- Authorzooom productions
- Published 24 September 2025
Introducing The Illume
Built on the legacy of red bull illume. Focused on the future.
The Illume is the world’s most recognized adventure and action sports photography award – a global celebration of the unsung heroes behind the lens. It is a platform for those who capture the true spirit of adventure and the raw beauty of our planet, where gravity and motion collide, and the wild is both witnessed and felt.
With a renewed mission to highlight human-powered sports, The Illume places photographers at the heart of the story while embracing a responsibility: to be the inspiration to protect the planet we capture.
The Illume invites photographers everywhere to share their vision, regardless of background, citizenship, gear or following. Those who ignite awe, push beyond expectations and frame the extraordinary – creating images that inspire.
Where it all started
The Illume stands on nearly two decades of history. Since its creation in 2006 by Ulrich Grill together with Red Bull, Red Bull Illume brought together the world’s best photographers to celebrate the most unforgettable moments in adventure and action sports.
From concept to development and the management of global events, we’ve built a platform that has elevated countless talents and shaped the way we see athletes, sports, and the outdoors.
Across seven editions since 2006, 30,489 photographers from 122 countries have submitted a total of 210,498 images. The last edition in 2023 reached over 500 million contacts across owned, shared, and earned media, highlighting its global impact.
From Tokyo to Chicago, with 116 exhibit tour stops and activations worldwide, it has showcased the most powerful, untamed, and iconic imagery.
Its success has always been rooted in one mission: to shine a light on the heroes behind the lens, to give them visibility, community, and a platform to share their work with the world. That mission continues – with a new vision and a renewed purpose.
Renewed vision & mission
With The Illume, we’re not recreating the past. We’re pushing the frame forward.
We’ve shaped The Illume’s new vision, are developing its brand and CI, driving communication and growth strategies, building digital solutions, and preparing to manage global events – all while fostering strong partnerships with key players in photography and sports.
We’re proud to join forces with credible and authentic NGOs, such as Leave No Trace, Access Fund, Skateistan, World Bicycle Relief, Trash Free Trails, Protect Our Winters, and Surfrider Foundation. Together, The Illume reinforces its renewed commitment to support photographers, celebrate the unseen vision of adventure and action sports, and be the inspiration to protect the planet we capture.
At the heart of this mission is the photographers who bring these stories to life. The Illume is more than a contest—it’s a community. A platform where photographers connect, exchange ideas, and share their passion. It’s about learning from each other, discovering new perspectives, and celebrating the stories behind every image. Beyond the award, The Illume fosters connection and growth. It’s a space to share your vision, find inspiration, and be part of a supportive creative network for photographers of all levels.
Explore The Illume and discover the photographers, stories, and images that capture the extraordinary.
