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Tracks photographer Smithy awarded two trophies at RedBull’s Illume, Ireland. |
Nathan’s “Close up” and “Athletes choice” Illume Awards winning shot of Andrew Mooney.
Smithy stands proudly with his winning shot and his “dust collectors” at the awards night in Dublin, Ireland.
Tracks senior lenseman Nathan Smith has hit the big time and taken out two categories in the prestigious RedBull Illume contest. It is here that the best action and adventure sports images from around the globe are exhibited and judged by some heavy hitters in the photographic world [think Sundance or Cannes for film makers].
Entry numbers were whittled down from 5000 to 50 finalists, “When I got the email saying I had made the final 50, I thought it was someone playing a joke on me. I spent 20 minutes Goggling the girls name before I realised it was legit”.
Making the top 50 at Illume is an achievement in itself for any photographer. The finalists were flown to Dublin, Ireland in rock star, all-expenses-paid fashion. In between Guinness shouts and meals of mashed potato’s, Smithy managed to take out both the “Close up” and “Athletes choice” categories of the contest, rendering his images, the best in the world.
The real prize however for the overworked salty sea dog was something far less than the accolade and trophy. “I’m stoked to finally do a trip without all my gear and luggage. I just got to go over and drink free beer for a week and actually see a country I’ve never been to before”.
Smithy checked in from his Hotel early in the morning after celebrating with other photographers and the Red Bull crew with this text, ” Can’t believe it, lucky guy to take down two awards. Lost for words really…”
It’s a tough gig shooting surfing and sustaining a fruitful career. Many shooters come and go but Smithy’s longevity is proof the cream rises to the top. These International accolades testimony to the fact.
Big congratulations Smithy on a massive achievement in the world of imagery.
We salute you brother!
Click here to check all the winners
A good example of the “close up” work that nailed Smithy two gongs at Illume.
