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Drone Photography Awards Have Announced Their Winners, Here Are 30 Of The Most Splendid Finalists
Congrats to Photo of the Year honoree, Jim Picôt of Australia with "Love Heart of Nature!" and to all the talented photographers recognized at the Drone Photo Awards. See all winning images and artist bios at the contest gallery page at our website.
With the advent of drone photography, the photography game has reached new heights (pun intended). Drone photography lends itself in a way no other type of photography can: it can reach spots only a photographer with a helicopter can dream of. And because of that, almost everyone appreciates a good photo from a bird's-eye view captured by one. Photographer Adam Vradenburg gives some useful tips on how to make drone photos really special. First and foremost, for a good photo, planning and research are essential. Strict laws and regulations in some countries are some of the reasons why. Second, make your flight time count: it's best to use limited battery times to the fullest, since recharging, especially in nature, is also very limited. Third, one should test the limits of their drone, both in terms of altitude and range. It will give you a better idea of what's possible with your drone. The fourth tip is "don't just fly high, fly low," which basically means that it's not really necessary to have the highest altitude in order to get the best photo of something. Less is more. And the fifth and final tip is to keep the skies friendly, safe, and respectful. Day by day, the airspace is getting more and more crowded, and therefore it's best to keep it as fun for as many people as possible!
Viral update: We are really enthusiastic about the article published on Bored Panda. We have received big success, many views, shares, and a lot of positive comments about the winning images. We have been published all over the world in the past, on CNN, The Guardian, Sky News, Forbes, Bild, Geo, and Business Insider, but none of them have reached so many views.
More info: droneawards.photo | Facebook | Instagram | twitter.com
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Nature Category Winner: Gray Whale Plays Pushing Tourists
At the end of the gray whale season, I was told about a gray whale that, for the last 3 years, used to play with the boats, pushing them gently. So we went back the year after and, incredibly, the gray whale appeared and this shot is the result.
Your Local Lizard 5 years ago
For a second I thought the blue shadow was just some bubbles the boat engine made- But really beautiful!!
Levi Baker 5 years ago
This is why we respect nature and all of it's inhabitants. Because they respect us
Cheryl Fontaine 5 years ago
I'm wondering how the people in the boat felt, did their hearts beat faster, were they at all afraid... a wondrous experience!
RELATED:
#2
Nature Category Runner-Up: Flamingos At Lake Logipi
The early morning sun lights a scene of flamingos gathered at the edge of Lake Logipi, next to an interesting fan-like geological formation.
Bardhi's Dad 5 years ago
Nature have made here one wonderful, beautiful melody of colors! Those flamingos are a kind of miracle, that coast is magically beautiful... I would love to witness that
Jennifer Crompton 5 years ago
I wonder what's stopping them a bit off shore in that perfect line?
Sara MacFarland 5 years ago
I am in awe of the phenomenon ... the beauty of nature ... the photograph and the photographer . This image, quite literally. took my breath away.
Susan B. Carson 5 years ago
Flamingoes are my favourite birds and to see this would be like landing in heaven.
Aimee Simmons 5 years ago
that fanlike geological formation is what happens when the rains come further in, gathers at low points until is turns into a seasonal river, and this is where it runs off into the ocean/sea/big water.
#3
Wildlife Category Winner: Where Herons Live
Many think that herons make nests in reeds or in a swamp. In fact, they nest in the tops of huge trees and with a drone, it is sometimes possible to see them.
That Guy 5 years ago
They live in TREES? well come to think of it, they prob dont stay by the shore looking for fish all day
Dark Pigeon 5 years ago
we had them living near us in tree's. There was a warning sign that told you NOT to walk there during a certain period... because the poop. It is the most nastiest stuff you can think of! Knew a man who was so STUPID to look UP! .. needless to say, it did not taste great, and he was sick for a while after..
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Sharon Dean 5 years ago
While living in the SF Bay area I took an Ecology class and one of our field trips was up to Bodega Bay. Just up the road from the town is an Audubon park in a small canyon with enormous redwoods. There during the January to April months you can see both the Blue Herons and American White Egrets nest and raise their young. They do so in the tops of trees because their wingspan is too wide to fit through branches. One of the best trips we had!!!
Levi Baker 5 years ago
Beautiful. I had the misconception that they just kinda lived near ponds. Anyone else?
Jane Thorne-Gutierrez 5 years ago
There is a Heron rookery in Northern Minnesota, where I was born and raised. My Dad would take me out to see the nesting during spring hatching. Imagine that picture times a thousand. It is something to behold.
Robert Thornburrow 5 years ago
It's called a Heronry. A Rookery is where Rooks live. Now where do Storks live? In tubs? ;-) (Hint, Stork is also a brand of margerine).
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Susan B. Carson 5 years ago
I had no idea and I guess the tree would have to be huge. Would be some beautiful to see.
April Smith 5 years ago
I live on an island in the Puget Sound. My house is on bluff, overlooking the water. Behind me are huge evergreens. And yes, blue heron nests. They make some of the loudest sounds I've heard from a bird. But they are amazingly graceful...both on the shore and in the trees. Also, I've seen a heron pluck a mole straight out of the ground. They eat more than fish. Just so you know. :-)
D-m Keilman 5 years ago
http://www.highland.in.gov/HeronRookery I grew up here. Every year a group of folk go to watch them nest.
#4
Photo Of The Year: Love Heart Of Nature
In winter, a shark is inside a salmon school when, chasing the baitfish, the shape becomes a heart shape.
Elizabeth Molloy 5 years ago
It took me a moment to see the shark ... wow! That's massive! (Jumps into the air like Bob Mortimer)
#5
"Life Under COVID-19" Winner: Black Flag
Thousands of Israelis maintain social distancing due to Covid-19 restrictions while protesting against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Rabin Square on 19 April 2020.
That Guy 5 years ago
Its amazing cause here in US, nobody social distances, let alone when they protest
That Guy 5 years ago
Lets be honest, the US is really crazy right now; Im not choosing a side, but stating a fact
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Levi Baker 5 years ago
This is beautiful. I want to give all those people a hug and a "Thank you!"... if that were allowed
Jaybird3939 5 years ago
Social distancing and the wearing of masks is a very serious commitment that most Americans take to heart. The few who don't, don't think the pandemic is real, believe our goofball president that "it's just going to go away", and most likely haven't experienced being close to someone who has gotten Covid. They're Covidiots who will hopefully learn the truth sooner or later.
#6
People Category Highly Commended: Cross The Field
A girl, her mother, and their herd of cows walking across the pasture return home after a day of labor.
Susan B. Carson 5 years ago
What an absolutely amazing photo as the grass looks tactile enough to touch. Beautiful.
#7
"Life Under COVID-19" Highly Commended: The Lockdown
The busiest highway in Dubai, shot with no cars present during the lockdown for the disinfection of the municipality. A moment to remember.
Levi Baker 5 years ago
Is it just me or does part of it either look like a clock or that one eye tattoo from the series of unfortunate events?
#8
Urban Category Winner: Alien Structure On Earth
Sometimes we need to change the perspective to feel the strength of the structure more strongly than we've ever thought. The Petronas Towers, also known as the Petronas Twin Towers, are twin skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur.
Levi Baker 5 years ago
Looking at it from a different perspective: It could look like a chandelier hanging from the ceiling
#9
Urban Category Highly Commended: Sunrise On The Top
At 4:30 in the morning, mysteriously shrouded in clouds, this is what the second-tallest building in Shanghai looks like.
Final score:
144points
gustavo silva 5 years ago
This was supposed to be round, but sunrises would remember the Japanese flag. So the design was changed mid-construction. Saw it in a documentary somewhere.
Stannous Flouride 5 years ago
I'm not a morning person so I'll have to go with the latter.
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#10
Nature Category Highly Commended: Lonely Road
Driving along Ring Route 1, in a magical and enchanted landscape, I was ready to embrace whatever may lie ahead.
Jo Ellen Washburn 5 years ago
Make sure you have a full tank of gas on this road!
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MELONLOOOORD 5 years ago
Oh Gods at first sight the road reminded me of certain reproductive organs-
#11
People Category Winner: Frozen Land
With temperatures of minus 30°C, winters in the Eurasian steppe can be brutal. But life doesn't stop, and local people move from one village to another with a sledge, crossing icy rivers and lakes.
#12
Nature Category Highly Commended: Crater Row
A spectacular crater row in Iceland’s vast interior. The intense red on the rims is caused by the scoria being colored by the oxidation of the iron minerals in the lava, in contrast with the surrounding basalt. A white four-wheel-drive vehicle can be seen driving along the road beneath the craters.
Susan B. Carson 5 years ago
Truly colours from Mother Nature's palette only. Beautiful and majestic.
#13
Abstract Category Winner: Phoenix Rising
The phoenix rising is a symbol of re-emergence from the ashes of fire. This is symbolized through the beginnings of an actual regeneration process at the industrial mining site of Lake Owens. After a destructive past and the creation of the most toxic dustbowl in America, migratory birds are returning, and life is beginning anew…
Levi Baker 5 years ago
It looks a little like when water and oil get together. Maybe like oil paint?
Jo Ellen Washburn 5 years ago
The history of Lake Owens is corruption at its finest. Heartwarming that it is on the rebound.
#14
Wildlife Category Highly Commended: Homecoming
A buffalo herd is passing a lake before moving to its shelter where the herd will retreat to rest.
#15
Wedding Category Winner: Tropical Bride
"I used the flowers and the leaves left over from the decoration of a wedding to make something creative."
#16
Abstract Category Highly Commended: Spring Zebra
The area of this small village in the Częstochowa region is characterized by large rapeseed crops that create beautiful patterns that extend to the horizon.
Susan B. Carson 5 years ago
Rapeseed is such a beautiful crop and Alberta used to have checkerboard fields of it. Amazing sight to see!
Dark Pigeon 5 years ago
This is what a Meneries attack looks like before it really hits you :S
#17
Wedding Category Runner-Up: Lovers On The Field
We were looking for some abstraction. We had a boat, a drone and... a lot of time. A strong wind created a beautiful storm in the field. Perfect weather conditions showed me "the eye of the tiger" or "deer eye" through the couple in the kayak. A wonderful combination: beautiful lovers, fantastic nature, strong wind, and this perspective.
Lydia Dean-Melchior 5 years ago
This is truly an amazing wedding photo. This lucky couple gets to hang this, one of a kind, photo of them on their wall. Imagine.
#18
Sports Category Winner: On The Sea
An aerial view of swimmers, where the sea becomes the place to take refuge, between the blue carpet and the white foam of the waves.
MELONLOOOORD 5 years ago
Kinda looks like a shot from land where they're falling and drowning in a wave
#19
Wildlife Category Runner-Up: Munk's Mobula Rays Schooling
Though from a boat, it was hard to appreciate just how enormous this shoal was, the drone revealed a mass of thousands of Munk's Mobula rays (also called Munk's pygmy devil rays) all swimming in the same circular direction.
Stannous Flouride 5 years ago
I recently read about this. They congregate near subterranean mounts because the upwelling currents there attract large amounts of the plankton they feed on.
#20
People Category Highly Commended: Carpet Field
Hundreds of handwoven carpets are placed in the fields in order to draw out different colors with the burning effect of the sun’s rays. A pair of workers lies down on the carpets after finishing their work to relieve the tiredness of the day.
#21
Nature Category Highly Commended: The Island
Kimberly Greenock 5 years ago
I love your Faroe island pictures. Gorgeous. Thank you for sharing.
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#22
People Category Highly Commended: Women Sorting Dry Red Chillies
Women collecting red chilies under the sun for more than 10 hours a day for little pay, employed in one of the many factories that specialize in drying chilies.
Christina Uhlir 5 years ago
It must be so painful for them when they get their paychecks.
Load More Replies... Cheryl Fontaine 5 years ago
Wow, just wow... I cannot begin to imagine how that feels for them.
Charlotte Stewart 5 years ago
You must have a cast iron stomach! And a cast iron a*s, lol!
Load More Replies... Cybele Spanjaard 5 years ago
My favourite photo all those chillies and the women actually survive in the heavy aroma
#23
Abstract Category Highly Commended: Swirl
An abstract shot of a pink lake chemical reaction in Western Australia.
Jonanice Kitt 5 years ago
The pink hue was caused by microscopic algae producing beta carotene. Which has diminished as the salt levels fallen due to harvesting
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#24
People Category Runner-Up: 2,000,001
Two million Hongkongers took to the streets on 16 June 2019, calling on the government to withdraw the controversial extradition bill. The night before the historic march that nearly one-third of the population took part in, protestor Leung Ling Kit ended his life after hanging a banner of the people's demands in the city centre.
Big Blue Cat 5 years ago
I guess some governments try to take advantage of lockdown to push through questionable bills.
Levi Baker 5 years ago
Wow. To imagine crowding the streets during a time like this. I miss 2019
Paul Mitchell 5 years ago
Best estimates were 350,000. This is a good image to use to check...
#25
"Life Under COVID-19" Runner-Up: Heart Of Warsaw
The deserted oldest part of Warsaw which, before the pandemic, used to be filled with sun umbrellas of nearby restaurants and crowds of people.
Bardhi's Dad 5 years ago
I have been there, couple of times (last time some 12 years ago). One of the beautiful places in that beautiful city!
#26
Wedding Category Highly Commended: Framed
This is one of my favorite pictures. It was a perfect match. The great couple, the VW Beetle, the frame. So, it was easy to create a great composition.
#27
Wedding Category Highly Commended: Pebble / Wave
After the ceremony, the couple headed to the beach and decided to go in for a dip. We were lucky to find the perfect waves which only touched the bottom of the dress.
#28
Sports Category Highly Commended: Waterfall
Surfers try to challenge the waves. It is difficult enough to ride them, not to mention to tame them and be able to take off, as well as break them and then caress them.
#29
Abstract Category Runner-Up: Largest Congregation
More than 600,000 devotees participated in South Asia's largest Eid-ul-Fitr congregation. The prayers began at 8:30 am with devotees coming from different parts of the region. Eid-ul-Fitr is a Muslim festival of happiness celebrated all over the world.
#30
Sports Category Runner-Up: Ball Up
The physical motions of the tennis player against the clean abstract lineage of the court created a harmonious effect to the eye.
Bardhi's Dad 5 years ago
This one you can call perfectly timed photo. And that serve must have been an ace
#31
Sports Category Highly Commended: Surfing Margaret River
Margaret River, widely known for its award-winning wineries, is also home to some of the world's best and heaviest surf breaks. Here, a surfer stands tall in the green room at North Point.
#32
People Category Highly Commended: Mountains Of Salt
An aerial picture taken on a saltern near a small town on central Vietnam’s coast.
#33
Wildlife Category Highly Commended: Flamingo Flock Heart
The lake's abundance of algae once attracted a vast number of flamingos that famously lined the shore. In 2013, the lake received an alarming increase in the water levels that led to the migration of flamingos to Lake Bogoria in search of food.
#34
Wildlife Category Highly Commended: An Afternoon Drink
With the advent of the dry season, as the grass becomes scarce and water sources dry up, Indian rhinos look for newer grazing grounds where they can graze and drink nearby.
Final score:
13points
#35
Urban Category Highly Commended: The Buffalo Man
An unusual semi-wild breeding of buffaloes that, after the harvest, will be free to feed in the vast plowed fields.
#36
"Life Under COVID-19" Highly Commended: Corona
Life with Covid-19. Muslims perform Friday prayers while maintaining social distance and getting used to living with coronavirus.
#37
Urban Category Highly Commended: A Drop Of Water On A Blade Of Grass
An old windmill situated in the middle of the field on a grass path. This path of greenery contrasts beautifully with the surrounding field and, from the sky, looks like a drop of water on a blade of grass.
#38
Abstract Category Highly Commended: The Fishing Net
The fishing net during anchovy fishing season looks like a floating flower on the sea in this aerial view.
#39
Wedding Category Highly Commended: Wedding Party
Having noted a square-like pattern on the ground of Curzon Hall, I asked the groom, the bride, the bridesmaids, and the groomsmen to lie down in a symmetrical position.
#40
Sports Category Highly Commended: Matti Buys Wakeskate
Wakeskater Matti Buys doing a 360° shove-it on a custom LED lit wakeskate. The strobes were fired by hand at the critical moment when Matti catches the board over the concrete walk bridge.
#41
"Life Under COVID-19" Highly Commended: Grounded By Covid-19
We have received clearance to overfly Avalon Airport to document the event of grounded aircraft due to Covid-19.
#42
Urban Category Runner-Up: Dubai Marina
It is extraordinarily interesting to see the architectural designs of the buildings, the streets, and the pier of Dubai Marina that contrast with the ocean water.
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What do you think ?
Craig Silberman 5 years ago
Many of those are really outstanding. I especially like the ones that aren't recognizable without reading the descriptions, and those that can only be done by drone (not tall building or ladder). I wish the rapeseed field had a better description, as I too wonder what was done to make the sky look like that.
Chris DiFonso 5 years ago
I would have liked this post better if the captions mentioned where the photos were taken (at least in which country, if nothing more specific).
mph seti 5 years ago (edited)
Civilian drone use really has irrevocably changed photography. I'm glad it's its own category outside of traditional landscape, cityscape, portrait, still life, etc.
Craig Silberman 5 years ago
agreed; and I'm relieved there aren't more of them in the places I go, since that buzzing noise (aka droning) is unpleasant
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Jason Berardi 5 years ago
Amazing! but you did miss at least one from https://m.facebook.com/TomLozinskiPhotography... Thanks for all that you do!
Craig Silberman 5 years ago
Many of those are really outstanding. I especially like the ones that aren't recognizable without reading the descriptions, and those that can only be done by drone (not tall building or ladder). I wish the rapeseed field had a better description, as I too wonder what was done to make the sky look like that.
Chris DiFonso 5 years ago
I would have liked this post better if the captions mentioned where the photos were taken (at least in which country, if nothing more specific).
mph seti 5 years ago (edited)
Civilian drone use really has irrevocably changed photography. I'm glad it's its own category outside of traditional landscape, cityscape, portrait, still life, etc.
Craig Silberman 5 years ago
agreed; and I'm relieved there aren't more of them in the places I go, since that buzzing noise (aka droning) is unpleasant
Load More Replies... Jason Berardi 5 years ago
Amazing! but you did miss at least one from https://m.facebook.com/TomLozinskiPhotography... Thanks for all that you do!
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