If you have a passion for photographing the world from above, the International Aerial Photographer of the Year Awards offers a global stage to share that vision, welcoming both professionals and hobbyists with few restrictions beyond showing a compelling aerial perspective. From drones, planes, helicopters, balloons, or even mountaintops, the competition celebrates all forms of aerial imagery, resulting in over 1500 entries in its inaugural 2025 edition.
Winners included Joanna Steidle of the United States for her striking folio submission, with judges praising the diversity of styles and approaches on display. Chairman of Judges Peter Eastway remarked, “Looking down on our subject produces a novel, intriguing and sometimes ambiguous perspective,” capturing the spirit of a contest that deliberately avoids limiting rules to encourage creativity and imagination.
More info: internationalaerialphotographer.com
#1 Daniel Viñé Garcia, Spain, Smoking Skull
Iceland's Fagradalsfjall volcano as it cooled. The cracking pattern of the lava formed a skull, creating an eerie natural illusion for a few moments.
27points
This year’s top 101 images, selected for their excellence across genres including black and white, abstract, and drone photography, will be showcased in a printed book, offering what Eastway described as “a diverse collection of aerial photographs” that celebrates the breathtaking possibilities of seeing the world from above.
#2 Jie Xu, China, Most Beautiful Football Pitch
Nestled on a tiny island in the Arctic Circle, this football field in Henningsvær, Norway is truly one of a kind. It's a place where sport and nature meet in perfect harmony.
25points
#3 Vitaly Golovatyuk, Russian Federation, Hanging On The Bridge
Three bridges in Huzhou, China.
23points
#4 Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove, Iceland, Cloud Inversion
A cloud inversion is veiling a massive erupting volcanic crater during the 2021 Geldingadalir eruption in Iceland.
22points
#5 Patrick Abraham, United States, Crown Jewel
The Namib Desert, ancient and unyielding, wears the light of dawn like a crown. As the sun comes out the masterpiece is revealed.
20points
#6 Chris Ha, United States, Threads Of Tradition
A Vietnamese artisan weaves a fishing net by hand, surrounded by flowing green threads, a tradition passed down through generations.
20points
#7 Dipanjan Pal, India, Carpet
Harvesting grass in central Vietnam looks like a carpet from above.
20points
#8 Ael Kermarec, Iceland, Reclaim
On this morning, Iceland experienced its 6th volcanic eruption in less than 3 years. The speed of the lava flows shows the brutal way this powerful act of nature claims its rights.
20points
#9 Xiaoying Shi, United States, Ground Vein
Utah's unique and fascinating geological formations, with low, warm light emphasising its texture.
20points
#10 Taylor Duncan, United States, Martian Sunrise
At sunrise under overcast skies, the bentonite hills of Utah reveal a Martian-like landscape sculpted by time and water.
20points
#11 Xiaohui Li, China, Flamingos By The Lake
Flying flamingos by the lake.
20points
#12 Lorenzo Passalacqua, Australia, Avalanche
Surfers confronting the immense force of the ocean, evokes the rush of escaping a collapsing mountain.
20points
#13 Mike Mezeul I I, United States, New Earth
Nearly 24 hours after the start of the 9 July 9 2023 Litli-Hrútur eruption in Iceland, this three image panoramic showcases the newly formed cinder cone and associated lava river.
20points
#14 Thomas Vijayan, Canada, Austfonna Ice Cap
The Bråsvellbreen glacier, part of the Austfonna Ice Cap in Svalbard. Early melting and powerful waterfalls reveal the urgent reality of climate change—reminding us what’s at stake if we fail to act.
19points
#15 Joanna Steidle, United States, Diving
A humpback whale diving back under the surface of the Atlantic Ocean after taking a breath of air. This was taken within 500ft of the coast in Southampton, NY, USA.
19points
#16 Talor Stone, United States, Tree Of Ice
An aerial perspective of glacial calving reveals an unexpected organic pattern in the water. Northeast Greenland National Park.
19points
#17 Marco Di Marco, Iceland, A Powerful Beginning
The 7th eruptive episode of the 2023-2025 Svartsengi volcanic system, in southwestern Iceland.
18points
#18 Andro Loria, United Kingdom, Autumn Light
Late autumn light highlights moss (lichen) on the mountain slopes contrasting dark blues of the craters' lakes. Southern highlands, Iceland.
18points
#19 Joanna Steidle, United States, The Gateway
A spinner shark hunting in a school of menhaden bait fish in the Atlantic Ocean, Southampton, NY, USA.
18points
#20 Rakesh Baro, India, Nature's Palette
I love how this beautiful lake is nestled in the heart of autumn, surrounded by a breathtaking display of fiery reds, golden yellows and deep oranges. Muskoka landscapes can't get any better.
18points