Some of the world's most remarkable photographs aren't taken by climbing higher mountains or traveling farther than anyone else.
Sometimes, they simply come from looking at familiar places from a different perspective.
From high above forests, rivers, cities and villages, aerial photographers reveal patterns, colors and stories that often go unnoticed from the ground. A winding river becomes a brushstroke across the landscape. A flock of birds transforms into living artwork. Everyday human activity suddenly reveals unexpected geometry and rhythm.
Celebrating that unique way of seeing the world, the International Aerial Photographer of the Year announced the winners of its second annual competition on July 7, recognizing photographers whose work demonstrates both technical excellence and visual storytelling. This year's competition attracted 1,587 entries from photographers around the world.
Leading this year's portfolio competition was Azim Khan Ronnie, a professional photographer from Bangladesh who now lives in France. His winning collection of aerial images transforms ordinary scenes—from a lone boat crossing Switzerland's Lake Zurich to birds gathering over India's Yamuna Ghat, vibrant red chili peppers drying in Bangladesh, and a spiritual ritual in Dhaka—into compelling visual narratives seen from above.
For Ronnie, photography has never been simply about creating beautiful pictures.
After spending more than 19 years working as a television journalist before devoting himself full time to photography, he has built a career documenting travel, humanitarian issues, sports, culture and everyday life through images that tell authentic stories. His work, the competition organizers noted, reflects both journalistic integrity and artistic sensitivity.
His motivation has remained remarkably consistent throughout that journey.
"What started as a passion gradually developed into a full-time profession, driven by a commitment to documenting authentic moments that might otherwise go unnoticed," Ronnie said in remarks shared by the International Aerial Photographer of the Year. "I believe photography has the power to inform, inspire and preserve history."
That philosophy extends to the way he edits his photographs.
While modern software allows photographers to dramatically alter images, Ronnie prefers a restrained approach that preserves what he actually witnessed.
"My post-processing philosophy is based on enhancement rather than manipulation," he said. "I believe editing should strengthen an image without altering its truth or narrative. Every adjustment is made with the goal of accurately reflecting the atmosphere, light and emotion I experienced when I pressed the shutter."
"Especially in my documentary and photojournalistic work, I am committed to ethical editing practices that preserve the integrity of the photograph. For me, post-production is the final step in realizing the image I envisioned in the field, not creating a different reality."
His aerial photographs are guided by a similar philosophy.
Rather than simply showcasing dramatic landscapes, Ronnie looks for moments that reveal something unexpected about people and the places they inhabit.
"From above, everyday scenes reveal patterns, geometry, textures and relationships that are often invisible from the ground," he said. "Aerial photography allows me to tell stories about people, nature and the environment from a perspective that inspires curiosity and offers a deeper understanding of the world."
Those moments, he said, rarely happen by accident.
Behind each photograph are hours—or sometimes days—of waiting for changing light, shifting weather or a brief instant when every element falls perfectly into place.
"Behind each photograph was patience, waiting for the right light, the perfect arrangement of people or a fleeting moment when everything came together. Those brief moments are what make aerial photography so rewarding."
Ronnie said competitions like the International Aerial Photographer of the Year are valuable not simply because they recognize outstanding work, but because they encourage photographers to keep learning from one another.
"For me, competitions are not only about winning awards; they are a way to challenge myself, receive recognition from respected judges and be inspired to continue exploring new perspectives and telling meaningful stories through photography."
Ronnie was awarded the title of 2026 International Aerial Photographer of the Year, while Chin Leong Teo of Singapore finished second and Barbara Brown of Australia placed third in the portfolio competition.
Ronnie's portfolio captured the judges' highest honor, but the competition also celebrated the power of a single extraordinary image.
One Image, One Perfect Moment
The title of 2026 International Aerial Photograph of the Year went to Vitaly Golovatyuk of Ukraine for an image titled "The Whale Raft." Seen from directly above, the striking photograph transforms an ordinary scene into something almost surreal, inviting viewers to pause and look twice before recognizing what they are seeing.
For Golovatyuk, aerial photography has always been about discovering perspectives that remain hidden from those standing on the ground.
"I have always been fascinated by the ability of aerial photography to reveal the world from a completely different perspective," he said in remarks shared by the International Aerial Photographer of the Year. "It transforms ordinary landscapes into abstract compositions, uncovers hidden patterns and offers viewers a fresh way of seeing familiar places."
Capturing those moments requires far more preparation than many people realize.
Instead of relying heavily on editing afterward, Golovatyuk prefers to create the strongest image possible while the camera is still in the air.
"I aim to capture the 'money shot' in-camera as much as possible," he said. "Post-processing is mainly about refining what was already there—adjusting color, contrast and sharpness while preserving the authenticity of the scene. I avoid excessive manipulation because I want the final image to reflect the real atmosphere and emotion of the moment."
His advice to aspiring aerial photographers is equally straightforward.
"Experiment with different angles, lighting conditions and compositions," he said. "Don't be afraid to think outside the box. The beauty of aerial photography lies in showing people something they have never noticed before."
Finishing second in the single-image competition was Sanghamitra Sarkar of India, while Kah-Wai Lin of the USA earned third place.
Celebrating Excellence Across the Sky
Beyond the two major awards, the competition also recognized outstanding work across several special categories, each highlighting a different aspect of aerial photography.
(Insert Special Award images in the following order.)
The Above Mountains Award went to Chengming Liu of the USA.
The Above Snow Award was presented to Aleksandra Wilk of Germany.
The Above Water Award honored Savadmon Avalachamveettil of Ireland.
The Chairman's Choice Award was presented to A.J. Rich of the USA.
Although each winning image captured a different subject—from rugged mountain landscapes and frozen wilderness to powerful ocean scenes and abstract drone compositions—they shared a common goal: revealing perspectives that most people never have the opportunity to witness firsthand.
For competition chairman Peter Eastway, that ability to change how people see the world is what continues to make aerial photography so compelling.
"Aerial photography remains one of the most exciting forms of visual storytelling because it reveals patterns, textures and relationships hidden from everyday view," Eastway said in remarks shared by the International Aerial Photographer of the Year. "The best aerial photographs don't simply show us what the world looks like from above—they encourage us to see familiar places in entirely new ways."
Reflecting on this year's competition, Eastway praised not only the technical skill of the entrants but also their creativity and dedication.
He said the winning photographers demonstrated how patience, careful planning and a willingness to explore fresh perspectives can transform ordinary landscapes into extraordinary works of visual storytelling.
For the photographers, the awards celebrate years of practice and persistence.
For viewers, however, the winning images offer something just as valuable.
They are reminders that even familiar rivers, forests, coastlines and cities can become places of wonder when seen from a different point of view.
Sometimes, all it takes is looking up—and then looking down again from a little higher above.
For the complete list of winners, competition details and the Top 101 aerial photographs, visit the International Aerial Photographer of the Year website and download the free eBook at internationalaerialphotographer.com.
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