Capture from a Bird's Eye View! | Drone Photo Awards 2023 Winners Announced | Release #37

The Drone Photo Awards is an international photo contest focused on aerial photography and videography. As part of the prestigious Siena International Photo Awards, known for its long history among photography awards, it aims to establish a new genre utilizing technology, distinct from traditional photography.

With no strict limitations on mobility, entries can include aerial photos and videos taken by fixed-wing aircraft (drones), helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, balloons, airships, rockets, and parachutes. In 2023, the contest reached its 6th year, with approximately 14,000 photos submitted by amateur and professional photographers from 104 countries across nine categories including cityscapes, nature, and sports.

This time, we introduce some of the winning entries. Experience the world through the eyes of a bird, highlighting changes unnoticed from the ground and celebrating beauty.

A hidden playground full of joy in the depths of southern Poland shines in the first sunlight from above. Known for its strong features of mines and urban architecture, this colorful playground appears like a pearl from the ground.

In January 2021, renowned tightrope walker Nathan Paulin successfully crossed a 200-meter long, 2.5 cm wide highline at an altitude of 2460 meters at Pointe d'Areu in the Aravis mountain range, amidst severe cold. This feat was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the entire team.

An elephant lies down, its massive body occupying much of the frame. The wrinkled gray skin blends with the surrounding foliage, giving the impression of merging into the landscape.

Aerial photography demonstrates the potential to view things from different perspectives, says Emanuela Ascoli, head of the photo department at National Geographic France and one of this year's judges. It allows us to gain a comprehensive perception of landscapes and scenes.

Sometimes, a view from above may shed new light on the world we live in.