“Diving” by Joanna Steidle, United States. International Aerial Photographer of the Year.
“A humpback whale diving back under the surface of the Atlantic Ocean after taking a breath of air. This was taken within 500ft of the coast in Southampton, NY, USA.”
The inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year competition put out the call to talented aerial photographers around the world, and the responses do not disappoint. Over 1,500 images from professional and amateur photographers were submitted to the photo contest, and now the expert panel of judges has revealed the incredible winners.
American drone pilot and artist Joanna Steidle was awarded the grand prize for her strong portfolio of four images that play to her love of ocean life. From her base in the Hamptons, Steidle has ample opportunity to fly her drone above the Atlantic, and she takes full advantage by capturing everything from whales to sting rays to large schools of fish.
“Aerial photography offers so many possibilities not yet explored,” she shares. “Every day is exciting as I look for unique subjects and moments. I try to stay away from the ordinary. I live in a very flat landscape, so top-down imagery has become quite a theme in my photos which happens to work well with my love for marine life.”
The other big winner in the contest is Ignacio Palacios of Australia. His perfectly composed image of Argentina's Cono de Arita surrounded by anti-crepuscular rays is a revelation. Perfectly balanced, it won him the International Aerial Photograph of the Year prize. These two winners were just a few of the many who were awarded for their excellence in aerial imagery.
The awards, organized by the International Landscape Photographer of the Year contest, celebrate the growing interest in sky photography. Whether using drones or other methods, the breathtaking visuals speak for themselves.
“Looking down on our subject produces a novel, intriguing, and sometimes ambiguous perspective,” shares co-organizer Peter Eastway. “Surely part of the appeal is that the view is new and different from what we see most of the time, walking around with our eyes 1.5 metres above the ground? And photographers today are capturing some simply breathtaking views from above. Many are using modern drones equipped with high-resolution sensors, others are using more traditional (and more expensive) modes of transport, flying high above in planes, helicopters, and even balloons.”
Scroll down to see more of our favorite winners and finalists, and then head over to the official website to see the top 101 aerial photos.
The International Aerial Photographer of the Year competition has announced the winners of its inaugural photo contest.
“Cono de Arita” by Ignacio Palacios. International Aerial Photography of the Year
“Anti crepuscular rays at Cono de Arita, La Puna, Argentina.”
“Concerto” by Joanna Steidle, United States. International Aerial Photographer of the Year.
“Top down drone photography of a small fever of cownose rays stirring up some sand along their travels.”
“Smoking Skull” by Daniel Viñé Garcia, Spain. IAPOTY Runner-Up.
“Iceland's Fagradalsfjall volcano as it cooled. The cracking pattern of the lava formed a skull, creating an eerie natural illusion for a few moments.”
“Desert Whirlpool” by Colin Leonhardt, Australia. Abstract Award
“Mine site near Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.”
“Above the Ice” by Fabien Guittard, France. Chairman's Choice Award
“These two seals are lounging peacefully on a drifting slab of ice in the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon in southern Iceland.”
Over 1,500 images from professional and amateur photographers were submitted.
“Desert Playa” by David Swindler, United States. IAPOTY Third Place
“The Nipple of the Earth” by Daniel Viñé Garcia, Spain. IAPOTY Runner-Up.
“A dormant volcano in the high-altitude Puna of Argentina reveals intricate erosion patterns sculpted by wind and time.”
“Austfonna Ice Cap” by Thomas Vijayan, Canada.
“The Bråsvellbreen glacier, part of the Austfonna Ice Cap in Svalbard. Early melting and powerful waterfalls reveal the urgent reality of climate change—reminding us what’s at stake if we fail to act.”
“Flamingos over the Lake” by David Swindler, United States. IAPOTY Third Place
“Flamingos over a lake.”
“Tree of Ice” by Talor Stone, United States. International Aerial Photograph of the Year, Runner-Up
“An aerial perspective of glacial calving reveals an unexpected organic pattern in the water.”
“Looking down on our subject produces a novel, intriguing, and sometimes ambiguous perspective.”
“The Tempest” by Barbara Brown, Australia. Black & White Award
“Salt lake, Goldfields region of Western Australia.”
“Tajogaite” by Javier Garcia, Spain. Top 101.
“On 19 September 2021, the Tajogaite volcano (Montana Rajada) erupted on La Palma (Spain). Intense volcanic activity buried thousands of homes.”
“New Earth” by Mike Mezeul II, United States. Top 101
“Nearly 24 hours after the start of the July 9, 2023, Litli-Hrútur eruption in Iceland, this three-image panoramic showcases the newly formed cinder cone and associated lava river.”
“Winter Mountains” by Craig McGowan, Australia. Top 101
“The moving clouds allowed speckled winter sunlight to illuminate and shift across the mountains below.”
“Labyrinth of Time” by Tomás Neuwirth, Czech Republic.
“A labyrinth in the spa park in the town of Jesenak, photographed in two different seasons.”
“Relax after the Meal” by Pål Hermansen, Norway. Top 101
“Polar bear on Svalbard after eating on a walrus carcass. Thanks to the drone with a telephoto lens, this rare scene could be captured without any disturbance.”
“Nature's Palette” by Rakesh Baro, India. Top 101.
“I love how this beautiful lake is nestled in the heart of autumn, surrounded by a breathtaking display of fiery reds, golden yellows and deep oranges. Muskoka landscapes can't get any better.”
“Avalanche” by Lorenzo Passalacqua, Australia. Top 101
“Surfers confronting the immense force of the ocean, evokes the rush of escaping a collapsing mountain.”
“The Alchemy of Extraction” by Tim Wrate, Australia. Top 101.
“A remote mining site in South Australia, where vivid colors reveal the dramatic impact of mining on the landscape? An intricate blend of human industry and natural terrain.”
International Aerial Photographer of the Year: Website | Instagram
