Celebrating a Decade of Aerial Creativity
Recognizing the Best in Aerial and Handheld Imagery from Across the Globe
DJI and SkyPixel, the world-renowned aerial photography community, announced the winners of their 10th Annual Photo & Video Contest. This competition marks a decade filled with innovation and creativity, featuring thousands of participants from around the world, showcasing stunning visuals both from the sky and on the ground.
Reflecting on Ten Years of Innovation
Since the inception of the SkyPixel Annual Photo & Video Contest in 2014, it has celebrated the art of visual storytelling through aerial and handheld imaging. This year proved exceptional, with nearly 140,000 entries submitted, each demonstrating both technical skill and artistic vision. The winning works reveal mesmerizing landscapes and dynamic action shots, embodying the endless possibilities of creative expression.
A Testament to Growth
As SkyPixel reaches its 10th anniversary, this contest stands as a reflection of how aerial and handheld imaging technology has evolved, creating a vibrant community of creators striving to push the envelope of visual storytelling. Over the years, SkyPixel has transformed from a niche platform into a global hub for photography enthusiasts, inspiring millions around the globe.
Christina Zhang, Senior Director of Corporate Strategy at DJI, expressed pride in the community, stating, "We are thrilled to celebrate a decade of creative achievement. This contest not only highlights the talent within our global community but also underscores the transformative impact of aerial and handheld imaging in storytelling. We look forward to continuing this journey of innovation and inspiration in the years to come."
Distinguished Judges Panel
SkyPixel curated an esteemed panel of judges for this year’s contest, which included acclaimed filmmakers, award-winning photographers, and industry experts. These judges brought their extensive expertise and artistic insights to evaluate each entry, selecting standout works across various categories.
Judging the Video Category
The panel for the video category comprised industry giants like Claudio Miranda, the Oscar-winning cinematographer behind acclaimed films, as well as Chenyu Jin, a Director of Photography known for his evocative works. Other notable judges included Tianhong Pan, a commercial Director of Photography, and renowned travel filmmaker Sam Newton.
Photography Judging Excellence
On the photography front, the panel included Anne Farrar from National Geographic, Luke Stackpoole, a travel photography expert, and Weimin Chu, an award-winning landscape photographer, bringing diverse perspectives to the judging process.
Highlighting the Best in Aerial Cinematography
The 2025 Annual Best Video Prize (Aerial) honors exceptional achievements in aerial cinematography, celebrating films that capture the world from above. This year's distinguished winner is The War - My Transformation Journey, directed by Bashir Abu Shakra, who skillfully evokes solitude through breathtaking aerial visuals, emphasizing the human experience against vast natural landscapes.
Claudio Miranda praised the film, noting its captivating opening shot, while Chenyu Jin commended the seamless blend of technical precision and the creator’s vision. The cinematography celebrates the beauty of the natural world while weaving a poignant narrative of transformation.
Celebrating Handheld Creativity
The 2025 Annual Best Video Prize (Handheld) recognizes outstanding videography captured with handheld or stabilized cameras. The winner, Japan Travel Cinematic, created by Henry Yue, immerses viewers in the beauty of Japan with a sharp eye for composition and narrative. The film evokes the emotional essence of its locations, transporting audiences into a vibrant visual journey of Japan.
Sam Newton praised the film's effective sound design and mastery of movement, while Chenyu Jin highlighted its refined visual elements and cohesive storytelling.
Best Photo Award Recognition
SkyPixel's 2025 Annual Best Photo Prize celebrates breathtaking still imagery. This edition’s winner, Mysterious Realm, by Gangerqia, showcases the intricate design of a frozen pond shaped like an eye, blending landscape and symbolism into a striking composition.
Luke Stackpoole noted the captivating quality of the photograph, which balances simplicity and intrigue beautifully.
Winners and Their Recognition
The winners have been officially announced via SkyPixel’s platform, where a selection of exceptional video entries including We Were Meant to Fly and Journey to the Pole exemplified the wide-ranging talent present in the contest.
Recognizing creative journeys, entrants like We All Start Somewhere tell inspiring stories through visuals, and others such as My FPV Showreel 2024 showcase high-speed drone capabilities. There are numerous entries that explore breathtaking landscapes and compelling narratives that resonate well with audiences.
With the winners now highlighted, SkyPixel encourages anyone interested in aerial and handheld imagery to join their growing community and participate in future contests. This celebration of creativity sends a powerful message about the role of technology in enhancing storytelling and connects artists across the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the SkyPixel Annual Contest?
The SkyPixel Annual Contest aims to celebrate creativity in aerial and handheld imaging, recognizing exceptional works from photographers and videographers globally.
How many entries were submitted this year?
Nearly 140,000 entries were submitted to the contest, showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions and technical skills.
Who were the judges for this year's contest?
The judging panel included renowned filmmakers and photographers, resulting in a comprehensive evaluation of the entries.
What did the winners receive?
The winners are honored for their contributions to visual storytelling and receive prizes that support their creative endeavors.
How can I participate in future contests?
Interested individuals can join the SkyPixel community online to stay updated on upcoming contests and events.
