The Best Drone Photos (12 Photos)

Drones are becoming an increasingly accessible way to witness and document our amazing world from a different perspective. More and more people are taking to the skies with drones, and the burgeoning aerial photography scene is even starting to hold its own awards. This time, we present the best works and photos from the winners of the SkyPixel photo contest.

SkyPixel is a growing aerial photography community. The organizers received approximately 27,000 submissions from both professionals and amateurs. Three categories were announced: "360," "Beauty," and "Drones in Use."







"Reconnaissance," a camel caravan in the desert, 1st prize in the professional category "Beauty." Photo: Hanbing Wang/SkyPixel

"Selfie on the Spillway," Auckland, New Zealand, 2nd prize in the professional category "Beauty." Photo: Brendon Dixon/SkyPixel



"Crossing the Highway," 1st Prize in the Amateur Beauty Category. Photo: 诚涵/SkyPixel



"Green Waves," 2nd Prize in the Amateur Beauty Category. Photo: Mauro Pagliai/SkyPixel



"Fisherman Closing His Net," Fujian Province, China, winner of the photo contest. Photo: Ge Zheng/SkyPixel



"Happy Morning," 1st Prize in the Professional Category "Drones in Use." Photo: Roman Neimann/SkyPixel



"Ice River," 3rd Prize in the Amateur Category "Beauty." Photo: Canloker/SkyPixel

We couldn't ignore photos that didn't win any prizes but still deserve attention and encouragement.



"On the Terraces" — rice terraces in China.



"Rainbow Lines" — multicolored rows of tulips separated by a path. Photo: SkyPixel



"Urban Freshness" — people escape the heat in fountains.



Photo: 汪梓祺/SkyPixel