Every year, the International Aerial Photographer of the Year (IAPY) contest reveals the earth from above in breathtaking detail—offering a perspective that is as artistic as it is awe-inspiring. In 2025, the competition drew thousands of entries from across the globe, showcasing how drone and aerial photography has evolved into a sophisticated visual storytelling medium.
From surreal desert formations and cloud-slicing mountaintops to haunting industrial patterns and oceanic elegance, the winning entries of this year’s contest did far more than impress—they transported us.
Let’s take a look at the most stunning images from the 2025 IAPY awards, the minds behind the cameras, and the stories that made these aerial masterpieces stand out.
Grand Winner – “Veins of the Earth” by Lara Madsen (Greenland)
The top prize went to Danish photographer Lara Madsen, whose drone shot over Greenland’s melting ice fields captured what she called the “dying veins of the planet.” From above, the glacial melt channels resembled crimson arteries against a blue-white landscape, symbolizing both beauty and a dire ecological warning.
Judges praised the photo for its technical brilliance, its emotive impact, and its ability to “make environmental urgency visually unforgettable.”
Urban Category Winner – “Symphony of Shadows” by Javed Patel (India)
Mumbai-based photographer Javed Patel used a DJI Mavic 3 to document the early morning geometry of high-rise shadows in Mumbai’s central district. Titled “Symphony of Shadows,” his image turned mundane cityscape into abstract art, highlighting the interplay of concrete, light, and life.
This photo stood out for transforming the dense vertical chaos of the city into minimalist calm, proving how aerial angles can turn the everyday into the extraordinary.
Nature Category Winner – “Volcanic Bloom” by Sofia Leclerc (Iceland)
Shot above the Fagradalsfjall volcano, this drone photo captured new green moss blooming beside ancient lava flows. The stunning contrast of fiery red, blackened rock, and soft green hues highlighted nature’s resilience in the face of destruction.
Photographer Sofia Leclerc said she wanted to portray “rebirth amid chaos”—a theme that resonated deeply in 2025 as wildfires and eruptions became more frequent globally.
Wildlife Category Winner – “The Spiral Dance” by Kenji Arai (Japan)
Kenji Arai’s breathtaking image of dolphins swimming in spiral formation off the coast of Okinawa mesmerized the judges. The aerial shot reveals a perfectly synchronized circle, caught just as the sunlight shimmered off the water.
The photo wasn’t just beautiful—it was scientifically significant, offering insight into dolphin group behavior rarely captured from this vantage point.
Abstract Category Winner – “Copper Circuit” by Amelia Ren (Australia)
From 120 meters above, an abandoned copper mine in Western Australia resembled an electrical circuit board, complete with intricate channels and glowing mineral hues. Amelia Ren, a visual artist and environmentalist, described the shot as “nature’s warning in pixels.”
The aerial image is both stunning and unsettling, blending natural patterns with manmade scars to start a conversation about sustainability and industrialization.
People’s Choice Award – “Harvest Harmony” by Nguyen Thanh Minh (Vietnam)
This vibrant photo of rice farmers in Vietnam’s Mu Cang Chai region, captured at golden hour, garnered more than 200,000 public votes. The drone’s overhead view revealed workers in conical hats planting in a perfectly curved terraced pattern—almost like musical notes on a staff.
Minh said the image is a “tribute to the rhythm of rural life and ancestral knowledge.” Judges praised it for blending culture, tradition, and stunning composition.
Other Notable Mentions
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“Dust Dance” by Carla Neves (Namibia): A surreal shot of wildebeests kicking up golden dust in a perfect spiral.
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“Frozen Lace” by Yuri Antonov (Russia): An intricate photograph of a frozen-over lake that resembled delicate crochet work.
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“Mirrored Futures” by Aisha Ghanem (UAE): A futuristic image of Dubai’s skyline reflected on wet sand, shot at twilight.
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“Corridors of Color” by Daniel Blake (USA): Vibrant farmland patterns in Kansas, arranged like quilt blocks from above.
What Makes Aerial Photography So Powerful?
Since drones became accessible, aerial photography has evolved from novelty to a serious creative discipline. Today, top aerial photographers combine:
✅ Technical skill (flight precision, exposure control)
✅ Environmental awareness (light, weather, topography)
✅ Storytelling intuition (composition and timing)
What sets this year’s winners apart is their sensitivity to the environment, cultural depth, and artistic experimentation. The 2025 contest was particularly focused on:
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Climate storytelling
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Post-pandemic resilience
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Rewilding and renewal
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Cultural preservation from above
The Tech Behind the Shots
Most of the winning photos were shot on high-end drones like:
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DJI Mavic 3 Pro
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Autel EVO Lite+
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Skydio 2+
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DJI Air 3
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Sony Airpeak (for hybrid stills + video)
Post-processing software like Lightroom, Topaz AI, and Photoshop was used delicately to enhance contrast and sharpness without compromising authenticity.
A Platform for Conservation and Awareness
Beyond aesthetics, IAPY 2025 emphasized aerial photography as a tool for conservation.
Lara Madsen’s Greenland image is already being used by climate activists and educators to illustrate glacial retreat. Likewise, Kenji Arai’s dolphin spiral has sparked renewed interest in marine behavior studies using aerial drone footage.
The contest proves that when done responsibly, drone photography can:
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Reveal unseen patterns in nature and society
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Document hard-to-reach landscapes
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Raise awareness of environmental change
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Inspire policy discussions and action
Final Thoughts
The 2025 International Aerial Photographer of the Year contest was more than a celebration of high-flying visuals—it was a reminder of how fragile, beautiful, and interconnected our world truly is.
Each image invited us to pause, zoom out, and see life from a broader, more reflective perspective. As drones continue to evolve, and as more creatives take to the skies, the future of aerial storytelling looks brighter—and more purposeful—than ever.
Whether you’re a drone hobbyist or simply a lover of photography, these images inspire us all to look up, look down, and look deeper.
FAQs
Q1: Can amateur photographers enter the IAPY contest?
Yes! The contest is open to professionals and amateurs worldwide, with specific categories for newcomers.
Q2: Are there any rules about drone usage in the contest?
Yes, entries must comply with local drone regulations. Photographers must submit location data and flight logs if shortlisted.
Q3: Where can I view the full gallery of winning entries?
You can visit the official IAPY website or follow their Instagram page, where they regularly feature highlights and stories behind the images.
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