| Copyright | The copyrights of submitted images remain with you. The submitted images can only be used in relation to the Red Bull Illume contest. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to all photographers 18+ years of age, worldwide. |
| Finish | 30 April 2013 |
| Entry fee | Free |
Finished
Red Bull Illume is the world’s premier international photography competition dedicated to the world of action and adventure sports. Its purpose is to showcase the most exciting and creative action sports photography on the planet as art and bring the public into the world of action sports. Only action and adventure sports images and images that capture the culture and lifestyle surrounding these sports may be submitted. A panel of about 50 esteemed photo editors from international top publications will judge the 250 semi-finalists.
Categories:
- lifestyle – Images that visually capture the creativity of the lifestyle, music and culture that surrounds action and freesports, or represents what happens before, between, and after the action.
- playground – Images that showcase the landscapes, locations, platforms, and environments in which athletes play.
- energy – Images that demonstrate the force that powers an action and show the energy, speed and strength required for an athlete to perform.
- spirit – Images that portray the spirit or personality that athletic performances produce, as well as the pain, emotion and struggles that go along with trying to achieve one’s goals, whether due to injury, failure or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
- close up – Images that show extreme detail of one or more aspects of an athletic feat: a tight shot of the action, the equipment, the body, the face, etc.
- wings – Images that capture the point in a performance in which the athlete jumps, catches air, free falls, soars.
- sequence – Images that tell the whole story in a single frame and capture the progression of an action at every stage.
- new creativity – Images that reveal a unique angle, a visual idea, a different format, light and flash effects… something never seen before! It’s the purely creative image without digital alterations.
- experimental – Images that have been enhanced digitally or in the darkroom through alterations made in the production or digital editing process.
- illumination – Images that illuminate your artistic skill, your personal best, your unique style; this is an open category so anything goes – give us your best shot!
Prizes:
- The overall winner will receive the new Leica S camera, while category winners will each receive a Leica X2. Other prizes will include broncolor’s new Move, their portable flash and the latest strap system from Sun-Sniper.
- 50 finalist images will travel around the world as a unique and stand-alone photo exhibition.
- The image with the most votes will win the Peoples’ Choice Award.
Image requirements: JPG format; up to 10 Mb in file size; 300dpi resolution; Color Space Adobe RGB
Photos that have been digitally or otherwise enhanced to change the original impression are only eligible for submission in the Experimental category. Photographers may only enter a maximum of five images per category.
Judging criteria: technical superiority, composition, creativity, impact, artistic flair and overall qualities of photographic excellence.
Frequently asked questions — Free photography contests
Who can enter free photography contests?
Most free contests welcome photographers worldwide, regardless of experience level or equipment. Many explicitly encourage students, hobbyists, and emerging creators—always verify age requirements or thematic restrictions on the official contest page.
Are free photography contests really free?
Yes—entry is $0 across the board. Some contests offer optional paid perks like expedited feedback or printed certificates, but submission, judging, and basic participation remain completely free. Fee status is confirmed in the Quick Facts section on each PhotoCompete listing.
What prizes do free photography contests offer?
Prizes vary widely: cash awards range $100–$5,000, while non-monetary rewards include online features, publication credits, mentorship sessions, exhibition inclusion, or gear donations. Even without cash, free contests offer valuable exposure and portfolio-building opportunities.
How do I choose which free contest to enter?
Prioritize contests whose theme or mission aligns with your work. Review past winners to gauge style preferences, confirm technical specs (resolution, file format), and read rights clauses carefully—even free contests may request usage rights for promotional purposes.
Frequently asked questions — Photography exhibition contests
Who can enter photography exhibition contests?
Most exhibition contests welcome photographers with cohesive bodies of work—emerging to mid-career artists. Some prioritize thematic series or conceptual depth; review curatorial guidelines to ensure your project aligns with the venue's vision.
Are exhibition contests free to enter?
Few are free; most charge $15–$50 per submission, with portfolio or series entries priced higher. Entry fees and early-bird discounts are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do exhibition contests offer?
Prizes emphasize physical or virtual presentation: gallery exhibition slots, group show inclusion, catalog features, press coverage, or artist talks. Cash awards are less common but may range $1,000–$5,000 for top honors.
How do I choose which exhibition contest to enter?
Match your series to the venue's curatorial focus and research past exhibitions for aesthetic alignment. Verify technical specs (print size, framing, digital format), review shipping or installation requirements, and carefully assess rights clauses—some exhibitions request display or promotional usage rights.
Frequently asked questions — International photography contests
Who can enter international photography contests?
Most international contests welcome photographers worldwide, regardless of nationality or experience level. Always verify eligibility on the official contest page—some restrict by age (18+), amateur/professional status, or thematic focus.
Are international photography contests free to enter?
Some are free; many charge $10–$50 per image, with early-bird discounts often available. Entry fees and deadline tiers are listed in the Quick Facts section at the top of each contest page on PhotoCompete.
What prizes do international photography contests offer?
Prizes range from cash awards ($500–$25,000) to gallery exhibitions, publication features, professional gear, and artist residencies. Prestigious awards like the Sony World Photography Awards or IPA carry significant industry recognition.
How do I choose which international contest to enter?
Align your strongest work with the contest theme and review past winners to gauge aesthetic preferences. Confirm technical specs (resolution, file format), check rights clauses carefully, and prioritize contests whose mission matches your artistic goals.