The International Aerial Photographer of the Year 2025 invites photographers worldwide to showcase their creativity from above. Organized by the team behind the acclaimed International Landscape Photographer of the Year awards, this contest celebrates aerial photography in all its forms—whether captured via drone, aircraft, mountain peaks, or skyscrapers. With a total prize pool of $10,000 and the chance to feature in a professionally published book, the competition emphasizes artistic vision, technical skill, and originality. Key dates include an early submission deadline of April 23, 2025 (offering every fifth entry free), and a final deadline of April 30, 2025. Winners will be announced after a rigorous judging process, and the top 101 entries will appear in a digital and print publication available by July 1, 2025.
The contest has no categories, allowing photographers to submit work across any style—documentary, abstract, black and white, or composite—as long as images are captured with a camera (no AI-generated content). Entries must be taken after January 1, 2020, and post-production is permitted if executed by the photographer. The focus is on diversity: judges seek 101 unique aerial perspectives that surprise, inspire, and redefine the genre. Special awards include The Drone Award and The Black and White Award, recognizing standout contributions in niche areas.
Prizes range from $5,000 for the International Aerial Photographer of the Year to $250 for special awards, alongside trophies and inclusion in the awards book. Entry fees start at $22 per image, with discounts for bulk submissions. For those seeking recognition in aerial photography—especially drone enthusiasts—the International Aerial Photographer of the Year 2025 is a compelling opportunity to gain visibility among peers and industry leaders.
The International Aerial Photographer of the Year 2025 Prizes
The International Aerial Photographer of the Year 2025 offers both financial rewards and career-enhancing visibility. The top prizes include:
- International Aerial Photographer of the Year (1st Place): $5,000 cash, a trophy, a printed book copy, and a featured spread in the awards publication.
- International Aerial Photograph of the Year (1st Place): $2,500 cash, a trophy, and similar publication highlights.
- Special Awards (The Drone Award, The Black and White Award, etc.): $250 cash, a trophy, and inclusion in the book.
All top 101 entrants receive a PDF certificate and digital book copy, while winners gain exposure through the contest’s online platforms and potential press coverage. For emerging photographers, inclusion in the book serves as a prestigious portfolio addition, while cash prizes offer tangible recognition of skill.
International Aerial Photographer of the Year 2025 Dates and Entry Fees
Key Dates:
- Early Submission Deadline (Every 5th Entry Free): April 23, 2025
- Final Submission Deadline: April 30, 2025
- Book Purchase Availability: July 1, 2025
Entry Fees:
- Standard Fee: $22 per image.
- Early-Bird Discount: Submit by April 23 to receive every fifth entry free (e.g., pay for four images, get one free).
- Unlimited Submissions: No cap on entries, though photographers aiming for the “Photographer of the Year” title must submit at least four distinct works.
Submissions are streamlined via the contest’s website, requiring JPEG files sized between 3000–4000 pixels on the longest side.
About the Jury
The International Aerial Photographer of the Year 2025 is judged by renowned photographers like Peter Eastway (Chairman) and Tom Putt. Eastway, a Grand Master of Photography and editor of Better Photography magazine, brings decades of expertise in landscape and post-production techniques. His work has been featured in global campaigns for brands like Apple and Canon. Tom Putt, an accomplished aerial photographer, complements the panel with a focus on technical precision and creative composition. Judges score entries blindly, emphasizing fairness and artistic merit.
Why Enter International Aerial Photographer of the Year 2025?
This International Aerial Photographer of the Year 2025 is ideal for photographers pushing the boundaries of aerial perspectives, particularly drone specialists. The lack of categories fosters creative freedom, while the $10,000 prize pool and publication in a professionally curated book offer tangible rewards. The inclusion of special awards like The Drone Award ensures niche styles are celebrated, and the global judging panel adds prestige to any accolade.
For those exploring drone photo contests, this competition stands out for its flexibility and industry recognition. It’s also among the best photography challenges to participate in for artists seeking both exposure and constructive feedback via detailed scoring reports.
For more information and to enter the competition, visit: the oficial website.
