What have you been up to since the last Red Bull Illume?
"I did a lot of talking with schools and since then I wanted to do more workshops. I created a big one, ‘aquatography’ and did that two years in a row, two in Hawaii and one in California. It’s a free course with an introduction to water photography. I found it really fun to teach people, and that came through Red Bull Illume."
How did Illume help?
"I definitely got a lot of attention from that image. People were curious how I created it and wanted the back story on it. Red Bull Illume is a huge platform and it was great exposure for me. But the best part of it was having my image displayed on those lightboxes over any prize. Having it displayed in these great cities; to me that was the great part. It was crazy…"
What was the winner award ceremony like?
"Hong Kong was crazy. It was my first time there and it was a lot of fun – just meeting the other photographers, being able to talk and connect. It’s funny – I was blown away by the skate photographers and they’re blown away by the surfer guys. It’s a great community that comes together."
So are you ready for the next Illume?
"I got my images ready to go! I’ve been collecting…"
What makes a winning shot?
"I think being unique and standing out. I think we will be blown away by the submissions. It’s just getting better and better. But there are still great images still out there."
What about on a cell phone?
"Very much so. When I first saw that the iPhone was an 8MP camera it struck a chord as my first digital camera was 8mp so I thought, why couldn’t challenge myself? It’s been a fun journey doing that. The best camera you have is the one you have with you. The smartphone has replaced point and shoot cameras. It’s a tool and it’s as good as you make it."
Even for surfing?
"I have definitely used it. I did a few campaigns for Apple this year on an iPhone 6. That was all surf stuff in the water. I helped develop an underwater housing. It’s wonderful and a lot of fun. I find it a new challenge. Sometimes you find yourself doing the same thing. This breaks it up and makes it fun again."
Any advice there to aspiring winners?
"Get out there and do your thing. Shoot loose and edit tight."
View out more about Zak and his images on his website or Instagram page.
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.
Visit the Red Bull Illume Facebook page for regular updates and check out Instagram for more visual action.
The Illume Effect: Zak Noyle
Since his image of a surfer doing a 360 won 2013's Sequence category, Zak Noyle has been busy. Continuing our Illume Effect series, he tells us how he now gives workshops on water photography and why he loves shooting with his smartphone.

© Zak Noyle