Red Bull Illume Photo Contest

Andrew Brophy - Kickflip Photo-Fred Mortagne/Red Bull Illume

Aspen, Colorado (Jan. 24, 2007) – Tonight at dusk, the first-ever international action and adventure sports photography competition – Red Bull Illume Image Quest – unveiled 50 of the best raw moments in action and adventure sports from across the globe in a larger-than-life outdoor exhibition that “illuminated” Aspen Mountain. Judges, heroes of the sport and special guests took witness during a special opening ceremony exhibition as finalist photographers vied for first place honors and the Athletes’ Choice Award. Judges selected the top 10 category winners and named the Illume Image of Year.

Amidst the snow and darkness, the top 50 photographs were unveiled in a breathtaking spectacle of luminous glass and metal cubes that left the slopes of Aspen Mountain aglow. This illuminated exhibition, co-hosted by renowned music industry photographer Danny Clinch, included the very best of action sports, resulting in the most dramatic compilation of action and adventure sports imagery ever assembled.

Contest judge Anne Telford of Communication Arts reflected on the experience: “This is the most incredible collection I have ever seen assembled in one place and is the most phenomenal experiences I have had in my 17 years of photo editing.”

Official contest judges consisting of esteemed photo editors and image experts from photography, action sports and lifestyle magazines from around the world critiqued 7,200 submissions from over 90 countries. They combined their efforts in search of the top 50 images (five finalist images in ten image categories) that embody commitment, passion and risk in addition to technical superiority, superior composition, creativity, impact, artistic flair, and overall excellence.

“It’s overwhelming,” said contest judge Pete Taras of Transworld SURF, “by far the biggest bonding meeting of the photographic minds I have ever witnessed.”