10 Winning Photos From The 2025 International Aerial Photographer Of The Year Awards

Looking down on natures wonders gives us a fresh perspective that observing something at ground level just can’t afford to provide. 'The Inaugural International Aerial Photographer of the Year' contest allows photographers today to capture breathtaking views from above using modern equipment such as drones, planes, helicopters and even balloons.  The 2025 Winners were announced recently with Joanna Steidle of the United States walking away with the prestigious “Photographer of the Year” title for her captures of ocean life. The “Photograph of the Year” was awarded to Ignacio Palacios from Australia. Over 1500 participants submitted their stunning renditions of mother nature from a bird’s eye view. The judges were allowed full responsibility in determining the winners based on the excellence they displayed in aerial imagery, as long as the visuals were captured by a real person and were not AI generated content.  More info: InternationalAerialPhotographer

#1 “Diving” Photographer of the Year: Joanna Steidle, United States

Image Source: InternationalAerialPhotographer “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.”

#2 “Cono de Arita” Photograph of the Year: Ignacio Palacios, Australia

Image Source: InternationalAerialPhotographer “Anti crepuscular rays at Cono de Arita, La Puna, Argentina.”

#3 “Above the Ice” Fabien Guittard, France (Chairman’s Choice)

Image Source: InternationalAerialPhotographer “These two seals are lounging peacefully on a drifting slab of ice in the Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon in southern Iceland.”

#4 “Relax after the Meal” Pål Hermansen, Norway (Drone)

Image Source: InternationalAerialPhotographer “Polar bear on Svalbard after eating on a walrus carcass. Thanks to the drone with a telephoto lens, this rare scene could be captured without any disturbance.”

#5 "Explosive Moment" Colin Leonhardt, Australia (Abstract)

Image Source: InternationalAerialPhotographer "Tailings site at Collie's Alumina mine in Western Australia."

#6 “The Tempest” Barbara Brown, Australia (Black and White)

Image Source: InternationalAerialPhotographer “Salt lake, Goldfields region of Western Australia.”

#7 “Tree of Ice” Photograph of the Year - Second Place: Talor Stone, United States

Image Source: InternationalAerialPhotographer “An aerial perspective of glacial calving reveals an unexpected organic pattern in the water.”

#8 “Austfonna Ice Cap” Photograph of the Year - Third Place: Thomas Vijayan, Canada

Image Source: InternationalAerialPhotographer “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.”

#9 “Smoking Skull” POTY - Second Place: Daniel Viñé Garcia, Spain

Image Source: InternationalAerialPhotographer “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.”

#10 “Desert Playa” POTY Third Place: David Swindler, United States

Image Source: InternationalAerialPhotographer