For the first time in the 17-year history of Red Bull Illume, the world's largest competition for adventure and action sports photography, a female photographer is the overall winner. Krystle Wright from Australia impressed a jury of over 50 experts with her picture. It shows mountaineer Angela VanWiemeersch in a crevice deep in Long Canyon in the US state of Utah in stark contrasts. She is therefore also the winner in the Innovation by MPB category.
Krystle Wright was delighted to receive the award:
That's really incredible. I wanted to earn my place in this industry and for my work to be recognised. Red Bull Illume is the only platform that truly values our work. - Krystle Wright
Wright's winning image was honoured with an award at the Red Bull Illume Winner Award Ceremony in Sölden, Austria. It is one of ten impressive photos and videos that were honoured. The award ceremony took place for the first time in the famous ski resort in the Alps. In attendance were some of the most recognised names in adventure and action sports photography, including former overall winners Fred Mortagne, Lorenz Holder and Ben Thouard.
Red Bull Illume is recognised as the highest accolade in adventure and action sports photography and attracts entries from amateur and professional photographers from around the world. The ten category winners of the seventh edition of the competition showcase bikers, ice climbers, kayakers, surfers, skaters and other athletes in some of the world's most breathtaking locations.
Lorenz Holder, a German photographer and two-time winner of the Red Bull Illume competition, has won the "Masterpiece by Sölden" category. His winning picture was taken in a colourful post-modern apartment complex in Spain. The picture shows BMX rider Senad Grosic in this unique location.
In the "Emerging with Canon" category, which honours young talent, Gonzalo Robert Parraguez was chosen as the winner for his dramatic shot of kayaker Kilian Ivelic Astorga.
Renowned surf photographer Ted Grambeau was honoured in the Energy category for his photo of Jimmy McKean surfing a huge wave off Tasmania.
Other category winners at Red Bull Illume 2023 are:
- Creative - Delphin Montessuit (FRA)
- Lifestyle by COOPH - Ross Taylor (GBR)
- Playground by Radiant Photo - Jb Liautard (FRA)
- RAW - Léo Grosgurin (FRA)
- Photos of Instagram - Yhabril (ESP)
- Reels of Instagram - Gabriel Marwein (IND)
Marc Strucken
Editor
