Australian Photographer Takes Grand Prize, Becoming the First Female Winner in Red Bull Illume History

In a remarkable story of triumph, Australian photographer, Krystle Wright, clinched the ultimate prize at the Red Bull Illume contest. It marked the first time a female photographer received the grand prize in the 17-year history of the competition. The Red Bull Illume Contest stands as a prestigious platform for adventure and sports imagery worldwide. Wright’s unexpected victory at the 2023 edition of the competition was a pivotal moment in its history that will be remembered by all.

The award-winning photograph captured Angela VanWiemeersch, a climber from Detroit, Michigan, basking in ethereal light as she navigated a formidable crack hidden in the depths of Long Canyon, Utah. The winner of the competition is decided by a panel of 52 judges from all over the globe. They have no information about the image or the photographer at the time of voting and submit their choices ‘blind’.

The photograph also won the Innovation by MPB category and brought an end to quite an eventful night for Krystle. Red Bull Illume is considered the pinnacle of adventure and action sports imagery and attracts submissions from amateur and professional photographers around the world—from Red Bull’s world and beyond.

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The ten category winners of the seventh edition of the contest feature ice climbers, kayakers, surfers, bikers, skaters, and other athletes in some of the world’s wildest environments, as well as unusual urban locations. The victory did not come easily to Krystle Wright, as it has been a tough battle for her.

A hard-fought victory for Krystle Wright

Krystle also had a shot at the grand prize in 2019, when she was a category finalist, and has also made the top 25 in 2013. The mountain village of Sölden, Austria, hosted the event for the first time and had some of the most important figures in adventure and sports photography gracing the proceedings. Fred Mortagne, Lorenz Holder, and Ben Thouard also gave talks before the Winner Award Ceremony.

The first five selected images will be put up in an exhibition in Sölden until December 21 and will then travel to Salzburg’s Hangar-7 before setting off on their illuminating journey across the globe.

Speaking to the media after receiving the award, Krystle could not contain her excitement and was joyful. “This is incredible. Red Bull Illume is the only platform that truly recognizes what we do,” she said. Wright’s victory serves as a testament to the ever-changing landscape of adventure photography. Becoming the first woman to take home the Red Bull Illume prize, she has paved the way for inclusivity and diversity in the industry.

In the evolving realm of adventure and action sports photography, Wright’s groundbreaking victory will be remembered as a defining moment.

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