This shot, taken by Chris Burkard, actually won a Red Bull Illume contest for all categories as well as the “Illumination” category. The shorebreak was so big and the offshore plumes so high this day, that I missed most of the best waves, but finally a set came through. The light, the wind, and the swell were perfect. It was as if everything in nature fell into perfect harmony for this single moment. As Peter Mendia eased into this wave, the backwash hit, sending a golden shower of water 10-feet above his head, and sending him down the line of another 20-second barrel. Photo: BurkardPhoto.com
Mobile phones, smart phones, personal devices, whatever you choose to call them, have become incredible tools of communication, but also of photography. The incredible surge and accomplishments in recent years of mobile phone technology has allowed everyday people to leave their cameras behind, all without the fear of not being able to capture a special moment.
There are even photography specific events, such as The iPhone Photography Awards (IPPAWARDS), now in its 9th year of celebrating photos captured with mobile phones.
Red Bull has decided to embrace the trend in conjunction with the upcoming, highly regarded Red Bull Illume competition, by way of a “National Mobile Photo Contest.” The contest allows for any U.S. resident to submit photos taken on his or her mobile phone to a panel of judges who will decide on the winning photos. The photos will then go on tour all across the U.S. alongside the Red Bull Illume Exhibit photographs. If you’ve not completely familiar with Red Bull Illume you only need to know it’s a big deal in the world of action and adventure sports photography. Notable photographers who have won awards in Illume’s Image Quest include names like Chris Burkard, Zak Noyle and Morgan Maassen.
The overall winner of the mobile photo contest will get to go to Chicago to attend the Red Bull Illume Winner Awards Ceremony in September. This affords a chance to, as Red Bull says, “rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in the action and adventure sports photography industry.”
So if you think your Instagram game is solid, or maybe even next level (i.e. you have a “k” next to your follower count), this could be your chance to turn photography into more than just a hobby. Submissions will be taken until August 14, 2016. As stated, the competition is only for U.S. residents. The photos should capture “the action and adventure sport culture and lifestyle” and each contestant is allowed to submit up to five photos. Other than that, there aren’t too many rules or regulations.
The Red Bull Illume competition features some of the world’s most breathtaking photographs captured by daring, dedicated photographers. Here’s your chance to be a part– perhaps for a considerably less intense, less life-consuming commitment.
Editor’s Note: Register and start submitting here.
