From molten lava coursing through ice-covered landscapes to sharks gracefully swimming in crystal-clear turquoise waters, viewing nature from an aerial vantage point provides a breathtaking perspective on our planet’s terrain and wildlife.
Welcome to the inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year Competition. This contest invited both professional and amateur photographers from around the globe to submit their entries, which were judged against high standards (yes, pun intended).
The first prize was awarded to Joanna Steidle, a professional drone pilot and artist. Her remarkable photograph, along with other prominent entries from the competition, can be explored below.
plane! plane! – David Mielowski
The airplane’s shadow dances over the vibrant waters of the Hat Lagoon in Western Australia. Photo: David Mielowski/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year
Flamingo and Pelican – David Swindler
A pelican wades through a sea of flamingos. Photo by David Swindler/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year
Smoking Skull – Daniel Binigarcia
The cooling lava of Iceland’s Fagradalsfjall volcano created a skull-like formation, evoking a spooky scene. Photo: Daniel Bini Garcia/First International Aerial Photographer of the Year
Elephant of Flow – Murray Evans
A herd of elephants roaming the Basanga plains in Kafue National Park, Zambia. Photo: Murray Evans/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year
Austfonna Ice Cap – Thomas Vijayan
An aerial view showcasing the Bråsvellbreen glacier, part of the Austfonna ice cap in Svalbard, Norway. Photo: Thomas Vijayan/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year
Laguna Hedionda – Ignacio Palacios
Laguna Hedionda in Bolivia, notable for its diverse flamingo species, beautifully captured from the sky. Ignacio Palacios Photography/First International Aerial Photographer of the Year
Salt Works IV Eye – Daniela Tonmar
A drone capture showing salt extraction operations along Australia’s coral coast. Daniela Tommasi/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year
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Tahogait Volcano – Javier Garcia
The Tahogait Volcano (Montañarajada) in La Palma, Spain erupted on September 19, 2021, leading to widespread destruction. Photo: Javier Garcia/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year
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Twisted Owl – Colin Leonhardt
An aerial perspective of the Alumina Mine Tapered Dam near Collie, Western Australia. Photo: Colin Leonhardt/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year
Tidal Flora – Peter Harrison
Joseph Bonaparte Bay Marine Park in Australia’s Northern Territory is sculpted by formidable tides that flow through shallow, muddy flats. Photo: Peter Harrison/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year
Recover – AelKermare
An aerial snapshot capturing a volcano’s energy as lava engulfs icy pathways in Iceland—documenting the nation’s sixth volcanic eruption in three years. Photo: Ael Kermare/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year
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Celestimpur – Daniel Writer
The colorful hot springs, geysers, and bubbling mud pots of Yellowstone National Park, USA, create intriguing patterns. Photo: Daniel Reiter/First International Aerial Photographer of the Year
Eternal Harmony – Rositsa Dimitrova
The rugged terrains and rivers of Iceland are beautifully showcased in this stunning aerial capture. Photography by Rositsa Dimitrova/The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year
Sunrise on Mars – Taylor Duncan
This image of Bentonite Hills in Utah, USA, unveils a landscape reminiscent of Mars, shaped by time and water. Photograph by Taylor Duncan
International Aerial Photos of the Year – Ignacio Palacio
The mesmerizing anti-crepuscular rays in Cono de Arita, Argentina created by the sun’s light converging due to atmospheric phenomena. Ignacio Palacios Photography/First International Aerial Photographer of the Year
Winner of International Aerial Photographer of the Year – Joanna Steidle
A dynamic aerial shot of a spinner shark creating a gateway amidst a school of menhaden fish in the Atlantic Ocean near Southampton, New York, USA. Photo by Joanna Steidle/First International Aerial Photographer of the YearHumpback whales gracefully submerge beneath the Atlantic’s surface after surfacing for air. Captured near Southampton, New York, USA. Photo by Joanna Steidle/First International Aerial Photographer of the YearA captivating aerial image of rays stirring the sand as they glide along the ocean floor near Southampton, New York, USA. Photo by Joanna Steidle/First International Aerial Photographer of the Year
