This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.
NewsNowphotographyphotos

Nature's Awesome Power Captured In Aussie Photographer's Stunning Shot

It perfectly captures the energy of nature.
By 

Associate Editor, HuffPost Australia

Luke Shadbolt was travelling with a group of Brazilian bodyboarders in Rio De Janeiro when he captured this stunning shot.

The black and white photo shows surfer Renan Faccini against a massive swell, highlighting the awesome energy of the ocean.

The photo took out the 'Energy' category in the Red Bull Illume Image Quest photography competition for extreme and adventure sports photography.

Luke Shadbolt's winning shot of surfer Renan Faccini set against a huge swell in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
Luke Shadbolt/Red Bull Illume
Luke Shadbolt's winning shot of surfer Renan Faccini set against a huge swell in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

"The swell seemed to line up directly into this small crevice in the southern cliff and plumes of spray would catapult out at varying angles," Luke Shadbolt said in a statement on the Illume website.

"Shooting from down the beach trying to capture some of these abstract formations I didn't even notice Renan (pictured) in the shot until afterwards. It's got a kind of duality to the meaning; it could be seen as a salute to the power and randomness of the ocean, or it could be seen as a mocking attempt at some kind of manipulated sorcery, showing man's unending quest to control nature."

The photo will be part of a travelling exhibition alongside the other category winners. Check out some of the other winning shots:

Micky Wiswedel's shot of climber Jamie Smith mid-fall as he attempts a new route on Table Mountain, Cape Town.
Micky Wiswedel / Red Bull Illume
Micky Wiswedel's shot of climber Jamie Smith mid-fall as he attempts a new route on Table Mountain, Cape Town.
Vegard Aasen's black and white mountaineering image taken in Hakuba, Japan
Vegard Aasen / Red Bull Illume
Vegard Aasen's black and white mountaineering image taken in Hakuba, Japan
Lorenz Holder's atmospheric shot of athlete Senad Grosic riding his BMX across a bridge in Germany received the most votes from the panel of 53 judges and he was named the overall winner.
Lorenz Holder / Red Bull Illume
Lorenz Holder's atmospheric shot of athlete Senad Grosic riding his BMX across a bridge in Germany received the most votes from the panel of 53 judges and he was named the overall winner.
Jody MacDonald's mesmerising image of her brother Ken MacDonald sitting atop a train during their adventure through the Sahara Desert.
Jody MacDonald / Red Bull Illume
Jody MacDonald's mesmerising image of her brother Ken MacDonald sitting atop a train during their adventure through the Sahara Desert.
Ale Di Lullo's fun shot of Aaron Chase riding his mountain bike on the windshield of a NYC cab.
Ale Di Lullo / Red Bull Illume
Ale Di Lullo's fun shot of Aaron Chase riding his mountain bike on the windshield of a NYC cab.
Daniel Vojtêch, Czech Republic with his shot of Flying Bulls pilots in Jaromêř, Czech Republic.
Daniel Vojtěch / Red Bull Illume
Daniel Vojtêch, Czech Republic with his shot of Flying Bulls pilots in Jaromêř, Czech Republic.

Related

NowphotographyphotoswaterNews
Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.