mean for you?
Wow! … This is where you can mix something technical and simple with some cool ideas.

Sometimes it’s really the simplest ideas that are actually unseen. Like this very, very simple water silhouette animation made by Kevin Parry few days ago. It is SO simple!! The idea, the technique, the realisation, all is simple, but all together it has definitely never been seen before.

How would you describe yourself as a creative?
I like to find unexpected simple ideas. Usually it comes from the everyday life surrounding us. I love to give life to still stuff. I think of imagination as a muscle, if you train it, ideas will come naturally. Even if they are not always the best. 

How did you become a stop motion artist?
By doing stop motion! Stop motion is a good way to start telling stories. It’s easy to set up on a corner of a table. You can start to make cool stuff with almost nothing. It’s easier than building up a full cinema crew with actors, DOP and stuff. So that’s what I did, what I liked and that’s why I kept doing it.

Talk us through the process of creating your short clips – where does your inspiration come from?
When I have a new idea, I really have to go for it. I can’t stop thinking about it, until I get to shoot it. And sometimes - the moment I’m facing the project - it becomes harder than expected…

What were the three most significant things that happened to you since the Winner Award Ceremony back in November?

The first one got to be the trip to Atlanta, GA, for the Big Air World Cup back in December where I was offered a job to follow Jamie Anderson for the rest of her contest season. We’ve been on some trips before, so I was extremely excited to join the journey. It was a great few months of traveling together, shooting at every top event and doing some fun stuff in-between.

Second must be the two weeks that I spent just snowboarding in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy, over the Christmas holidays. This doesn't happen too often when I can simply go up and do some turns or shred in the park, so that was awesome, aIso because I was riding with my boyfriend Vlad and his friends. By the end of our time there I was able to hit the middle jump line which is pretty crazy for me! We also got a really cool sunset session going one day. I was pretty hyped to shoot at a new location and see a 9-year-old talented shredder, Nico Bondi, in person.

Last, I would say our experience volunteering during the outbreaks of COVID-19. A random circumstance brought Vlad and me to Novosibirsk in March (right when all the international snowboard events got cancelled), and none of us expected getting stuck there. So, we joined the organisation in early April after we watched the newscast covering some students who were helping elderly people in the city. It’s been an amazing and fulfilling experience being able to give back to seniors. It is something that has always been on our minds and that we would periodically bring up in conversations with each other. I’m happy we did it. If you have the opportunity, research some local organisations and try it yourself.

How did Red Bull Illume affect your professional (and personal) life?

In 2016, Red Bull Illume gave me a lot of motivation and showed me that people value my work. My submission 2019 kind of woke me up and reminded me that it’s not about the event photography, it’s about those meaningful journeys and a love for the sport and nature. Plus, the ceremony was such a good vibe, Red Bull knows how to throw a good event and bring so many talented people together. I got to see many friends I had not seen in a long time and meet new people. It was fun! Many of us kept in touch and we still support each other.

Where do you usually find inspiration/motivation for your images?

Back in the days it was the good old snowboard and skateboard magazines and movies that fueled my inspiration. Now it’s more about new destinations, people and other sports, or even something that doesn’t have anything to do with sports. New equipment also helps me to go out there and play more.

Have you ever thought about shooting other action sports or do you stick to snowboarding?

Before snowboarding, I was taking photos of BMX and skateboarding, because it was more realistic to make these happen in my hometown of Moscow which is a concrete jungle. Nowadays, I get to shoot other action sports in summer when I have time. I think it’s so much fun to explore and shoot other sports and it’s definitely something that I would look more into. Maybe even more music, urban or fashion maybe. Hit me up!

What makes your images unique in your opinion?

The colors, I would assume. This is just the most common thing that people ask me about. Also, minimalism. I can’t say all of my photos follow this style, but I’m certainly a big fan of keeping it simple.

You already talked about your personal experience during the last few months. What impact has the global situation had on your work? Is it still possible for you to shoot?

It has had a big impact. Almost all my jobs are outside Russia and my job as an action sports photographer literally depends on being able to travel. I haven’t really picked up my camera for work since February 29th. That was the last day of the Burton US Open in Vail, CO. Given the situation in Russia at the moment it’s not really possible to shoot the way I used to. It forces me to be creative and find new opportunities. While we wait it’s a good time to learn new skills and maybe explore different sports and different industries even. Though, the most important thing now is that my family and friends are staying safe and healthy.

Under "normal" circumstances: What would your plans for this year be? Any projects along the way?

Snowboard-wise, I would try to go to one of my favorite places - Folgefonna in Norway, we usually go there in late May - early June. A mandatory surf trip would’ve happened, of course. My idea was to go to California and maybe finally Hawaii, but at this point I would be glad to go to any country that reopens its borders to tourists and that has waves. There are some non-snowboard projects scheduled that I’m keeping my fingers crossed that some of them will take place later in the year.

In the Top 260 images from the Image Quest 2019 were only 4 female photographers, you included. How do you feel about the male dominated action sports photography scene?

It always depends on the people and the setting. Some days it would not even cross my mind that I’m pretty much the only girl, but other days it can be frustrating, and guys throw comments that are not ok. Some guys can be sceptical at first, having this image in their head that all girls are just drama and having a girl in the crew would ruin the “dude-vibe”.  If you really mess it up, guys will be like, "Oh, girls…" and that can definitely add some pressure. Earlier this year, I was shooting at one of snowboarding’s most prestigious events, and one guy came to me and said something like “I’ve always been curious - how do you travel so much? I see you everywhere. Like, do you get paid for your photos?”. I don’t think this guy would walk up to another guy and ask the same question. I would say it’s a bit more challenging and uncomfortable, however it keeps me on my toes. It’s so cool to see that there are far more people and companies who are stoked to invite and work with girls now than it was even five years ago. Hopefully, we will see more girls in the industry in the near future!

Find more of Dasha's work on her Instagram!

Take your content creation to the next level with the amazing prizes to be won when you enter Red Bull Illume Special Image Quest 2020. Every week a set of category finalists are selected through the Red Bull Illume internal jury and put to a community vote. These weekly finalists each receive a full license for Luminar 4 photo-editing suite by Skylum. A tool that can be used to make even more amazing adventure and action sports content.

That’s just the weekly winners, as one of the three overall winners you will win an out-of-this-world experience from Red Bull; a COOPH gift card valued at €250 for stylish photography apparel and accessories for your next shoot; furthermore, your content will be added to the current Red Bull Illume Exhibit Tour where it will be shared with the world.

Red Bull Illume Special Image Quest 2020 is the perfect opportunity to get your work recognized by a community of like-minded creators and the prizes are designed to give you that extra headstart. Go on, enter today and share your adventure and action sports creativity with the world.

It’s super easy to enter, click here to find out how!

© Matthias Dandois and dog @arianatherocket filmed by Constance Jablonski

The categories for the Red Bull Illume Special Image Quest 2020 are specific, but still give content creators the freedom to share their own interpretation of the category. Homework is specifically for adventure and action sports content that is created in and around your home.

People all over the world have had to turn their home into their office, their gym, and ultimately their playground. The Homework category is for the creators who looked at their bed covers and saw the perfect wave, turned a tree in the back garden into an 8B climbing boulder, or realized that their dining chairs are great for parkour practice. As long as you are being creative at home, you can submit your content into this category.

Simply follow these easy steps to enter the Homework category:

1)    Share your best still and moving images (up to 1 minute) on your public Instagram feed.
2)    Tag @redbullillume, use the hashtag #rbi20submission and the category #rbi20homework
3)    Tag a friend to invite them to take part too.

Got the shot? Submit your content to Red Bull Illume Special Image Quest 2020 and you could have your work featured in the current Red Bull Illume Exhibit Tour and stand the chance to win a full Skylum Luminar 4 editing suite, plus a money-can’t-buy experience from Red Bull.

Well, what are you waiting for? Stop reading this and go make great content!

"Isolated Skateboarding in Salzburg with Philipp Josefu during Covid-19, March/April 2020. A series of photos that document an empty town and unusual ambience. Salzburg is a highly touristic destination with crazy numbers of tourists especially during spring time. Yet even during rush hour completely empty and quiet. Skateboarding through the streets and bringing a piece of life back outside to document this unique time for later generations. 

The reason behind this project is quite simple and then also not quite so obvious at the same time. The Covid-19 pandemic triggered a worldwide stop of the life we were used to have. Suddenly restrictions for moving outside and limited freedom in general. It was not too tough to adjust to stay home because usually I am working from home anyway. Yet as time goes by I realized that things changed and being home for such a long time without social contacts is quite a challenge. Then also reality hits and with zero money coming in and no job bookings all the way until summer, I started wondering how I am going to adjust and amply to survive this situation. There is no way to panic because life goes on one way or the other. So I sit at home wondering what I can do. Scribbling ideas and concepts for the time after Corona and setting up my workspace and archiving systems new. Cleaning my desktop and gear and then… then what. After a couple of weeks all is done. Slowly but surely the inner wish to capture this special situation on camera grew. Yet I also didn’t want to violate the regulations and be a part of the solution together with everybody else. Eventually I concluded that it is more important to create those images than staying home and saving lives. Those images might be a reminder for later generations to be careful and remember those Corona days. Of course all security measures like keeping distance and wearing a mask I took care of and it was only Philipp and me hitting the streets together and looking for spots to skate where you usually could’t because of masses of people. The goal was to bring back something that connects this surreal scenery with something that was there before. The message is „Skateboarding is still alive and so are you!“ and skateboarding can also be representing any other sport or art people were performing outside in the streets before this pandemic stopped the life outdoors."

Words by Markus Berger

The extension of Red Bull Illume Special Image Quest by another week is an opportunity for creators to try out every angle. How many times have you thought of an even greater idea after a submitting something amazing? Sometimes after a week of brainstorming, the very best ideas come out, that’s why the submissions phase is now open until July 12, 2020 at 23:59 CEST.

That doesn’t mean wait until the last minute because there will still be a set of finalists announced every week. One week of the submission phase has already passed, however the first round of community voting will now take place next week, from June 18 till June 21, 2020. Remember, there are three categories for still and moving images of up to one minute and a completely new category dedicated to the most original Instagram stories.

The external panel of judges consists of photo editors, digital experts, and world-renowned athletes that decide category winners and choose the overall winners for still, moving, and stories. As an overall winner, you become an official Red Bull Illume Winner and receive a tailor-made experience from Red Bull. Your content will also be added to the Red Bull Illume Exhibit Tour that’s currently travelling all around the world, gaining great exposure with a community of people passionate about the adventure and action scene.

Share your epic content with the world in Red Bull Illume Special Image Quest 2020. Stay tuned to redbullillume.com and follow us on your favorite social media channels to get the latest news.

Get all the details here!

It’s official! Red Bull Illume is hosting a new contest, bringing you more of the world’s greatest adventure and action content with the Red Bull Illume Special Image Quest. It’s a celebration of all the outstanding creativity that is coming out on Instagram in 2020 and submissions open on June 1, 2020. Red Bull Illume wants to showcase the passion and dedication of photo- and videographers pushing the boundaries of content creation.

The Special Image Quest 2020 has three categories you can submit your still or moving images into, as well as a fourth and totally new one which calls for your most creative adventure and action sports Instagram stories. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a professional photographer or a first-time content maker, it’s the idea and execution that counts.

See all 4 categories and descriptions

The competition runs for 5 weeks from June 1, 2020 at 00:00 CET until July 5, 2020 at 23:59 CET. The Red Bull Illume jury will select the 5 still and 5 moving images per category, plus the 5 best stories every week. This selection will be displayed on our website. where the community will have the power to vote for their weekly finalists in each category and the winners are announced every Monday from June 15, 2020. An external panel of judges comprised of photo editors, digital experts, and world-renowned athletes will then select the category winners and thereafter the overall winners.

Full timeline and submission details

For the first time there will be 3 overall winners because still and moving content will be adjudicated separately. Each category (with the exception of Storytale) will have a moving image winner and a still image winner, resulting in: 1 Overall Still Image Winner, 1 Overall Moving Image Winner, and 1 Overall Storytale Winner. The winners will be announced on July 30, 2020.

As an overall winner, you’ll earn the title of being an official Red Bull Illume Winner and receive a tailor-made and out of this world experience from Red Bull. Your content will also be added to the Red Bull Illume Exhibit Tour that’s currently travelling all around the world, gaining great exposure with a community of people passionate about the adventure and action scene.

Get ready to show the world your adventure and action creations! Start by checking out your existing footage or finally making that content you’ve been thinking about because submissions open on June 1, 2020.
 
Stay tuned to redbullillume.com and follow us on your favorite social media channels to get the latest news!