Illume Awards - "Surf and Trail" Photo Contest

• Illume Awards

• Deadline: August 3rd, 2026

• Theme: Surf and Trail

• Prize: 200K Prize Pool + Exhibition + Camera Kit

• Entry Fees: Free

• REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE

Photography shaped by waves, wind, and endless horizons, this category celebrates the excitement and artistry of board sports on the water. From classic wave riding to kiteboarding, windsurfing, wing foiling, and foil surfing, these photographs capture the perfect balance of timing, skill, and harmony between athlete and ocean. Whether documenting powerful surf, quiet moments at sea, or dramatic coastal conditions, the images reflect the freedom, energy, and ever-changing beauty of life on the water, revealing the unique connection between riders and the forces of nature.

This category follows those who travel through the landscape under their own power, whether running rugged trails, hiking remote paths, or crossing some of nature's most demanding terrain. These photographs celebrate endurance, determination, and the quiet rewards of self-propelled adventure, capturing moments of effort, solitude, and discovery. From winding forest trails and rocky mountain ridges to vast wilderness landscapes, the images highlight the rhythm of movement through nature and the deep connection between people and the environments they choose to explore, one step at a time.