Tech giant DJI and its social media platform SkyPixel have unveiled the winners of their 10th annual drone photo and video contest — and the results are nothing short of spectacular. From breathtaking landscapes to mind-bending perspectives, this year’s entries pushed creative boundaries like never before.
Marking a decade of groundbreaking creativity with over 170,000 submissions from drone pilots and photographers across the globe, the competition this year was absolutely fierce. Ensuring only the best images and videos received top honors, DJI and SkyPixel assembled a prestigious panel of judges, including Academy Award-winning cinematographer Claudio Miranda (Life of Pi), National Geographic photography editor Anne Farrar, and celebrated landscape photographer Daniel Kordan, among others. Their expert eye helped select the most captivating and technically outstanding entries across multiple categories.
Best Video Prize (Aerial): The War – My Transformation Journey by Bashir Abu Shakra
This year’s top aerial film, The War – My Transformation Journey, stunned judges with its breathtaking cinematography and deep emotional resonance. Director Bashir Abu Shakra’s work places a lone figure against vast landscapes, using drone footage to create a powerful narrative of solitude and self-reflection.
“The opening shot is mesmerizing, with its extended duration, graceful movements, and impeccable composition,” says Miranda. “Every frame is a masterclass in technique and vision.”
Best Video Prize (Handheld): Japan Travel Cinematic by Henry Yue
Henry Yue’s Japan Travel Cinematic captured the Best Handheld Video award for its flawless composition and immersive storytelling. Through expert stabilization and precise pacing, Yue takes viewers on a visually stunning journey through Japan’s rich cultural and natural beauty.
“The use of movement and sound design in this film is extraordinary,” says travel filmmaker Sam Newton. “It’s an absolute standout, completely pulling me into the experience.”
Best drone photo prize: Mysterious Realm by Gangerqia
In the drone photography category, artists’ experiments with colors, textures, and patterns seen only from above shine bright. Each shot tells a story, proving that drone photography is more than just capturing an image — it’s about perspective and emotion.
The winning image, Mysterious Realm by Gangerqia, blends nature and artistry in a stunning composition. The aerial shot, resembling a human eye formed by a frozen pond, creates a surreal and mysterious effect that captivated the judges.
“This photo is intriguing — it tricks the viewer at first glance, making it feel like a drawing rather than a real landscape,” says Luke Stackpoole, a travel photography expert. “The minimal colors and subtle textures make it both calming and thought-provoking.”
More must-see winning entries
Among the Top 10 video winners, standouts include We Were Meant to Fly, a breathtaking tribute to human ingenuity, and Journey to the Pole, which captures extreme landscapes in cinematic fashion. DREAMS OF PHILIPPINES | A CINEMATIC JOURNEY offers a poetic exploration of island life, while FLIGHT MODE wows with dynamic aerial shots.
For the full list of winners, visit DJI SkyPixel’s 10th Annual Contest website and prepare to be amazed by the best drone shots and videos of the year!
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