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DJI SkyPixel $170K drone photo, video contest adds new ‘Handheld’ category

In celebration of a decade of captivating moments and artistic evolution, tech giant DJI and its social media platform SkyPixel have launched the 10th Annual SkyPixel Photo & Video Contest. From November 7, 2024, until February 10, 2025, creators worldwide are invited to enter for a chance to win a share of over $170,000 in prizes. This year’s theme, “Explore Without Limits,” encourages participants to break boundaries, spark creativity, and embrace new forms of visual storytelling.

Since its founding in 2014, SkyPixel has transformed into a vibrant community with over 55 million registered users, amassing more than 50 million awe-inspiring aerial images and videos. Each year, the platform inspires DJI users to share their unique perspectives through a drone photo and video contest.

This year, the contest marks a notable milestone by adding a new “Handheld Videography” category, recognizing the increasing popularity of DJI’s handheld devices like the Osmo and Ronin series. This addition complements the traditional “Aerial Photography” and “Aerial Videography” categories, broadening the scope of entries to capture creativity from both above and on the ground.

Contest categories and submission details

Entrants can compete in one photo category or one of two video categories, each designed to push the boundaries of expression:

  • Aerial photography: Photographers can submit high-resolution, single aerial images that capture everything from sweeping landscapes to energetic moments. Eligible devices include DJI drones such as the Inspire, Mavic, Air, Mini, Phantom series, and the DJI Neo.
  • Aerial videography: Videographers are invited to capture the world from the sky, producing up to five minutes of footage with at least 30 seconds shot on DJI equipment. Submissions must include at least 50% aerial footage and can be filmed using DJI drones like the Avata, FPV, Neo, and more.
  • Handheld videography: For the first time, handheld videographers can submit short films up to five minutes, focusing on the intimacy of ground-level storytelling. Entrants must use DJI handheld products such as the Ronin Stabilizer, Osmo Pocket, or Osmo Action series, with at least half the footage being handheld.

Monthly “Popularity Awards” will highlight innovative work that sets new trends or presents fresh artistic takes, offering even more opportunities for creators to win and be recognized.

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Star-studded judges and prizes worth over $170,000

A panel of industry-leading photographers and cinematographers will evaluate the entries, adding a layer of prestige to the competition. Judges in photography include:

  • Anne Farrar: Photography lead at National Geographic Magazine
  • Weimin Chu: Landscape photographer and winner of numerous prestigious photography awards
  • Daniel Kordan and Luke Stackpoole: Visionaries in landscape and adventure photography

For video, the judging panel features Oscar-winning cinematographer Claudio Miranda, along with renowned film directors and photographers like Chenyu Jin and Sam Newton.

The competition boasts impressive prizes for its winners, offering state-of-the-art DJI technology that’s highly sought after by creators:

  • Aerial photography grand winner: A Hasselblad X2D 100C camera and lens package, valued at over $14,000.
  • Aerial videography grand winner: A DJI Inspire 3 drone with top accessories, totaling more than $20,000.
  • Handheld videography grand winner: A DJI Ronin 4D-8K cinema camera package, worth over $15,000.

In addition to these grand prizes, SkyPixel will distribute over 80 awards, including popular models like the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, DJI Air 3S, DJI Avata 2, and Osmo Pocket 3. Entrants will also receive DJI credits, redeemable on the DJI online store, as a token of appreciation for their participation.

How to enter the DJI SkyPixel annual photo, video contest

Creators interested in participating can submit their entries through the SkyPixel website or DJI’s social media channels until February 10, 2025. Winners will be publicly announced on March 27, 2025. Full contest rules and submission guidelines are available on the SkyPixel contest website, ensuring entrants can confidently showcase their skills while adhering to the contest’s standards.

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Avatar for Ishveena Singh Ishveena Singh

Ishveena Singh is a versatile journalist and writer with a passion for drones and location technologies. She has been named as one of the 50 Rising Stars of the geospatial industry for the year 2021 by Geospatial World magazine.


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