When it comes to capturing the perfect shot, patience, creativity, and sometimes a bit of luck play a huge role. That combination definitely came together for me when one of my photos was selected as a semifinalist in the prestigious Red Bull Illume Image Quest 2023.
The Story Behind the Shot
The semifinalist photo, featured in the “Masterpiece by Sölden” category, captures professional freerider Damon Iwanaga mid-air against a dramatic, post-storm sky near Virginia City, Nevada. It’s one of those moments where preparation met opportunity, and everything lined up.
Damon and I waited for over two hours, hoping the sun would break through the heavy storm clouds just before sunset. When the light finally hit, Damon launched off a massive jump, and I managed to capture it in the first take. It’s one of those shots that reminds me why I love what I do—turning fleeting moments into timeless images.
What This Recognition Means to Me
Being honored as a semifinalist in Red Bull Illume—a competition that celebrates the world’s best adventure and action sports photography—is a nice milestone. After more than two decades of shooting action sports, this recognition encapsulates the passion and effort I put into every project.
I’ve always been drawn to blending technical precision with storytelling, and one of my goals in photography is to capture action at the perfect while taking place in dramatic landscapes. Being part of Red Bull Illume motivates me to keep pushing creative boundaries and sharing stories through my lens. Photo contests haven’t ever really been a priority of mine, yet it’s nice to have an image chosen for the Masterpiece category, given the number of remarkable shooters who submitted images.
Dive Deeper into Red Bull Illume
If you’re like me and nerd-out when it comes to action sports photography and filmmaking, I recommend exploring Red Bull Illume. It’s a cool showcase of talent and visual storytelling. You can view my semifinalist photo and other jaw-dropping entries from the 2023 competition at RedBullIllume.com.
Final Thoughts
This semifinalist recognition is a reminder that great photography often comes from blending preparation, creativity, and timing. It’s about seeing possibilities where others might not and having the tools and vision to capture them.
About My Company, Ryan Cleek Productions
At Ryan Cleek Productions, I focus on high-energy commercial photography and film production, specializing in mountain biking, adventure sports, and action storytelling. My work combines technical skill with a creative edge to deliver visuals that stand out—whether they’re for brands, athletes, or personal projects. You can check out more of my portfolio and recent work at RyanCleekProductions.com.