Location, location, location… That’s what this category is all about, because Playground by WhiteWall calls for images that capture environments which inspire the athlete’s every move. Whether it’s an undiscovered valley, an underwater cave, or simply the local hangout around the corner; these images show us where you play. As Ryan Creary, one of this year’s semi-finalists can tell you, there’s a lot to consider when shooting adventure and action sports photography, “Being able to showcase the weather and elements alongside the action is when I am most creatively fulfilled.”

There’s an entire world of adventure and action sports out there and these images show us the wild and jaw-dropping places athletes play in. Congratulations to all of the semi-finalists of the Playground by WhiteWall category!

Florian Breitenberger
Andreas Busslinger
Clement Chouleur
Ryan Creary
Jairo Díaz
Adi Geisegger
Léo Grosgurin
Marcelo Maragni
Benny Marr
Esben Zøllner Olesen
Evgeny Pavlov
Wayne Reiche
Rein Rijke
Satoshi Saijo
Steve Shannon
Dave Smith
Andreas Vigl
Volodya Voronin
Noah Wetzel

Red Bull Illume discovers the world’s greatest adventure and action sports imagery and WhiteWall honors them with state-of-the-art gallery framing. WhiteWall is the photolab for everyone who loves photography, with fourteen years of experience and run by a passionate team of experts. The best part? They’re giving the winners of Red Bull Illume Image Quest 2021 their very own gallery-style framed image!

It’s not over yet… the countdown to the Unveiling Week has just begun with only ten days to go until we find out the category winners and ultimately, the overall winner of the Red Bull Illume Image Quest 2021! There’s one more category of semi-finalists to be announced next Thursday so make sure you keep checking out social media and our website for all the big news and updates.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Photobook - Limited Edition

This limited-edition photobook features the top 256 images of the Image Quest 2021.
Be the first to see those inspiring images printed and order your exclusive copy now!

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Red Bull Illume 2021 Exhibit Tour Stop KTM Motohall 1

The Red Bull Illume Exhibition, which showcases the world’s greatest adventure and action sports imagery, is to be displayed at the KTM Motohall, Mattighofen, Upper Austria, from October 1 to November 1, 2022. The opening night is timed to coincide with Austria’s “ORF-Long Night of Museums”, when hundreds of museums open their doors until 1AM, and can all be visited with a single ticket. The event has been taking place for 22 years and the KTM Motohall is one of the museums taking part.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Exhibit Tour Europark Salzburg 3 — © Wildbild

The KTM Motohall is located in the center of Mattighofen. The museum, spread over an area of around 10,000 square meters, provides visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of KTM. The imposing building architecture symbolizes the impressive dynamics of the now world-famous motorcycle company. In an interactive exhibition over three floors, visitors can learn all about the history and design processes of KTM motorcycles and get a good look at all the technical details. Special highlights include the KTM motorcycles exhibited on a recreated banked curve and the Heroes floor – an exhibition showcasing the most successful KTM riders of all time and their bikes including a 360-degree video installation. In addition to a varied range of activities for children, classic motorcycles are given a new lease of life in the living workshop in the basement of the KTM Motohall, as well as a fan store. The KTM Motohall is also the ideal location for corporate events with up to 350 people.

From October 1, there’s another reason to visit, and that’s the chance to see the 56 winning images of the Red Bull Illume Image Quest. With its high-octane heritage, the KTM Motohall is the perfect venue to showcase all the action from Red Bull Illume.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Exhibit Tour Stop KTM Motohall 2 — © Timo Bischof

Since the Exhibit Tour kicked off in the US, it has traveled across Europe, thanks to a long-term partnership between Red Bull Illume and SES Spar European Shopping Centers, visiting various cities across Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary and Italy. In September, the Red Bull Illume Exhibition was presented during Berlin Photo Week. Eight more tour stops are planned between now and the beginning of 2023 with the exhibition set to come to MURPARK, Graz, Austria, and HUMA ELEVEN in Vienna, Austria.

Can't make it to Mattighofen? Here's the full list of the upcoming tour stops!

Red Bull Illume 2021 From dusk til dawn 1

The action doesn't stop at sunset – it continues throughout the night until the sun eventually appears in the morning. The best photographers will be there waiting for the moment. In this gallery we've pulled together some of the best Red Bull Illume shots taken between dusk and dawn from Wayne Reiche's shot of BMX rider Murray Loubser in Cape Town to Daniel Rönnbäck's shot of Tof Henry jumping a gap on a Norwegian peak. There are nighttime long exposures, dawn climbs under headlamp and surfers relaxing at the end of the day. The one constant? Somebody with a camera thinking, this would make a great shot. And you know what? They were right.

Tell us a little bit more about your shot.

I love combining different things together and this time it was skateboarding and video mapping. I had this idea in my head for quite a long time. I did one small successful test but I was busy with commercial projects and traveling to make it on a bigger scale. In 2021 I contacted Maxim Habanec and my friends from Lunchmeat studio (the video mapping company) and explained them my idea and they were happy to cooperate with me. Most of the jobs were canceled because of COVID so it was great opportunity to spend some extra free time.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Dan Vojtech 2 — © Dan Vojtech

What was the most difficult part?

There were several challenges during this project. The first one was how to build a set with 8 big beamers. We had to mount them under the ceiling to keep space free without any cables (hundreds of meters) or stands. Beamers are quite heavy, ceiling-high and we had no heavy machines, only ladders. This took us two nights. The second challenge was how to light up Max with strobes while not disturbing the projection in the background. I had to be very precise with strobes and use grids and reflectors.

And the most rewarding part?

The best part was when we turned off all the lights in the Maxspace and turned on the projectors. We felt like we were in a video game. It was crazy!

Red Bull Illume 2021 Dan Vojtech 3 — © Dan Vojtech

What equipment did you use?

I was shooting with lenses from 16mm to 200mm and I used external battery powered flashes with reflectors and grids. These were important so I only lit the skaters and didn't interfere with the video mapping.

How did you work the light?

Light played a very important role. It was necessary to find the ideal ratio of light between projections and flashes. There must have been very little light in the hall because of the projection. It made skateboarding very difficult.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Dan Vojtech 4 — © Dan Vojtech

How did you explain your vision with the athlete?

I think it's very important to explain to skateboarders exactly what you intend to do. It's always good to be familiar with the sport, then you understand what is possible. First we always agree on what obstacle we are going to shoot on. I then choose a suitable angle and light the place. The skateboarders then ride and I try to capture the best moments. I always consult with them on the final photos.

How did you get the idea for the image?

I love video mapping and have had a similar idea in my head for a long time. When the opportunity came up to use it for the Maxspace it was only a matter of time.

Any other exciting projects you can tell us about?

I definitely plan to continue similar projects. Now I'm experimenting with using a drone for light-painting and Infrared photography, so stay tuned!

Check out the behind-the-scenes video of Dan's awesome project here!

To see more of Dan's work check out his website and his Instagram here.

How did Red Bull Illume change things for you?

My first image in Red Bull Illume in 2013 still gets brought up by people today almost ten years later. It left a mark and I’m pretty fortunate to be able to share such a special image.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Paris Gore 2 — © Paris Gore / Red Bull Illume

How did you get into photography?

My parents had a bluegrass band growing up and my mom would hand me her 35mm camera while they played shows and I ran around taking pictures at a pretty young age. I guess that would be the start, but years later I took a photography class in high school and was pretty hooked on it. My teacher gave me a lot of flexibility to go shoot the team sports. I was also into mountain biking at that time and just put it together one day to shoot mountain bike. That's when it really all came together and could see that it was something I was really interested in doing. By the time I was headed to college, I realized I could possibly make a career out of photography so I went to photo school in Seattle. Now, 12 years later, it's the only job I've held.

How do you build important relationships that help you professionally?

I treat everyone with respect and make no judgements of someone; they could be your next client. I've been great friends with one of my biggest clients for nearly ten years and had some great times together. Just being a fun person and a quality human goes a long way in the professional world.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Paris Gore 1 — © Paris Gore

How do you reach out to potential new clients?

I've tried most of the methods, I’m not really sure what works the best, but I really believe in more of an in-person approach. I just get a lot more done out of a conversation than sending emails into space that someone might never see. I've had good luck going to trade shows and chatting up potential companies I would want to work with.

What sets your images apart?

I like to shoot big scenes and show nature, elements, scenery around the action. I don't think it sets me apart from anyone else, but I just like to convey the feeling of where I'm at and hope that someone can feel like they are right there experiencing the moment.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Paris Gore 3 — © Paris Gore

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.

Where does your photography passion come from?
I don’t think it can be summed up as one thing, there’s a lot to be inspired by everyday (light, color, people, nature) that makes me want to pick up a camera and take a photo. And there’s always more to learn and improve on that keeps me intrigued.

Why do you focus on biking?
It’s just what I know, I’ve followed and been around two wheels for as long as I can remember and it’s how my career as a photographer began. As much as I love shooting biking, I definitely try to spend time photographing outside of my niche.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Toby Cowley 1 — © Toby Cowley

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!

Red Bull Illume 2021 Toby Cowley 2 — © Toby Cowley

How important is the relationship between athlete and photographer?
Communication is key for both the athlete and the photographer, if the rider is planning to do a trick only once, it’s important for me to make sure I know what trick they’re doing and then figure out which angle shows that trick the best. If I have an idea for a shot, I’ll run it by the athlete so that we’re on the same page before they drop in.

When are you happy with your images?
When light, riding, composition all comes together, that’s definitely when I’m the happiest.

What’s up next for you? Any exciting projects you can share with us?
I can’t give away too much but I’m just finishing up a bigger project that will hopefully be released next month. And then a couple smaller shoots in the next couple weeks, I’m excited for a busy summer!

If you want to see more of Toby's work follow him on Instagram @tobycowley or check out his website!

2021 was an edition like no other, with the one-of-a-kind Winners’ Unveiling Week from November 29 to December 4, in which all of the finalists and winning images were revealed on Instagram Live. The overall winner, Will Saunders, received his trophy on the final night on the snow-covered mountains in Aspen Snowmass, CO, USA.

Visiting a tour stop is just one of the ways you can experience these incredible images, or you could buy your very own. What are we talking about? Well, for the first time ever, you can own a high-end print and turn your home into an art gallery. Check out all the limited-edition prints that are available to order on COOPH, including Will Saunders' winning shot. It's a totally new way to experience these incredible images, thanks to our partners WhiteWall and COOPH.

Can't choose which winning image you love the most? The limited-edition Red Bull Illume Photobook contains the top 256 images from the contest, all within the pages of this high-quality hardcover book. There are only 3,000 copies available, each individually numbered and stamped. It's the ultimate collector's item and makes an incredible gift for any photography lover. Order your very own copy here.

How did you become a photographer?

I wouldn’t actually say I'm a photographer, it's more of a lifelong passion for me. My mother always had a camera ready when we were growing up. Then my brother studied photography at secondary school but stopped after a year. I picked up his camera and started to play around a bit. We did a lot of surf adventures around the North Island of New Zealand and I thought it would be good to get some photos from that. Then the travel bug really kicked in and 46 countries later I still absolutely love travel photography. I started with print film then progressed to slide film mostly in Europe and Africa, then finally digital.

You’re a teacher, do your students know about your second life?

Absolutely not! 99% of students are convinced teachers do not have lives. They assume we are born teachers. I bumped into two students who were swimming at a local river. I was abseiling down the side of the waterfall. Needless to say, they were quite surprised.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Rod Hill 3 — © Rod Hill

What sports do you focus on and why?

I would love to shoot more sports but access is not that easy. I have no press credentials and turning up to photograph kids playing soccer or something could be misconstrued! So, focusing on kayaking has allowed me to shoot as much and as often as I like. Kayakers are very photogenic too. Also, I can try my hand at bird and nature photography while I wait for kayakers. The rivers are exceptionally beautiful. I would like to get more mountain bike photos because that was a sport I was heavily involved in for quite a long time but for the foreseeable future, rivers, birds and kayakers fill the day!

Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration is an interesting concept. I don’t really get inspiration to shoot photos as such. I get inspired to live life as best as I can. Getting photos I'm proud of just happens to be part of that.

What makes a ‘good’ image in your opinion?

Aside from the technical aspects such as composition and the rule of thirds, I think a good photograph starts and finishes with interesting light. I try to avoid cropping so everything in the photograph should be there for a reason. I really like Michael Clark’s and Lorenz Holder’s images. They always have lots of layers to them.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Rod Hill 4 — © Rod Hill

How has winning the Energy by Red Bull Photography category changed things?

I'm still the same person – wet and often freezing cold on the side of a river waiting for kayakers to go by. On a personal level, I am super proud of my achievement. Being only the second Kiwi to win a category behind the legend Dean Treml is also quite humbling too. It has legitimized my passion but I still have so much more to learn.

What’s next?

I am in the early stages of sorting a trip to Mexico with George Snook and hopefully Rafa Ortiz with the help of Red Bull Photography. It was part of the prize from Red Bull Illume. I am also working on a new project closer to home, Tree Trunk Gorge to be exact. I have some ideas for there. It's quite steep and sketchy but nothing a couple of ascenders, harness, a really long rope and maybe a drone wouldn’t fix.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Rod Hill 8 — © Rod Hill

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!

2007

Professional snowboarding photographer Thomas Stöckli became the first ever Energy category winner in 2007 with this shot of Reto Kestenholz in St. Christoph, Austria. He was subsequently a finalist in the 2010 edition.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Energy winners 2 — © Stuart Gibson / Red Bull Illume

2013

This epic shot of cliff diver Todor Spasov was taken by Swiss photographer Romina Amato, who got this unique angle from a boat. “I like pictures where it leaves the viewer asking, where is he coming from? Will he survive this? Does that guy seriously think he can fly?”

Red Bull Illume 2021 Energy winners 4 — © Luke Shadbolt / Red Bull Illume

2019

Ben Thouard didn't just win the Energy category with this shot of Ace Buchan in Tahiti. It went on to be crowned Red Bull Illume Overall Winner. “Shooting surfing from underwater is a whole new world and I love it,” he said at the time.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Energy winners 6 — © Rod Hill / Red Bull Illume

Red Bull Illume 2021 Energy winners 1 — © Thomas Stöckli / Red Bull Illume

2010

An image just as powerful today as it was 12 years ago. Taken by legendary Aussie lensman Stuart Gibson, it shows Ryan Hipwood big wave surfing in Tasmania. “The day I got that photo was a really special day in my career,” Gibson recalled.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Energy winners 3 — © Romina Amato / Red Bull Illume

2016

“A salute to the power and randomness of the ocean, or a mocking attempt at some kind of manipulated sorcery, showing man’s unending quest to control nature.” That was photographer Luke Shadbolt’s take on this 2016 winning shot. Inside info? He didn’t spot surfer Renan Faccini was in the shot until afterwards.

2021

“This shot was not supposed to happen,” recalls Rod Hill, an unassuming chemistry teacher from New Zealand. Kayaker River Mutton was about to go home but decided on one last run. Then the sun suddenly came out. “Straight away I knew this was going to work," Rod said.

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!

Red Bull Illume 2021 SES Tour Citycenter Celje 2

The next Red Bull Illume Exhibitions will be in EUROPARK, Maribor and ALEJA, Ljubljana in Slovenia. Both tour stops are part of our partnership with SES Spar European Shopping Centers which displays the 56 finalist images inside their premium shopping destinations across Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary and Italy. All exhibitions are completely free to visit and can be combined with a shopping trip.

EUROPARK in Maribor – June 23 to July 3

Nestled between the Drava River and the green embrace of the Pohorje forests lies Maribor, the starting point for all kinds of adventures – from skiing to hiking and climbing. It’s the perfect location to host the next Red Bull Illume Tour Stop. The top 56 images will go on display at Maribor’s EUROPARK, from June 23 to July 3, 2022.

For more than 22 years the 2-level and light-flooded EUROPARK with around 120 different stores offers a variety of international and national brands and now, for the first time ever, the Red Bull Illume Exhibition.

Since the shopping mall is located right in the center of Maribor, it can be easily reached by any means of transport and it is the perfect place to meet with family and friends to discover the illuminated images. The exhibition is totally free to view during the centers’ regular hours from 9am to 9pm weekdays and 8am to 9pm on Saturdays.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Tour Stop Europark Maribor 2 — © Bojan Mihalič

ALEJA in Ljubljana – July 5 to July 16

The exhibition will then move to Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, gateway to the Julian Alps. Once again, the images will be displayed on 2x2 meter lightboxes and showcased from July 5 to July 16 at ALEJA in the heart of Šiška, just to the north of downtown Ljubljana.

The modern shopping mall is located in one of the most popular districts of Ljubljana and has been constructed from 2017 to 2020. It impresses with its mixed-use structure and combines shopping, culinary delights as well as leisure facilities. With 80 different brands, a fitness park, a running track and several relaxing areas ALEJA offers a great variety for every interest and age and goes far beyond the usual shopping trip. It is open Mondays to Saturdays 8am to 9pm.

Red Bull Illume 2021 SES Tour Aleja Ljubljana 1 — © ALEJA

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.

Tell us about Iceland
After our Baikal project, we planned a new one for the following year, which unfortunately we had to cancel due to the pandemic. We had already defined some new locations, but these were not feasible due to travel restrictions. It was supposed to be the follow-up project to Baikal, a mixture of road movie and climbing story. In autumn 2021 we decided to fly to Iceland to look for new ice climbing spots. The team consisted of Dani Arnold, Martin Echser, Lukas Kusstatscher and Davide Guzzardi. The aim was to produce photos and video. As is well known, the landscape in Iceland is spectacular, but the constantly changing, sometimes extreme weather conditions in winter made the project even more special.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Thomas Monsorno 1 — © Thomas Monsorno

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!

Red Bull Illume 2021 Thomas Monsorno 10 — This is one of the images Thomas shot with his Leica Q2. © Thomas Monsorno

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.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Thomas Monsorno 3 — © Thomas Monsorno

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.

Red Bull Illume 2021 Thomas Monsorno 6 — © Thomas Monsorno

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!