Last year, the popular energy drinks brand and marketing behemoth Red Bull entered the virtual photography space, in partnership with Sony PlayStation, with the high profile Red Bull Capture Point photography contest.
Even though the event was only open to US residents at that time, it was something that I considered to be a significant step forward for virtual photography. Not only because of the stellar prizes on offer, but because the profile of such huge partners was yet another great indication of the future potential of the art form.
- RED BULL // CAPTURE POINT -
18 months later and Red Bull Capture Point is back and looking to be bigger and better than before. Although not quite ready to go fully global just yet, Capture Point 2022 has been expanded to a total of 9 countries. As one of the main criticisms last year, this is a big improvement and gives a much wider audience the chance to take part.
That's not the only change though, as Red Bull have upped the ante with the prizes on offer too. With an all expenses paid trip to New York City to attend the Capture Point Global Photography Experience on offer for each regional winner, this is something you might not want to miss out on.
To help you navigate the format and get in with a chance of winning some of the great prizes, here is a breakdown of how it all works...
What is Red Bull Capture Point?
Red Bull Capture Point is a photo mode contest, jointly hosted by Red Bull and PlayStation, and created to showcase the talent of in-game photographers. Accepting entries from Sept 5th to Oct 30th, the contest is open to residents of 9 countries and invites players to submit their creative captures from 2 featured games and across 4 thematic categories.
Participating Countries
Argentina - #RedBullCapturePointAR | #Contest
Belgium - #RedBullCapturePointBE | #Contest
Canada - #RedBullCapturePointCA | #Contest
Chile - #RedBullCapturePointCL | #Contest
France - #RedBullCapturePointFR
Netherlands - #RedBullCapturePointNL | #Contest
United Kingdom - #RedBullCapturePointUK
United States - #RedBullCapturePointUS | #Contest
Sweden - #RedBullCapturePointSE | #Contest
Each country has localised set of rules, be sure to check your regional page via redbull.com/capturepoint
Eligible Games
Horizon Forbidden West - Guerrilla Games | PS4, PS5
Gran Turismo 7 - Polyphony Digital | PS4, PS5
Category Details
For 2022, Red Bull have aimed to build a sense of story and journey in Capture Point through 4 thematic categories that each run one after another for 2 weeks. Entries into each category are taken from submissions made during the dates given below
With an overall narrative of "capturing your epic adventure", the themes will progress through different stages of the journey and challenge you to jump into photo mode to capture images that immortalise your greatest moments.
Category 1: NEW BEGINNINGS - Sept 5th – Sept 18th
Whether starting out on new horizons or repeating a familiar run, get into gear and capture shots that show the start of your journey and with your vehicle or hero character looking their best as the adventure begins.
Category 2: THE CALL TO ADVENTURE - Sept 19th – Oct 2nd
Go as far as your imagination can take you; unlock the potential to progress and shoot the moments that you never knew were possible. Make the most of your surroundings and the stunning landscapes the adventure takes you on.
Category 3: THE ULTIMATE BATTLE - Oct 3rd – Oct 16th
Time to Flex! Step outside of the comfort zone and take on the toughest test to capture the most technically challenging shots & difficult in-game elements. Delve into the photo mode to show how you push the limits.
Category 4: MOMENT OF GLORY - Oct 17th – Oct 30th
Rise above the rest and become the stuff of legend with creative captures that show off your greatest achievements. The perfect strike, the ultimate corner, surpass yourself to capture a unique moment of gaming greatness.
Each biweekly theme will be announced by Red Bull at the start of their respective time period, and I'll be sure to update this list below with the details.
US & CA, look out for additional ways to enter and unlock exclusive PlayStation avatars by purchasing Red Bull products at participating retailers. Check your regional page via redbull.com/capturepoint for more.
- GRAN TURISMO 7 // HORIZON FORBIDDEN WEST -
How To Enter
Entries must consist of images captured in either of the eligible games and be submitted to Twitter using the appropriate regional hashtag(s). The number of entries per person or per category is unlimited, but they must comply with the following rules to be eligible to win.
Images must be captured using photo mode tools in Horizon Forbidden West or Gran Turismo 7
Captures must be submitted to Twitter via the Playstation™Network
This includes via a PS4 or PS5 console, or via the Playstation™App on Android & iOS
Entries must include the regional hashtag(s), see above
Unlimited entries allowed per person and per category
To enter each category, entries must be received within the listed category theme dates
Entrants must be over 18
Entrants must be resident of a participating country
Prizes
For each of the 9 participating countries, 1 winner will be chosen for each of the 4 thematic categories. Category winners will receive:
PlayStation 5 Console
DualSense Wireless Controller
DualSense Charging Station
Pulse 3D Wireless Headset
Can of Red Bull
Category winners will advance to the "Best in Show" award, with 1 overall winner chosen from each participating country. Best in Show winners will receive:
Red Bull Trophy
All expenses paid trip to New York City
Invitation to the Capture Point Global Photography Experience
Judging
All entries will be screened by Red Bull and a shortlist of finalists for each thematic category will be assessed by a panel of judges. Judging will take into account interpretation of the theme, technical execution and originality to select the winners.
This year, I have the privilege of heading up the judging team that consists of prominent figures in the virtual photography scene. You can meet them team below, I'm sure there are some faces that you might recognise.
- JUDGING PANEL // 2022 -
Resources
Hopefully this article has helped to explain a little more about Red Bull Capture Point and how the format works for 2022. Check back for info on the category themes as they are announced, and if you have any queries or concerns, be sure to check your regional page via redbull.com/capturepoint and stay tuned to @RedBullGaming.
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