By Conor Risch

Also, see “ Where the Action Is” (PDN December 2008) for our inside look at three companies with huge stakes in the action-sports industry: Red Bull, Smith Optics, and Burton Snowboards.

Red Bull Photofiles, the proprietary wire service and image library for Red Bull beverage company, is constantly on the lookout for new photographers who can document Red Bull-sponsored athletes and events worldwide.

The Photofiles team considers photographers’ portfolios on a rolling basis. Any photographer who is interested in being considered can submit work and a résumé to the main Photofiles office in Fuschl am See, Austria ( click here for information).

Additionally, says Ulrich Grill, the head of Photofiles, the Photofiles team actively searches in magazines and asks their existing network of photographers to recommend new talent to them. Once a photographer has the eye of the Photofiles team, he or she will be asked to participate in a trial shoot at a Red Bull event, and, depending on their success, will have the opportunity for additional assignments and to grow into a regular member of the Photofiles network.

Photochallenges are another vehicle that Red Bull uses to find new photographers. When the need for shooters in a certain market arises, says Grill, the Photofiles team will organize a competition that allows them to evaluate the abilities of a select group of photographers. “Usually [Photochallenges are held in] new Red Bull markets,” says Grill, “but also in existing Red Bull markets that have increased needs.” Photochallenges are announced on the Red Bull Photofiles Web site, and the team publishes notices of upcoming challenges in sports and photography magazines as well. They also announce the challenges by word of mouth through their contributing photographers. Photographers are invited to submit portfolios and answer a questionnaire for consideration. “Based on these portfolios and conversations with the applicants,” says Grill, “a limited number will be invited [to participate in the challenge].”

With a focus on finding and working with talented young professional shooters, Photofiles is a great place for up-and-coming action and adventure sports photographers to find paid work and make their mark.