When you watch any travel or nature documentary, you can’t miss the stunning aerial shots taken by drones. Drone photography has emerged as one of the most innovative forms of photography, as evidenced by the breathtaking footage captured. That’s why the Sienna Drone Photo Awards were created to recognize and celebrate the best in aerial photography. The finalists for this year’s competition have been announced, with exceptional works selected across categories such as wildlife, people, and cityscapes.
The winners of this year’s competition will be unveiled at the Siena Awards 2024 Opening Ceremony on 28 September.
Here are some of our favorite entries from the nominees this year.
Abstract Category
This aerial view showcases nature’s artistic flair in the Icelandic highlands. Channels, rivers, and plant formations create tree-like patterns, displaying nature’s creative touch against the rugged landscape. Photo by Isabella Tabacchi/Siena Photo AwardsErosion of lava debris has turned the sand on an Icelandic beach black. The composition is striking with the contrast between the white foam and dark sand. Photo by Ignacio Medem/Siena Photo AwardsBani buffalo, unlike other breeds, can thrive in harsh conditions with scarce water and vegetation. In places like Kutch, Gujarat, India, they create abstract patterns in the salt marshes of one of the world’s largest salt deserts. Photo by Raj Mohan/Sienna Photo AwardsA slow shutter speed captures a flock of seagulls in Doha Bay, Kuwait, creating a captivating aerial shot. Photo by Mohammed Khorshid/Siena Photo AwardsDuring the 2023 eruption of Fagradalsfjall volcano in LÃtrà Hurtul, Iceland, the lava formed a dragon-like shape visible from above the lava field. Photo by Jeroen van Nieuwenhof/Siena Photo Awards
Urban Area
This meticulously planned shot captures Russia’s Lakhta Center, the tallest skyscraper in Europe, from the highest vantage point accessible by drone. Photo by Yuri Stolypin/Siena Photo AwardsThis nighttime shot beautifully captures Guiyang, Guizhou province, China, with its cityscape blending seamlessly into the mountainous terrain. Photo by Xu Zhang/Siena Photo AwardsThe Jiazao Bridge over the Qiantang River creates a dragon-like effect extending into the East China Sea, showcasing a unique view resembling a floating Chinese dragon. Photo by Shen Jiang/Siena Photo AwardsThe winter transforms Kargapazari village in Turkey’s Bingol province into a snowy landscape resembling an abstract painting when viewed from above. Photo by Huseyin Karahan/Siena Photo AwardsIn the aftermath of Russian bombing in May 2022, the Irpin region of Ukraine lays in ruins, leaving residents without their homes and possessions. Photo by Carol Guzy/Siena Photo Awards
People Category
Massachusetts, USA, hosts native cranberry bogs, and this photo captures the annual fall harvest marked by people in red water. Photo by Brad Weiner/Siena Photo AwardsAn icebreaker crew dips into the frozen Baltic Sea, captured in the act while the icebreaker paused mid-ocean. Photo by Gilad Topaz/Siena Photo AwardsAt Plaza Mexico’s 78th anniversary, more than 42,000 people witnessed the final moments of a bullfight, showcasing the grandeur of Mexico City’s largest bullring. Photo by Roberto Hernandez/Siena Photo Awards
Nature Category
Flamingos grace the green waters of a Kenyan lake in this captivating aerial photo. Photo by Silke Halman/Siena Photo AwardsA geothermal pool in the Icelandic highlands mirrors the appearance of a dragon’s eye. Photo by Miki Spitzer/Siena Photo AwardsThe awe-inspiring beauty of the Icelandic landscape is showcased in this stunning aerial photo. Photo credit: Brynjar Agustsson/Siena Photo AwardsThe Fagradalsfjall volcano in Iceland erupts, capturing the vibrant red lava cutting through the dark rock. Photo by Daniel Vine Garcia/Siena Photo Awards
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Unique and fascinating rock formations in Factory Butte, Utah, USA, are highlighted in this image. The low light emphasizes the texture of the rock surface. Photo by Xiaoying Shi/Siena Photo Awards
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Animal Category
Lesser flamingos gather in large numbers at Lake Lojipi, Kenya, for optimal feeding opportunities. This image captures just a fraction of the over one million birds that congregate here. Photo by Paul MacKenzie/Siena Photo AwardsA massive sperm whale stranded on the coast of Perth, Australia, with a tiger shark circling above in a haunting and delicate moment. Photo by Toby Nicol/Siena Photo AwardsAs the sun sets on an Arctic mountain slope, a male and female polar bear show affection after a courtship ritual. In this intimate moment, the pair lays together, content in each other’s company. Photo by Florian Ledoux/Siena Photo AwardsDuring migration season, a flock of flamingos passes through Kuwait, showcasing their graceful movements in stunning formation. Photo credit: Mohammad Alqattan/Siena Photo AwardsGreat white pelicans gather in the Estero El Soldado wetlands in Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico. These wetlands are home to many migratory birds, and the pelicans stand out against the dark waters. Photo by Guillermo Soberón/Siena Photo Awards
Sports Category
The centuries-old Boli Khela wrestling event in Chittagong, Bangladesh, attracts a crowd of enthusiastic spectators annually. Photo by Sanchayan Chowdhury/Siena Photo Awardswww.sciencefocus.com
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