Red Bull Illume 2016

Luke Shadbolt: “What best defines my style? An ability to illustrate a grand idea on a minimal scale, coupled with an adventurous and perpetually self-critical nature.” I’m a professional photographer and creative director from Australia, focusing on action sports, travel, lifestyle and fashion industries, particularly in relation to water. I grew up around the ocean and was interested in image-making and story-telling from a young age. After studying a Bachelor of Visual Communication at Newcastle University, I worked as a freelance graphic designer and creative director for several years with some of Australia’s largest surf brands, before shifting my focus to photography. In my short career in surf photography, I have been awarded the Nikon/Surfing Australia Surf Photo of the Year (2014), as well as being recognized as the Bodyboarding Photographer of the Year by both Le Boogie Bodyboarding Magazine and Riptide Bodyboarding Magazine (2014). I have recently worked on creative campaigns for brands including Audi Australia, Veuve Clicquot, Samsung and Lancome, as well as continuing to freelance for surfing publications. I enjoy wide open spaces, getting outside of my comfort zone, the ocean, surfing, art, basketball, animals, new challenges, jokes and heated debates. What best defines my style and work ethic? An ability to illustrate a grand idea on a minimal and intimate scale, coupled with an adventurous and perpetually self-critical nature.