From Digital Camera World · · 1m 10s
Photographer Wins Award for 2am Rain Shot
Lear Miller wins Illume Award for capturing Hannah Bergemann in brutal rain during 2am mountain biking shoot.
In brief
Lear Miller wins Illume Award for capturing Hannah Bergemann in brutal rain during 2am mountain biking shoot. Photographer Lear Miller won the 2026 Illume Bike category award for his image of Hannah Bergemann riding through fluorescent-lit forest during heavy rain at 2am. Originally reported by Digital Camera World.
Award Win
Lear Miller won the 2026 Illume Bike category award for his image of professional mountain biker Hannah Bergemann riding through a fluorescent-lit forest during heavy rain at 2am.
“It was an extremely difficult shoot, logistically and condition-wise”
Challenging Conditions
The temperature dropped to 40°F / 4°C with heavy rain causing lens fogging and constant water battles on gear.
“The riders were riding in the dark while we constantly battled water on the lenses and gear”
Technical Setup
Miller used Canon EOS R5 Mark II with Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM lens at 1/640 sec, f/2, ISO3200.
Riders' Struggle
Hannah Bergemann faced greasy, wet mud spots making it difficult to perform jumps during the 2am shoot.
“a greasy, wet mud spot, so the athletes really struggled to make it look good”
Winning Moment
Miller captured Bergemann flying off a jump under the 'Tree of Life' during the chaotic 2am shoot.
“My viewfinder had completely fogged up. I was constantly cleaning the lens and holding the camera under my rain jacket until the riders came”
Prizes and Publication
Miller received a Leica D-Lux 8 camera and his winning photo will be published in The Illume Photobook 2026.
The takeaway
Photographer Lear Miller won the 2026 Illume Bike category award for his image of Hannah Bergemann riding through fluorescent-lit forest during heavy rain at 2am.
